Our Venerable Father Athanasius of Athos (c. 1003)
Polyeleos Feast.
Galatians 5:22-6:2; Luke 6:17-23.
Read Luke 6:17-23
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke includes a portion of what is known as the “Sermon on the Plain.” Jesus addresses those who are poor, those who are hungry, those who weep, and those who are hated, excluded, and reviled for the Son of Man’s sake, declaring that they will be “blessed” or “happy.” Jesus’ message invites us to welcome these unfortunate circumstances which others flee from. We are fortunate to be in seemingly unfortunate situations because a day will come in which our sufferings will end and be turned to joy. That day may not occur in our earthly lifetimes; we are not promised worldly happiness or prosperity. However, we know that happiness awaits us in the life to come.
It is important to remember that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Plain to His disciples only after healing the great multitudes of people from all over who came to Him (Lk. 6:17-19). God does not desire that we suffer evils or be unwell. We know from the Gospels that Jesus fed the hungry multitudes, raised people from the dead and ended their loved ones’ weeping, and defended the inherent dignity of sinners and outcasts in society, showing love to them in the face of persecution.
Experiencing hunger, grief, or persecution are evils, but we can endure hardships with humility in imitation of Christ. As Christ proclaimed to the suffering good thief on the cross: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43), so in the Sermon on the Plain He proclaims good news to those who suffer. Can we bear all our sufferings with faith and humility, trusting that God wills our ultimate good?