Emulate the Living Testimony of the Saints

The one common thread seen in all three of these readings ("lessons") is the living martyrdom of monastics. Every single reference to these verses among the Church Fathers which have been presented here refer to non-monastics...funny for readings chosen for monastics, huh? The clear message is that this living martyrdom is not only potentially attainable by all Christians, but as St. Symeon the New Theologian says, we are without excuse if we do not emulate them:

"When God brings his hidden saints to light, it is in order that some may emulate them and others be without excuse. Those [of us] who wish to remain amid distractions as well as those [of us] who live a worthy life in [monastic] communities, in mountains and in caverns, are saved, and God bestows on them great blessings solely because they have faith in him."

In other words, both the monastic life and life "in the world" are fitting to work out our salvation. When we hear of the life of a monastic saint, please do not segregate that life into a category of something that cannot be emulated in our own lives. Learn from them; apply it to your situation.

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