23 April 2024
But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.
From Apocalypse 12:10-12, NRSV
In today’s reading, we hear the victory song that celebrated the victory of Michael and his angels over Satan (as represented by a dragon). Today the Church honours St. George, the Roman soldier who, by tradition, also fought and defeated a dragon. Whether or not this event happened, there is some evidence that George was martyred for defending Christians and for refusing to recant his Christian faith. George was likely one of a long line of Christian martyrs beginning with Stephen and the Apostles. We owe much to the sacrifice of George and all the martyrs. As the early Christian author Tertullian said – “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
- What did the sacrifice made by George (and other martyrs) achieve?
- Are there still dragons to be fought?
Is there someone who needs your help and protection today?
Image – Russian icon – Novgorod
