Keep Your Head Down

There are days when one wonders if “it” is worth the effort. Around every corner is someone who feels threatened by the success of others. Our peers seem to spend more time competing against us rather than cheering us on to victory. Just when you want to throw in the towel and ‘just keep your head down’ you are reminded that God will always have your back.

Today is the Feast of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker. His life, while now universally revered, was filled with jealous friends, and vindictive coworkers. He was not always respected in the powerful circles of the Church, let alone society. Since the movie about his life was released, I have spoken with many who were scandalized by the way he was treated. Many were not aware of his exile. They were only aware of his sainthood. His life was not always revered!

At that time, great crowds followed Jesus from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan. Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”

Matthew 4:25, 5:1-12

The Gospel lesson for Saint Nektarios’ feast reminds us of his life. As I recall his life, every “Blessed is…” brings my affection for him deeper. He lived among his people not just as a holy man, but as an outcast. He was hungry. He was lonely. He was everything the Gospel mentions today, and God honored Him.

You might be feeling like the Gospel is touching on your suffering today. You may be lonely or poor in spirit. You may be hungry for love from your neighbors. You may be persecuted by those who want you to fail. You may feel some or all these things today. Remember the life of Saint Nektarios and ‘keep your head down’ in prayer like he did. Keep doing what you know to be right in the eyes of God. God sees you and He will honor you.

I can’t promise the world will treat you better. They tried to destroy Saint Nektarios. Don’t let that stop your faithfulness. They also tried to destroy Christ. You’re in good company when you suffer for God’s righteousness. That doesn’t mean we should ‘go looking’ for trouble. Just ‘keep your head down’ in prayer and God will bless you. He promised many years ago. God always keeps His promise.