As we reflect on the liturgical readings for Feria VI after the VI Sunday after Pentecost, we turn our hearts and minds to two profound passages from Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:8-16 and Mark 10:15-21. These texts offer us rich insights into the life of faith and the call to holiness, guided by the wisdom of the Church Fathers.
1 Timothy 4:8-16: The Call to Godliness
In his first letter to Timothy, St. Paul emphasizes the value of godliness over bodily exercise, declaring, “For bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). This exhortation highlights the eternal value of spiritual discipline compared to temporal physical training.
St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Timothy, expands on this by asserting that the soul’s health surpasses the body’s, as the former is destined for eternity. He says, “The soul is immortal and capable of eternal blessings, while the body is mortal and perishable” (Homily XII on 1 Timothy). This perspective urges us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the cultivation of virtues.
St. Paul further instructs Timothy to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). These virtues form the bedrock of a life dedicated to God. St. Gregory the Great encourages us to embody these virtues, stating, “The preachers of the truth should shine in their conduct, so that the life of the teacher might build up the house of God with the example of his conduct” (Pastoral Rule, Book II, Chapter 3).
Mark 10:15-21: The Kingdom of God and the Challenge of Discipleship
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the necessity of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child, emphasizing innocence, humility, and trust: “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (Mark 10:15). This call to childlike faith is echoed by St. Augustine, who notes, “Pride changed angels into devils; humility makes men as angels” (Sermon 352). The virtue of humility is paramount in our journey towards God.
The encounter between Jesus and the rich young man further illustrates the cost of discipleship. Jesus challenges the young man to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him, promising treasure in heaven (Mark 10:21). This radical call to abandon earthly attachments for heavenly rewards is poignantly explained by St. Jerome: “To follow Christ is the highest gain; and to forsake the world’s goods for His sake, is to find an everlasting kingdom” (Letter 14).
St. Clement of Alexandria also provides a nuanced understanding of this passage, suggesting that the true riches Christ invites us to seek are spiritual: “It is not he who gives up his wealth but he who gives up his passions who is rich towards God” (The Instructor, Book II, Chapter 3). This aligns with the exhortation in 1 Timothy to prioritize godliness and spiritual discipline.
Integrating the Lessons
As we meditate on these scriptures within the liturgical context of Feria VI after the VI Sunday after Pentecost, we are called to examine our own spiritual practices and attachments. Are we striving for godliness in our daily lives, seeking to be examples in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity? Do we approach God with the humility and trust of a child? Are we ready to forsake worldly possessions and passions for the sake of following Christ?
The teachings of the Church Fathers remind us that our spiritual journey requires ongoing effort and the grace of God. By embracing godliness and humility, we open ourselves to the promises of eternal life. As St. John Chrysostom encourages, let us focus on the health of our soul, and as St. Gregory the Great exhorts, let our conduct be a testament to our faith.
In this time after Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit guide us in living out these scriptural truths, fostering within us a deeper love for God and a steadfast commitment to His commandments. Let us press on in our spiritual exercises, confident that they bear fruit both in this life and in the life to come. Amen.