The Holy Martyrs and Confessors Gurias, Samonas (284-305) and Abibus (313-24).
Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Luke 12:48-59.
Read Luke 12:48-59
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today we begin the Nativity Fast (Pylypivka), our 40-day journey to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. In the gospel reading, Jesus says, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Lk. 12:49). Of course, Jesus was not talking about sending fire down from heaven to destroy the earth. Rather, He was speaking of the Holy Spirit (“the Lord, the Giver of Life”) and the spreading of the gospel. A bit later, He makes another shocking statement: “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division” (Lk. 12:51). How can this be? The prophecy of Isaiah said of Him, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6). When the multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth, they praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Lk. 2:14). How can Jesus be both the Prince of Peace and the One Who “did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Mt. 10:34)?
Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn. 14:6). However, not everyone seeks or accepts the truth; not everyone will seek or accept Jesus Who is the Truth. Not everyone wants to follow in the way of Christ and have life abundantly (see Jn. 10:10). Sometimes people find truth threatening. When people attempt to pursue the truth or try to deny it, divisions occur. In St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he tells them: “For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you” (1 Cor. 11:19). The divisions among the Corinthians allowed the side of truth to be made apparent, just like present-day divisions can reveal which side is the side of truth.
We cannot be “lukewarm” in our pursuit of Christ, the Truth (see Rev. 3:16). Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6). We need to fervently strive to attain the Truth and prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Today as we begin our annual journey to Christmas, let us imitate the three Magi in their search for Christ, the Truth, Whose nativity “shed the light of knowledge upon the world.”
Bible References