Sf. m. uciși la Nicopole, Armenia († 319).Ap Rom 8,2-13; Ev Mt 10,16-22.

8:1-4 THE FREEDOM OF THE SPIRIT
OVERVIEW: Christ has released us from condemnation. We now live according to the law of the Spirit, which is the law of God. We not only are forgiven sin but also are given the power to continue to overcome it in Christ. Paul’s argument that Christ came “in the likeness of sinful flesh” caused the Fathers considerable concern. On the one hand they wanted to insist, against any hint of Docetism, that Christ was a real human being in a real human body. But on the other hand they also wanted to insist that he was without sin himself. Augustine put it most succinctly: Christ had a human body that was mortal, but he was without sin. Once the law’s power is removed it becomes a friend to the faithful, and they desire to fulfill it in its spiritual sense. The Fathers were concerned to underline that the Christian life is not one of license but one of consecration to righteousness.
8:9-17 THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT
OVERVIEW: The body is dead because it is mortal, but the spirit is alive if Christ dwells in us. The perspective of the Fathers was eschatological, and they frequently spoke in terms of future fulfillment. The Fathers were intrigued by the juxtaposition of the terms “Spirit of God” and “Spirit of Christ” in Romans 8:9. It was clear to most of them that this is the one Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, and they interpreted the text accordingly. The Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead has the power to give us new life as well. On earth he fills us with the wisdom, peace and righteousness of Christ, but all of this is merely in preparation for the great resurrection on the last day. Romans 8:12 and the following verses were favorites with the Fathers, who viewed them as an outline of the Christian life. To their way of thinking, there was no such thing as a half-hearted Christian. One who was born again must live the new life in anticipation of the resurrection. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be made a child of God, not by nature as Christ was but by grace. We are God’s children by adoption and are given strength by the Spirit to live the kind of life that is required of those who have been so called. To be a child of God is to be made an heir-the greatest gift God can give us.
Commentary on the Gospel accordimg to St. Matthew 10,16-22
10:16-25 WARNING OF COMING PERSECUTIONS
OVERVIEW: Jesus sends the disciples out with only one coat, barefooted, without a staff, without clothing or provisions, to accentuate his unspeakable power. He is exhibiting the gentleness of sheep, even while they are going out among wolves (CHRYSOSTOM, ANONYMOUS). Whatever fearful things they were to face, the more would they be given grace to face them (CHRYSOSTOM). Wherever the apostles pray they will be persecuted by civil authorities who believe they are serving God. The One who sustains them in peace will help them all the more in conflict (ANONYMOUS). When Christ has been attested before the authorities by the words of the martyrs amid the tortures of savage persecutors, the way will be open for the Gentiles to believe in him, though they remain stubborn (HILARY).
Jesus was preparing the disciples for what was to occur throughout the whole world. They are being taught a new kind of warfare. Both governors and the governed will betray them (CHRYSOSTOM). Never think back on previous deeds. Think about the end (ANONYMOUS). Knowledge of things to come is helpful for acquiring tolerance, especially if our own will to endure has been anticipated by the Lord’s example (HILARY). The believer should not fear persecution but should turn away from it, as did the apostles in Jerusalem (JEROME). The Christian message will pass quickly from Israel to the Gentiles under the conditions of persecution. When it has been proclaimed to all the Gentiles, the Son will return and Israel will be reclaimed (HILARY). The disciple is like the master by the grace of adoption, not by nature (THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA).