Encounter Christ
Haggai 1:15–2:9; Psalm 144; Luke 9:18–22
Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?” (Luke 9:20). Not in a crowd, but at prayer. True knowledge of Christ is born in prayer and personal relationship. Peter’s answer came from divine illumination, not speculation. Until we rebuild our inner altar, our faith will remain shallow, “flesh and blood” knowledge, not Spirit and truth. Prophet Haggai urges: “Rebuild the Temple!” Start praying, studying, and encountering Christ personally.
Today we celebrate Saints Cosmas and Damian: They were Arab-born twin brothers, third-century physicians, and early Christian martyrs. Renowned for offering medical care and performing surgeries free of charge, they earned the title “The Silverless Ones” that is, “Without money.”
They are honoured as the patron saints of medicine, they were martyred around 287 AD during the Roman persecutions for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. Their story is marked by accounts of miraculous events during their torture and execution, and their relics are preserved in several churches.
These brothers knew Christ, they were product of encounter. They show us that knowing Jesus is not just head knowledge, it is practical love and selfless service. Prayer without action is incomplete; service without prayer is empty and prayer without knowledge is running without a destination, a ship without compass, moving but lost.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver us from procrastination. Teach us to know You deeply and serve selflessly, like Sts. Cosmas and Damian. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
