Speak up
There’s a saint in the Orthodox tradition who intrigues me. He’s Saint Charalambos, meaning “a joyful light.” He was a monk who lived in the first century AD. He became the Bishop of Magnesia in Asia Minor. The legend is that when Severinius Septimus was the Roman Emperor, Charalambos was challenged by the Powers That Be to renounce his faith. This was not the first time; he had been tortured for his faith several times. This time, under direct pressure from the Emperor and his courtiers, another surprising event happens: The emperor does not have faith in Christ and challenges Christ to descend to earth. A violent storm begins, lifting his emperor and his companions off the ground, while the saint and his followers remain on the earth. In icons, Septimus and his courtiers are carried aloft in a black cloud. Speedy relief comes then, from a tyrant and those who support him.
It is tempting to think that Charalambos is a patron saint for our times, that we might pray that he intercede on our behalf to God, asking for relief from the difficult things that surround us. But the other thing to remember about this saint (who may or may not have really existed) is this: he is tortured numerous times in his life for his faith. He suffers. So do we, in less physical ways. So do others, in visceral ways: think Ebola, this hatred of immigrants among us; think cuts to vaccines, to SNAP benefits, to housing aid.
Perhaps we might consider this saint to be a reminder that all of us suffer, in varying degrees, but praying to God for strength to speak up when those near or far are suffering might be a more apt response.
Not swift relief, but strength to fight or change. As we approach Flag Day (July 14), I think of all who fought for the freedoms we now enjoy. Or at least we hope to continue enjoying them, because some would limit these freedoms. And so I raise my voice, and so should you. If you like something your Representative or Senator has done, let them know. If you don’t like something they’ve done, let them know. Even a post on that person’s Facebook page will be noted. I know as a former Congressional staffer that these Reps and Congresspeople do keep track of the voices of those whom they serve.
To speak for those who have no voice, to help those who cannot speak, to be a transformative voice…that’s what Jesus taught us. Remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before, and don’t ask for a cosmic EZPass, do the hard work of change-making yourself.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Mary+
