The Holy Martyrs Menas, Victor and Vincent (138-61); Our Venerable Father and Confessor Theodore the Studite (826)
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Luke 11:42-46
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
The Thessalonians forgot, as we oftentimes do, the purpose of Christian life and for this reason St. Paul had to remind them: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” I am called to be holy as the Lord our God is holy: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 19:2). Everything that I think, say and do should be filtered through this goal. How often do we ask ourselves if what I’m about to think, say, or do will help me achieve the goal of holiness? We would be more effective in pleasing the Lord if only we took the time to ask this question regularly.
Notice that he does not say, ‘To be holy, you must be celibate.’ Or holiness is only for the clergy. Holiness is a general calling for all Christians and can be achieved even within marriage, which was instituted by God at the time of the creation of the human being for this very purpose. Remember that the word ‘holy’ means totally other, different, belonging to God. We are called to live according to God’s way. St. Paul gives some basic guidelines for Christians who live in the world and walk the way of holiness: Strive to please God in all that you do. Have nothing to do with immorality. Learn to control your urges especially your sexual drive. Respect and honour not only your marriage but also the sacredness of the institution in general. Strive to show love toward all people, but especially among fellow Christians.