Great-Martyr Barbara (286-305). Our Venerable Father John of Damascus (749).
Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Hebrews 5:11-6:8. Luke 21:5-7, 10-11, 20-24.
Read Hebrews 5:11-6:8
Today’s passage gives us the theme of ‘spiritual maturity and fruitfulness’. In Hebrews 6:7-8, the imagery of land that either bears vegetation or thorns and thistles serves as a metaphor for the Christian life. Land that absorbs rain and yields useful crops represents a faithful believer who, through God’s grace and diligent effort, produces virtue and good works; on the other hand, land that bears thorns is described as “worthless and near to being cursed.” This is a sobering reminder of the consequences of spiritual stagnation or apostasy—falling away from the faith. St. Paul reminds us believers about our responsibility to grow in our faith and bear fruit for God’s kingdom.
Today we commemorate the Great Martyr Barbara who exemplifies what it means to be a mature Christian. Despite facing tremendous opposition and persecution from her father and the community, Barbara demonstrated mature faith and a deep commitment to Christ. Her willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel shows her spiritual maturity and her trust in God’s providence. Barbara’s life aligns with the call in Hebrews 6:1 to “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” Her life bore the fruit of faith, courage, devotion, and a witness to the Gospel.
Both the Scripture passage and St. Barbara’s life challenge us to evaluate our spiritual growth. Are we, like the fruitful land, absorbing God’s grace and yielding good works filled with love and faith? Or do we risk becoming barren, producing thorns of apathy and sin? Through Barbara’s example, we are inspired to strive for the spiritual maturity that brings glory to God.