Our Venerable Father Maximus the Confessor (662); the Holy Martyr Neophytus (284-305); the Holy Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian, and Aquilas
1 Thessalonians 5:14-23; Luke 17:3-10.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-23
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
These timeless words from St. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians ring true always, but I would say especially in our own times where we are tempted to be discouraged. In times like these we are given very practical advice: don’t be idle, refrain from sinning and pray always. As simple as this sounds, we often need to hear this call to return to the foundations of our spiritual practice, especially when things get complicated, busy or discouraging.
I remember as a young Air Cadet polishing my boots over and over and over again until they shined. I had no idea why this was deemed such a priority while I was a cadet, but years later I finally understood its importance. In the confusion of the “fog of war” we wind up reverting back to basics, and discipline which is established prevails and indeed can be the difference between life and death.
Our “daily discipline” as Christians is continual prayer, virtuous striving, and thanksgiving to God. When things get difficult, let us lean into these practices, instead of dropping them.