2nd Week after Holy Cross

Revelation 3:1-6 To Sardis
A Reading from the Book of Revelation.
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him
who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your
works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up,
and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not
found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember then what
you received and heard; obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I
will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come
to you. Yet you have still a few persons in Sardis who have not soiled
their clothes; they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are
worthy. If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes,
and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your
name before my Father and before his angels. Let anyone who has an
ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Matthew 10:16-22
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be
wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will
hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will
be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to
them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about
how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say
will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the
Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother
to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents
and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my
name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus calls us to conquer, and if we are to conquer we must know we are in a struggle. Yet, he assures us that the Holy Spirit will be with us and guide us. We are called to conquer not through overwhelming odds, but with overwhelming help.

Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
O Lord,
guard our thoughts from the errors of this troubled world
and awaken spiritual life within us,
through meditation on your life-giving commandments.
Thus, with enlightened thoughts, the reflections of your grace, our hearts will be purified of vain endeavors,
and we shall glorify you in the holy temple of your majesty,
now and forever.
Amen.