You Don’t Have to be a Rebel to be a Saint

While it is true many Orthodox Saints are among the martyrs, like today’s commemoration of the Martyrs of Russia in the 1917 revolution, not all saints were killed violently for their faith. Many lived in peace, worldly speaking, and lived long prayerful lives. You don’t have to be a rebel to be a saint. Sometimes, it is just enough to live at peace with others in prayer.

Consider the life of Saint Luke the Righteous of Greece. You can read a brief story about his life here. Saint Luke lived a life of prayer and peace, which was noticed by the people with no less fervor that if they had combated the pagans, and even his relics are a source of healings. It takes all kinds to be saints, because there are all kinds of people who are brothers and sisters in the Church. Consider today’s reading from Saint Peter’s Universal Letter.

Beloved, Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, when they see your reverent and chaste behavior. Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. So once the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves and were submissive to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are now her children if you do right and let nothing terrify you. Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing. – 1st Peter 2.21-25, 3.1-9

Saint Peter doesn’t urge us on to war, although many were at war. He doesn’t urge us to destroy our enemies. Instead, he urges us to live holy lives at peace with others. He reminds married couples of their responsibility to each other in Christ, not just society. If you are afraid you don’t have what it takes to go to war with pagans for Christ, don’t worry. You don’t have to be a rebel, just faithful, and you will honor God.

Wake up every day and pray. Work every day at peace with others. Honor God every day with your love and faith. Participate in as much of the liturgical life of the Church as you are able. Living every day as a Christian wears you out, and attending Divine Liturgy regularly refills the tank!