The Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius (249-51), Philemon, Apollonius and Callinicus (284-305)
Nativity Fast.
Read
Galatians 5:22-6:2; Luke 10:19-21
Brothers and sisters, it is easy to get discouraged when considering the state of our modern Church. Regular Sunday attendance is dwindling. Many people feel tired, suffering from “volunteer burnout.” We are surrounded by a materialistic, and in many cases anti-religious, atmosphere. In these circumstances, it is easy to lose hope.
Our Lord, close to the end of his three-year missionary journey, also failed to convert the world through His preaching. A few people followed Him. Many scoffed and went their own way. Some would soon scream “crucify him” when asked what to do with this troublesome prophet. And yet we read here our Lord moved to rejoice out loud in the Holy Spirit for those who have eyes to see what God has accomplished! When we have the wisdom and trust of children, we witness the reality that God is working in places we didn’t even consider.
We must pour our lives out in service of the Gospel. We must even do a better job than what we have been doing. But we must never buy the lie that it is really up to us. Christ is the Victor of history, the present, the future, and our own hearts (if we will let Him be). Rejoice today that it’s not up to us to save the world, but simply to live in the joy of the redemption of Christ and have the awesome privilege of sharing that with the world!