Standing Up for Truth

Today the Church commemorates the removal of the relics of Saint Athanasios the Great, Patriarch of Alexandria. In practical terms, this means the day on which his body was exhumed from the grave. His accomplishments were great, but the example he left of patience and faith were greater. He offered the Church the first authoritative list of which books should be in the Old and New Testament, and he participated in the First Ecumenical Council as a Deacon. What I remember him for was his profound faith, strong enough to endure exile not just once, but five times.

You can read more about Saint Athanasios at https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=38&PCode=2PM&D=M&date=05…. This brief article offers the highlights that lead to universal praise of his life and work. To this very day, even Protestant Seminaries require students to read “On the Incarnation” which Saint Athanasios wrote at age twenty! Much of his writings are available in English translation free at https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/, but anytime you can secure a ‘hard copy’ for your library will be worth the investment. Today’s readings are common for commemorations of Church Hierarchs. Take a moment and read them below. Before you read today’s readings, be sure to read the brief article about Saint Athanasios, and consider his life as you read today’s Scripture readings.

Brethren, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their lives, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13.7-16

The Lord said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5.14-19

It is almost as if Saint Paul and Saint Matthew were writing about Saint Athanasios, and encouraging us to imitate his life, his faith, and even his willingness to be exiled. It is easy to stand up for the faith when you are surrounded by like-minded people, but to stand against tyranny as Saint Athanasios did, requires true faith. As a result of his life, the Light of Christ has illumined countless generations of Christians, not the least of which is our generation today.

Just ask yourself, “How am I using my life to stand up for the Truth of Christ,” or “Am I standing for the Truth?” Standing up for Truth requires more than just demanding you voice be heard. It requires the willingness to be penalized by those who oppose the Truth. That is where our faith often falls seriously short. When we are up against social pressure, as is so often part of modern-day social media movements, we back down. Either we doubt the truth, or we are too afraid of social exile.

In your prayers today, ask Saint Athanasios to speak to you. Maybe you will be inspired to imitate his life. Maybe your willingness to imitate his life and faith, will be a light, even briefly, to those around you to give God glory. Let your light shine by standing up for truth!

Make a donation in honor of Saint Athanasios the Great at https://LiveANewLifeInChrist.org/donate