The Holy Martyrs Onisiphorus and Porphyry (456-474); Our Venerable Mother Matrona (456-74); the Venerable Theoctista of Lesbos
1 Thessalonians 2:20-3:8; Luke 11:29-33
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:20-3:8
When St. Paul had come to Thessalonica to bring the Gospel, he told them that inasmuch as there is a great joy in receiving the Good News and in the life of faith in Christ Jesus, there was certain suffering that had to be endured in the life of a Christian. Faith is not just a simple assent to a belief, it is also the endurance (and purification) in the midst of suffering. Paul knew well that when suffering raises its head, some people abandon their faith after following the temptations that Satan gives during such times. Paul did not want to abandon the Christians in Thessalonica; he cared for and loved them so much that. while he could not go, he sent Timothy. Paul’s concern was met with their steadfastness of faith through affliction.
This section of Paul’s epistle brings up for us the parable of the sower and the seed. Where did the seed of the Good News land in the soil of my soul? How am I in my faith? Is it a simple assent to a belief? Do I press forward in times of affliction? When tempted to abandon my faith, to lay it aside in favour of some pleasure of this world, or avoidance of some suffering, do I give in? Thanks be to God that He has given us the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) to assist us in not only the continued best reception of His Word, but also the care for the soil of my soul.