Our Venerable Father Spiridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Tremithus (337-61).
Nativity Fast.
Hebrews 4:1-13; Luke 21:12-19.
Read Luke 21:12-19
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s gospel shifts back and forth between two themes: the seriousness of the persecutions that Christians will face, and God’s faithfulness in these persecutions. First, Jesus describes what might happen during persecutions: arrest, imprisonment, and public trials. But then he assures his disciples that their words at these moments will be inspired. This doesn’t mean that every Christian brought before a hostile court will be released – but it does mean that the witness of persecuted Christians will be a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel.
Then we come back to how hard the persecutions are, when Jesus describes how persecution may come from those whom we most love. For many of us, the prospect of our own parents, siblings, or children persecuting us for faith in Christ is the single most likely reason that we would betray our faith. But Jesus reminds us that we have to keep our focus on God, the true source of our love and identity, the one who will make sure that “not a hair on your head shall be lost.” God is faithful, even when those we love are not. Actually, Jesus said something to this effect a few chapters back – in Luke 18:29-30, he promises that those who have left their family and loved ones for the sake of the kingdom will receive much more, both in this life and in eternity.
Christians should expect persecution. But we should also expect God to show his faithfulness in the midst of these persecutions. He has promised he will.
Bible References