Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius (249-51), Philemon, Apollonius and Callinicus (284-305).
Nativity Fast.
Ephesians 5:1-8. Luke 14:1-11.
Read Ephesians 5:1-8
St. Paul has some strong words for the Ephesian Christians in today’s epistle. He begins by reminding them of their high calling as beloved children of God and that their Christian life consists in striving to imitate God, offering their very bodies as offerings to Him. He continues with a list of “filthy” things which are not fitting for this life of Godly imitation and an assurance that if we practice such things we will not receive our inheritance in the Kingdom of God. We must remain light in a dark world!
What is the antidote to these unfitting things? St. Paul gives us a powerful medicine: gratitude (v. 4). Remember that the word for thanksgiving in Greek is eucharistio and Christians are called to live a life of thanksgiving, a Eucharistic life.
The good news about gratitude is that it can be practiced and developed like other habits. When we are concerned with noticing and being thankful for the incredible gifts that God has given us, we are not concerned with silly talk, levity, coveting or lustful thoughts.
As we prepare for the celebration of the Incarnation once again this Christmas, I encourage you to examine your Eucharistic practice. Do you prepare to receive the Eucharist through prayer and examination of your conscience throughout the week? Do you pray in thanksgiving after receiving Communion? Take some time today to list in your heart at least ten things that you are grateful to the Lord for. Hold on to these blessings amid temptation or discouragement.