Nov 24th - Flora of Cordoba

Flora grew up in a divided country. The Moors had conquered the south of Spain but Christians still remained there as well and so there was an overlap of cultures. She and her mother converted (in their case from Islam to Christianity -- a big no-no in both cultures) while the rest of the family (father, brother, sister) remain Muslim. But it was a man's world then and her parents (read father) promised her in an arranged marriage to another Muslim, meaning she would be unable to practice her Faith or her vow of chastity. She fled with another Christian friend, hiding at her sister's, who when she probably came to understand the situation turned her out which exposed her. Her own brother turned her in to the authorities and she suffered torture, escaped, was captured and tortured more.
So she died as a martyr. She had devoted her life to chastity and compassion, caring for Christian prisoners, just trying to practice the love that yesterday Clement spoke so eloquently of. There was no war between the religions for her, only the desire to love completely and be devoted to God, sentiments that should ring through Christian and Muslim alike.
What does she tell us? That maybe we should all get along better.

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Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to come to a mutual understanding in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my true yokemate, to help them, for they have struggled at my side in promoting the gospel, along with Clement and my other co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

-- Phillipians 4:1-9