Advent Meditations: Monday 9 December
| Mon Dec 9 |
am: 144 pm: 21,50 |
Amos 6: 1-14 | 1 Thess. 4: 1-12 | Luke 5:17-26 |
THE MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT – The Martyrs of Saragossa, 304 – 18 martyrs were put to death at Saragossa, Spain, by the Romans during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. It is said that Dacian, to detect and so make an end of all the faithful of Saragossa, ordered that liberty to practice their religion should be promised them on condition that they all went out of the city at a certain fixed time and by certain designated gates. As soon as they had thus gone forth, he ordered them to be put to the sword and their corpses burned. Their ashes were mixed with those of criminals, so that no veneration might be paid them. But a shower of rain fell and washed the ashes apart, forming those of the martyrs into certain white masses.
MEDITATION – The lessons today are taken from the Daily Lectionary of the Church of Ireland and we note that Amos offers the reader a vision contrasting the people’s complacency, pride, and self-confidence versus the retribution that is about to befall them. While we would think that these people were sincere, and they seemingly practiced their interpretation of their religion seriously, but it was a faith story of their own making and rewriting . While they may have been sincere in their efforts it was not based in a relationship with the living God. As one considers this passage, questions for reflection abound: How often have I caught myself going through motions in respect to my faith/religion? How often have I acquiesced to the culture rather than stand firm in my faith? Had my soul been corrupted so much so that I barely recognize who or what I have become? Worthy of thought this Advent Season.
ACTIVITY – Consider taking some time to read up on the concept of martyrs as a way of receiving the deposit of faith. Go to https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/why/martyrs.html
PRAYER: Almighty God, I pray today for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being oppressed, persecuted and abused for their faith just as Jesus was. Comfort and give courage to Christians in countries where many are experiencing physical harm, intimidation and unjust imprisonment at the hands of their oppressors. Heal the hearts and minds of those who have lost loved ones because of persecution and restore them to full physical and spiritual health. We pray that those who persecute Christ will be touched by the wonderful faith of those they attack and that they will open their hearts to your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “For wherever both the true Christian rule and faith shall be shown to be, there will be the true Scriptures, and the true expositions, of all the true Christian traditions”. Tertullian from The Prescription of Heretics # 19.
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