Murals (2008) by PHANTAST - Graffiti - Cultural Music & Art Association inc. - 98 Milne St. Benleigh
24 Sept. St.Thecla, The First Martyr and Equal to Aposyles.
The paradox of blessing.
St Thecla (Thekla) was a contemporary of St. Apostle Paul. She became an evangelizer and a disciple after hearing his teachings. "She sat in her open window for three days and nights, listening, to every word as Paul spoke about the blessings of giving everything to God". She is the first martyr, AD 30, Iconiu (Konya, Turkey).
'Blessing' is derived from Anlo-Saxon word for blood - blessian - and contains in its meaning the idea that there is no blessing without sacrifice, and perhaps vice versa.
In Genesis 32:22, Jacob wrestles a man by the banks of a stream, not knowing that his adversary is God Himself. At daybreak, God unjoints Jacob's hip by touching his thigh. But Jacob refuses to release him. "I will not let You go, except You bless me", Jacob says. God relents, and Jacob limps home, blessed among men, but crippled for life.