Holy Martyr Aretas and those with him (523).
1 Thessalonians 2:9-14. Luke 11:14-23.
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-14
St. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is largely agreed to be the earliest-written text in the New Testament. The Thessalonian Christians were mostly Gentiles who experienced persecution not only from the pagans in Thessalonica but also from the Jews there. In today’s reading from this letter, Paul commends them for having become “imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews” (1 Thess. 2:14). Experiencing persecution from other members of society has happened since the earliest days of Christianity, and it continues in many different forms today.
At the heart of today’s reading, Paul encourages the Thessalonian Christians “to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). The way in which we live our lives is important as Christians. Just as the Thessalonian Christians could not live as they did while they were still pagans like the ones persecuting them, we likewise cannot live in ways that are contrary to the gospel of Christ.
As Christians, how do we live differently from others in the world? Jesus Himself tells us a few significant ways when He teaches us to love our enemies: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Lk. 6:32-36). As Christians, we are called not to live by following our mere human inclinations but rather to be imitators of God. We must love even those who persecute us and disagree with us, but we must never deviate from being imitators of Christ and preaching the truth, even when that leads to our persecution.