Thursday, April 23, 2015 (St. George the Martyr)

Thursday, April 23^rd, 2015 (The Feast Day of Saint George)

1 John 5:13-20

               In recent days I had the opportunity of attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa. Sharing the breakfast table was a representative from the Lebanese Embassy. He noted the Arabic letter, “N”, pin which I was wearing. I told him that I wear it because of the fact that in the part of our global village which he calls home there are individuals who paint the letter on the exterior walls of homes and businesses to indicate that the people who live and work in those settings are followers of the Nazarene, and as Christians are being centered out for persecution and prosecution. He responded that he was only too aware of the tragedies  being experienced so close to his home and noted that there were others at the Breakfast who were wearing similar pins in solidarity with people of faith whose lives were being lived on the edge of martyrdom.

               Rather than dwell on the acts of dragon slaying which have gotten St. George so much press through the years, and which have been embellished by myth and legend, I would rather focus on the nugget of history which is at the heart of the story of the person that has touched the lives of so many, for so long.

               George was an officer in an elite unit in the army. When the Emperor decreed that all should offer prayer to the Roman Gods, George refused and publically declared his faith as a follower of Jesus. The consequence of that act of faithfulness was a brutal martyrdom.

               From this 4^th century event there has sprung up a shining example of how the words from St. John’s first letter have rung true through the ages. “This letter is to assure you that you have eternal life. It is addressed to those who give their allegiance to the Son of God.”

               It is important for us, each in our own way, to follow the faithful example of St. George In the face of those who still persecute the Body of Christ in today’s world.    

The Reverend Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt

Rector Church of St. John the Evangelist

Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Huron