Our Venerable Father Patapius.
Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Titus 1:15-2:10; Luke 20:19-26.
Read Luke 20:19-26
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Our Lord gives an interesting response to the spies sent by the scribes and the chief priests: “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” For Christians this response reminds us that we do not belong to this fallen world and that we are to orient our life in a Godly way—who’s image we bear. In another place our Lord instructs: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18–19). In other words, we do not belong to this age and the world—that which is fallen, darkened and sinful. Christians are not only to disassociate themselves from sinful behaviours, but also strive to expel from their hearts sinful and worldly mindsets and desires—that includes covetousness and attachment to the things of this world. We live as citizens of the eternal Kingdom and bear the image of God our creator. The things of this world pale in comparison to the eternal and incorruptible things of God, which we are to offer to Him: “willing obedience, submission, faith, love and the sweet fragrance of good works.” (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, Homily 135.14).
Bible References