Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ; The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete.
Nativity Fast.
Hebrews 4:1-13; Luke 21:12-19.
Read Luke 21:12-19
Jesus tell us, “By your endurance you will gain your lives” (Lk. 21:19). St. Paul repeatedly uses the image of our spiritual lives as a sporting event, such as a race or even a boxing match. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Cor. 9:24-25). In his second letter to Timothy he writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). As an athlete needs to practice discipline and train his or her body to win a competition, so too in our spiritual lives we need to practice discipline to grow in virtue and holiness.
Anyone on a fitness journey knows that success requires discipline and consistency. Similarly in our spiritual lives, we are called to endure to the end. Living out our faith is filled with challenges. Jesus talks about the persecutions His disciples will face: being delivered up, being put to death, and being hated. However, Jesus promises He “will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” (Lk. 21:15). Whenever we undergo sufferings for the sake of Christ, He does not abandon us. He is aware of our sufferings and sends us His Holy Spirit, the Comforter. We are too weak on our own, but God is with us! When we fail, stand up again! Endure to the end, and do not be afraid!