Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Strive for peace with everyone and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

We are coming to the end of our four weeks of readings from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews is better known for being the only New Testament book that calls Jesus a priest. However, this passage shows that the author’s primary aim is not so much to teach us doctrine as to encourage his hearers to Christian behavior. As he approaches the end of his letter, his emphasis is on us learning from Christ’s example and imitating his commitment and dedication to his God-given ministry.

Alluding to the sufferings many of his hearers underwent (which had caused many to apostatize), he encourages them to remain faithful. The writers of Hebrews and other biblical authors refer to this pain as discipline. Hebrews states, “Endure it as discipline” (Heb. 12:7). In this case, discipline is not spiritual practices like scripture memorization, prayer, or fasting. Rather, the discipline is hardship or spiritual conditioning that comes in the form of testing, suffering, trials, and affliction.

Becoming a spiritual champion requires doing things we don’t want to do to achieve what we’ve always wanted to be, like Jesus. Spiritual growth will not occur without pain. Sorry; that’s life. Agatha, whose memorial we celebrate today, endured much suffering in order to remain faithful to the Lord. Hebrews teaches us that following Jesus will not exempt us from suffering and pain. It ensures us that the teaching and example of Jesus will lead us to true happiness, which is the goal of Christian life.

What do I do to allow the life and teaching of the Lord to shape my appreciation of what it means to be a brother or sister of Jesus?

Let Us Pray:

O loving Jesus, you were willing to suffer and die that I might live. Help me to bear whatever hardships come my way to deepen my relationship with you. May I always remain faithful.