The Apostle's Fast in the Ancient FaithSample

Day 5: Meekness or Kindness - The Gentle Strength of the Apostle's Fast

As we continue our spiritual journey through the Apostle's Fast, we turn our focus to the virtues of meekness and kindness. These virtues, often misunderstood in a world that prizes power and assertiveness, are in fact marks of true strength and divine grace in the Christian life. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," Jesus proclaims in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5). Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control, the ability to be gentle and kind in the face of provocation, to be humble and patient in all circumstances. It is a reflection of the character of Christ, who, though He was God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). In the context of the fast, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a spirit of meekness as we interact with others and navigate the challenges of daily life. Let us embrace meekness as a virtue that reflects the very nature of Christ Himself.

The Early Church Fathers held meekness and kindness in high regard, understanding them as essential to the Christian life. St. John of the Ladder says, “Meekness is an unchanging state of mind, which both in honor and dishonor remains the same. Meekness consists of praying sincerely and undisturbedly in the face of afflictions from one's neighbor. Meekness is a cliff rising from the sea of irritability, against which all the waves that strive against it break, but which is itself never broken. (St. John of the Ladder, Ladder, 24.4). Meekness is the root of all kindness, compassion, and gentleness; the absence of anger and the presence of love. This profound insight reveals the interconnectedness of the virtues and the centrality of love in cultivating a meek and kind heart.

St. Barnabas, known as the Son of Encouragement, exemplifies these virtues in the early Church. His life was marked by a spirit of gentleness and a readiness to uplift others. He was a God-fearing man of consolation, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and through his ministry, a great many people were added to the Lord (Acts 11:24). St. Philip the Deacon, whose approach to sharing the Gospel was characterized by kindness and respect. His encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is a beautiful example of meekness in action. St. Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, joined the eunuch in his chariot, and with great kindness and patience, explained the Scriptures to him, leading him to faith in Christ (Acts 8:26-38).

As we fast and seek to draw closer to God, let us pray for the grace to develop a spirit of meekness and kindness. In a world that often responds to hurt with hurt, may we be mediators of healing and peace. Let our words be seasoned with grace, our actions motivated by love, and our demeanor marked by the gentle strength that comes from abiding in Christ.

In embracing meekness and kindness, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. May our fasting be a time of inner renewal, as we learn to walk in the footsteps of the meek and kind-hearted apostles and saints who have gone before us. Let these virtues shine forth in our lives, drawing others to the beauty of the Gospel and to the love of our Savior. May we leave a legacy of gentleness and kindness that bears fruit and witnesses to the power of God's grace in a world in need of His tender mercies.

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, in the stillness of our hearts, we seek the virtues of meekness and kindness. As we journey through this season of fasting, mold and shape our spirits, as You are the Potter and we the clay, to reflect Your gentleness and humility. Teach us to respond to others with the same compassion You have shown us endlessly. May the example of St. Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, inspire us to be sources of encouragement, and may the life of St. Philip the Deacon remind us to approach our mission with a heart of kindness. Help us to inherit the earth not by force, but by the quiet strength of Your Holy Spirit working within us. Amen.