Post-feast of the Dormition. Holy Apostle Thaddeus. Holy Martyr Bassa (c. 305).
2 Corinthians 13:3-13. Mark 4:35-41.
Read 2 Corinthians 13:3-13
It may seem that what St. Paul is preaching about is a contradiction. How can weakness be powerful? Ambrosiaster says, “Paul is referring here to the personal experience of the apostles, who were made weak by being treated badly, imprisoned, and beaten. … Believers are made strong by being weak. Death inflicted by unbelievers is life as far as believers are concerned, for they will rise again to reign with Christ.” (Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistles). Not only does Jesus promise that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matt 5:10-11) will be blessed in this life, but even more in the Kingdom of Heaven. When we are weak for righteousness’ sake, for Christ’s sake, we identify with the crucified Christ, and there is nothing more powerful. St. John Chrysostom says, “It was not because of any inherent weakness that He went to the cross; on the contrary, He chose to die in that way in order to give us life in the power of God.” (Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians 29.2-3).
Let us reflect today on how we can further align ourselves with the crucified Christ—uniting our physical suffering with Jesus, living our Christian faith more openly and courageously, and loving the Lord above all other things in this world.