Anglican Mainstream

WEDNESDAY – Commemoration of the Martyrs of Saragossa, 4^th Century

One cannot read the selection in the Office readings from the Book of Revelation and not be taken a back by the force of these words from St. John the Divine. John in his writing and now us in our reading find ourselves in the place from which no human can expect to leave unchanged, namely in the Holy of Holies and before the Lord Himself. But we are not to be in fear in this moment as we consider the words of the Divine as John receives comforting words: “Do not be afraid.  I am He Who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.”  That promise is meant to embolden us for the work of ministry and redeeming of the world. It is not always easy to embrace that promise, but that is what this very season is about, embracing a promise of Christ’s coming again, not only with our lips but also with our hearts and minds. In short our very lives! What an exciting witness to offer something full force. When an athlete offers all he has for the task we find it heroic? Do we see that same level of courage, valor and commitment with the preparations and witnessing of the coming of Christ? 

If not perhaps it is good to pause here and ponder the Martyrs of Saragossa in third century Spain. There were 18 martyrs whose deaths were ordered under the Emperor Diocletian (they were Optatus, Lupercus, Successus, Martial, Urban, Julia, Quinitilian, Publius, Fronto, Caecilian, Felix, Eventius, Primitivus, Apodemius, and four martyrs named Saturninus). Do you think that they took solace in the very words that John the Divine offers? If we are convinced of that, what are we afraid of in making our witness total?

PRAYER: Gracious and loving God and Father, we await the coming of Christ your Son. Let us not be afraid as we prepare for his coming. Keep us steadfast in faith, firm in hope and rooted in love as we face the changes and chances of this life seeking to give full witness to you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Activity – Do an inventory around in all aspects of your life (work, at home, in your social life). Make a list and note what or with whom you are fearful of in making your witness dynamic and complete. Seek out a spiritual companion to discern what the appropriate changes necessary in those instances are.

ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE:  “No one ought to be confident in his own strength when he undergoes temptation. For whenever we endure evils courageously, our hope comes from him Christ.” He once said to his disciples: "In this world you will suffer persecution," and then, to allay their fears, he added, "but rest assured, I have conquered the world."  Hence if our personal pleasures do not hold us captive, and if we are not frightened by brutality, then the world is overcome. At both of these approaches Christ rushes to our aid, and the Christian is not conquered.” – St. Augustine of Hippo (From his Sermons, XI)

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