Post-feast of the Nativity of Christ; the Holy Martyr Anysia (286-305); Holy Martyr and Presbyter, Zoticus, Protector of Orphans (4th c.)
James 1:1-18; Mark 10:11-16
No fasting or abstention from foods.
Read James 1:1-18
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
St. James, the Brother of the Lord, and first bishop of Jerusalem is writing his epistle primarily as a way to encourage the Jewish faithful who were experiencing persecution for their faith. At the hands of their own Jewish unbelieving fellow countrymen, many Christians were suffering. He reminds them that to suffer for Jesus’ name is an honour and a privilege. We should count it all joy when we suffer for Jesus. Remember that Jesus taught:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:10-11).
Just like Peter, we might say, ‘Yes, I will not deny Jesus. I’m ready to die for him.’ The measure of how well I will be able to offer my life for Christ does not begin at the moment of persecution, but way before. St. James reminds us that a ‘“double-minded person, unstable in all his ways, will not receive anything from the Lord.” A double-minded person, or rather a ‘double-souled person’, is someone who tries to live a life simultaneously dedicated to worldly pursuits and values, while trying to also be a servant of God. This is an impossible task and one that leads to ruin. God wants our whole heart, not part of it. Giving God a portion of my heart and life only limits the blessing, grace and wisdom we can receive. As we close out this year of 2020, let us make a resolution that I will give Jesus my whole heart. In so doing the Lord will be able to grant me wisdom, power and glory, which will aid me, strengthen me and carry me to faithfully witness to my faith and lead me unto eternal life.