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Chapter 6 is brief, so I will be brief. I will make a quick comment for each of the 3 verses. Verse 1 is a very clear call to be steadfast in what has been taught in chapters 1-5 thus far. Christianity is a faith that is handed down, not just written out. Because of this, it was very important in the early church that the teachings of the Apostles not just be handed down, but that they be adhered too; the level of strictness to which these teachings are adhered to has a direct impact on how accurate the tradition stays further down the road. It was important for (1) the edification and sanctification of the soul, (2) to keep one safe from heresy, (3) and to keep the tradition accurate.**********************************
Moving on to verse 2, we find some words of wisdom that can apply to many Christian practices. The reference to bearing the “entire yoke of the Lord” usually refers to death by martyrdom. In Matthew 20:22 the “sons of thunder” John and James ask the Lord (or rather their mother asks for them) if He would allow them to sit at His right hand when the Kingdom comes. Jesus replies “are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They reply, “We are.” One almost expects Jesus at this point to give a stern lesson to them on humility and unworthiness. Instead, Jesus affirms that they will indeed drink of the same cup (speaking of His death on the Cross), but that the seat at His right hand is not his to give. In short, the text we are looking at seems to be referring to martyrdom. Martyrdom was viewed (and still is) by the Church as a righteous and holy act of love and faith in Christ; if you die in this manor, surely God is pleased with you and you are seen as perfect. The funny thing is, to the rest, the Church says, “do what you can.”
In other words, we are all called to do what we can, and this will be blessed by God. This is often advice given by Elder monks and Spiritual fathers regarding fasting and prayer. If you cannot pray three times a day, then pray twice. It not twice then once. If you cannot stop to pray once, then at least say the Lord’s Prayer or a few Jesus Prayers. If you cannot keep the full fast, fast from meat and cheese. If you cannot then fast from just meat. If you have trouble fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays, then start with the Saturday night fast in preparation of Eucharist. The point is that you do what you can, because trying to do what you would like to do but failing at it has no value or merit. Do what you are able, and once you are faithful to that, then more will come.
This same mentality flows into verse 3; and it is possible that this is why they placed this verse here. It seems to be a very harsh and unwavering rule forbidding consumption of meat offered to idols. One would be right to point out that St. Paul says the exact opposite in 1 Corinthians 8. I would point out two things. (1) if you recall, the dating of this text is early enough that this predicament was probably still working itself out in the church, and (2) St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:9 then states that one should not be fixed either way because it leads to pharaseism. I think we can pair this text and 1 Cor 8 together and come to the conclusion that if you are able, abstain from meat offered to idols…but its not a big deal if you cant. As the prior verse teaches us, DO WHAT YOU CAN.
Athanasios (Devin) Green
