Enduring Wrongdoings

Once more from my Lectio Divina. I'm using a new journal to write out these thoughts, and this entry seems longer. So this post might be a bit longer than previous posts. I'm not complaining about that; I fully expect my writing and introspection to take a longer time the more I immerse myself in the practice and study of Lectio Divina.

 

Before I start this post, I'll point out that my sources for this day come from the Prologue from Ohrid (the reading for today's date), as well as the fourth chapter of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

St. Macarius the Great, when returning to his cell saw a thief stealing his belongings and loading them onto a donkey. Instead of calling out and trying to stop the thief, St. Macarius helped to load the donkey. He said to himself, "For we brought nothing into the world. (1Timmothy 6:7)" (Prologue - Reflection) 

Another elder when he discovered he was being robbed looked around for anything not taken and saw some money hidden - he immediately too the money and gave it to the thieves. And yet another elder saw he was being robbed and cried out to them, "Hurry, hurry before the brothers come that they may not prevent me to fulfill the commandments of Christ." "From the one who takes what is yours, do not demand it back. (St. Luke 6:30)" (Prologue - Reflection)

In Chapter 4 of the Rule of Saint Benedict, the saint gives us tools for good works. He tells us that our way of acting should be different from the world's, and that the love of Christ should come before all else (verses 20-21). In verse 29, 1 Thessalonians 5:15 & 1 Peter 3:9 are referenced when we are told, "Do not repay one bad turn with another." Verses 30-33 tell us, "Do not injure anyone, but bear injuries patiently. Love your enemies (St. Matthew 5:44, St. Luke 6:27). If people curse you, do not curse them but bless them instead. Endure persecution for the sake of justice (St. Matthew 5:10).

We see that the very idea of us enduring wrongdoings against us comes to us as a commandment from Christ. It goes against our very nature to repay evil with kindness - but as Christians we are to subdue our passions. When Jesus was tortured, taunted, and crucified He did not call down fire from Heaven; no, He forgave His tormentors.

We see so many examples of the Apostles, saints, and martyrs enduring wrongs done unto them. Saint who were being tortured and about to die forgave their enemies. St. Macarius - and other saints - helped thieves steal from them.

These men and women who came before endured unspeakable evils against them. They were ridiculed, beaten, murdered, and even raped; and yet the did not try to to get revenge - they endured the torments and forgave their tormentors.

These saints were able to subdue their passions and their very human nature, and they followed the example of Christ. They took refuge in Christ. The took their strength from Christ.

"The world is frightening to those who do not know that God rules the world," (Prologue - Homily). The martyrs understood this! The had no fear of this world - nor the things this world would heap upon them - because when compared to Christ this world is weak. (Prologue - Homily)

 Christ has conquered this world. He has given us His commandments and the example of His life as tools for good works - as weapons to fight against evil. If God - the ruler of this world who holds all authority over it - is for us, then who could possibly stand against us?(Romans 8:31) The Apostles understood this, and the saints and martyrs understood this.

And here I am, getting angry when someone mocks me. Here I am angry at the way my world has turned out. Here I am quite ready to lash out and repay evil with more evil. Here I am a broken man - who instead of seeking comfort in the embrace of Christ, His Church, and His community have sought comfort from worldly things.

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.