Reflection on the Holy #Apostles:
The sacred designation of "apostle," deriving from the ancient term meaning "sent," encapsulates the profound mission and essence of those chosen by Christ. As the divine herald of His Father, our Lord Jesus Christ embodied this role, and thus called upon His disciples to partake in this holy vocation, transforming them into His Apostles. The Scriptures, especially Hebrews 3:1, illuminate this divine commission, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
The Chosen Witnesses
The Apostles, chosen not from the learned or the elite, but from the humble and often overlooked populace, were ordained to proclaim the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Their selection, as noted in the poignant words of John 2:5, underscores a divine preference for the "poor of this world," who are rich in faith and heirs to the kingdom of God. This choice reveals a divine inversion of worldly values, where the meek are exalted as bearers of the kingdom's mysteries.
The Commission of Simplicity and Trust
Christ’s command to His Apostles, as they ventured to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven, was marked by a call to simplicity and reliance on divine providence. Instructed to travel without the common comforts of shoes, staff, or money, they were to embody the total dependence on God, a theme recurrently stressed in Matthew 10:1-11. This radical trust was not only a practical directive but a profound theological statement about the nature of their mission and the source of their sustenance.
The Enduring Presence and the Priestly Authority
The promise of Christ's perpetual presence with His Apostles, as they journeyed to spread the Gospel, assured them of an unbreakable connection with His divine love (Matthew 28:19-20). Moreover, the Apostolic authority extended beyond mere teaching to encompass binding and loosing—terms deeply rooted in rabbinic authority, granting them the power to govern the spiritual well-being of the community (Matthew 16:19, 18:18, and John 20:23). The pastoral charge "Feed my lambs, feed my sheep," further entrusted them with the spiritual nourishment and guidance of the faithful (John 21:15).
The Apostolic Identity and Mission
The apostolic identity, richly layered with the notions of being "sent," "selected," and "guardians," also embodies the role of a messenger—an envoy who represents Christ Himself. This role was not merely administrative but profoundly incarnational, as they were to be Christ's presence in the world. Their mission was characterized by hardship and opposition, yet they were fortified by the assurance that nothing could sever them from the love of Christ.
The Legacy of Apostolic Suffering and Victory
The ultimate testament to their faith and mission was the manner of their martyrdom, celebrated within the Orthodox Tewahedo Church with great veneration. These solemn commemorations not only honor their sacrifices but serve as a continual reminder of the cost of discipleship and the victory of faith over worldly powers.
Reflections from the Life of St. Peter and St. Paul
St. Peter and St. Paul, as paragons of apostolic faith, exemplify the transformative power of Christ’s call. From humble beginnings, Peter, a fisherman, and Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, were elevated to the pillars of the Church. Their lives and ministries reflect the profound personal conversion and the universal scope of the Gospel message, reaching both Jew and Gentile alike.
The Continuing Call
This apostolic heritage beckons all believers to emulate their faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. As the modern faithful stand upon the foundation laid by the apostles, they are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and power, striving to live out the Gospel in a world that is often hostile to its message.
Lesson on the #Martyrs: Witnesses of Faith
Brethren, gather and lend your ears, for today we speak of the holy martyrs, those venerable witnesses of faith whose stories are not merely tales of old, but eternal lights guiding our path in the darkness of this world.
The Essence of Martyrdom
Martyrdom, dear faithful, is derived from the word 'martyr,' a title of profound honor which means 'witness.' In the sacred text of Psalm 118:129, it is declared, "Your witnesses are wonderful, my soul loves them." This love stems from their ultimate sacrifice—giving their lives for the glory of God.
Consider St. Stephen, the protomartyr, as recounted in Acts 22:20, whose stoning was a grievous spectacle to the eyes of men but a glorious offering in the sight of the Lord. The Revelation to St. John further illuminates the path of the martyrs: "These clothed in white came from the great tribulation and washed their clothes with the blood of the lamb" (Revelation 7:14), symbolizing their purification and dedication through the ultimate sacrifice.
Despising Worldly Pleasures
True martyrs, beloved, despised the fleeting tastes of this world, choosing instead the eternal kingdom of Heaven. They embraced bitter deaths and shed their sacred blood, following the lamb, Jesus Christ, into the realms of divine glory. The Scripture reminds us, "The death of the saints is glorious in the sight of God" (Psalm 115:5), for in their sacrifice, they are sanctified.
Testimony through Tribulations
From the age of the apostles to our present times, many have borne witness to the Word of God, enduring persecution and death. "We are killed all day long for you," cries out the apostle in Romans 8:36, reflecting the continuous struggle of the faithful. These modern apostles, these martyrs of our time, bear witness not just in words but through their blood, sanctifying the ground and sowing the seeds of faith for future generations.
The Dual Forms of Martyrdom
Martyrdom manifests in two profound forms within our holy tradition:
1. Martyrdom without Bloodshed: Here, the faithful endure persecution, imprisonment, and exile. They are martyrs through their steadfast faith and patience, bearing witness without the spilling of blood.
2. Blood Martyrdom: This is the ultimate witness, where the faithful spill their blood in the love and glory of God, echoing Christ's sacrifice.
Both forms of martyrdom raise vital questions about the nature and depth of their testimony, which invariably centers on Christ. The martyrs, through their profound suffering and ultimate sacrifice, bear witness to Christ's divinity and the eternal truths He proclaimed.
The Legacy of the Martyrs
The Church holds the memory of the martyrs in high esteem, chronicling their lives and sacrifices in sacred texts like the Sanksar. This record-keeping is not a mere tribute but a spiritual tool, enabling the faithful to draw strength and inspiration from the martyrs' endurance and devotion.
The Impact of Their Sacrifice
The martyrs, through their testimony, did not seek worldly recognition but were driven by a divine promise. They gained salvation for others and a crown of eternal life for themselves. Their testimony, often sealed by their blood, led many to faith, transforming oppressors into believers and strengthening the Church.
#### Conclusion: The Blessings of Remembering the Martyrs
In remembering the martyrs, we are not merely recalling historical figures but are invoking their spirit of unyielding faith and divine witness. Their lives teach us the essence of Christian living, the power of truth, and the eternal hope that faith in Christ brings. They are our predecessors, our brothers and sisters in faith, who illuminate our spiritual journey.
Thus, let us keep the memory of the martyrs alive, for in their stories, we find the courage to stand firm in our convictions and the strength to witness Christ in our lives today. Glory be to God for these holy witnesses, the martyrs, whose sacrifices pave our path to divine communion.