15 - LEARNING FROM GOD - By H.H. Pope Shenouda III

15 -  LEARNING FROM GOD         

By H.H. Pope Shenouda III

The following is a collection of articles entitled, "The Release of the Spirit" written by HH Pope Shenouda III for the Sunday School Magazine from the year 1951 before starting his monastic life.  

These articles were published in the form of a book in the year 1957 including some of his poems which were published in the magazine as well.. 

It was his first published book and it gained the approval of many and was reprinted many times.

15 -  LEARNING FROM GOD    

There are some people who did not obtain any education. There are some who were taught by people and those are more ignorant.. But the true educated people are those who are taught directly by God.

When God created man, He gave him plenty of knowledge.. and whenever He needed more knowledge he was taught by God Himself.. If man has continued along this path, he would have become a scholar and would have deserved to eat of the tree of life and live for ever.. But the man accepted to take knowledge from another source than God and so he began to be ignorant.. His first lesson was from the serpent, and it resulted in eating of the tree of the knowledge and thus he became ignorant. Man seeks knowledge away from God and he only gains ignorance upon ignorance..

Man is God's temple and God's Spirit dwells in him.. the Spirit whom the Lord Jesus Christ said of, "He will guide you into all truth" (John. 16:13) and St. Paul said about Him, "For the Spirit searches all things. Yes, the deep things of God."  (1 Cor. 2:10) 

However, due to the great misery and ignorance of the man, he seeks knowledge not within himself, from the Spirit of God dwelling in him, but seeks it outside, with people, and in the books which he thinks can give him life ... ! 

Thus, there are many scholars and wise men in these generations while the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God.. St. Augustine walked along this path for a long time, seeking God outside himself, but when he found God, he sang to Him this everlasting song which says * *,

‘Too late did I love You,
O Fairness so ancient and yet so new!
Too late did I love You!
For behold, You were within,
and I without, and there did I seek You..
I unlovely, rushed heedlessly
among the things of beauty You made..
You were with me,
but I
was not with you..'
 

 When Augustine found God within him, he became a saint...

You also, my beloved brother, will lose the way if you try to seek God outside yourself .. But sit alone, consider and meditate, go deep into yourself and seek God.. You will find Him there, in your innermost depths. You will see Him face to face and feel Him as a pouring and overflowing fountain of love.. Only then you will be greatly astonished and cry out in silent joy 'I have seen God'

This was the means which our father saints resorted to. They went out of the world leaving behind its crowd, tumult and noise. They left everything and sought God within themselves and they were able to see Him through continuous

Praise and meditation.. On the other hand, the ideologists, philosophers researchers and scientists sought God in the books and with people and could only suffer ignorance, mystery and weariness.

While I mention this I feel pain for them.. and also for some fathers who left the world to the desert but began to seek God in the books or in projects and ministry. In fact God was within their hearts wishing them to leave all these occupations and sit with Him. He wanted to reveal to them secrets which no one else knew and show them what no other eyes have ever seen.,

This applies not only to the monks but to all people.. Do you know, dear brother, what is the proper way for spiritual education? Certainly it is not to teach a person something new, for he possesses everything and the Spirit abiding in him knows much more than what you want to teach him.. But a proper way is to free a person from any wrong knowledge he actually has, ie. from any knowledge he obtained from the world or from people.

A child is born with a great beautiful idea about God within his heart, mind and imagination.. Then society begins to teach this poor child and provide him with ideas about God which differ from what he knows, and present to him certain pictures of God and the saints that limit his open imagination.. Thus the idea of the child about God and holiness is replaced by customary idioms concerning good and evil as known by people. The child takes of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which Adam and Eve ate from and he becomes ignorant like them.. Here comes the role of the true spiritual guide who must not provide the child with more knowledge but must drive out any false knowledge he had obtained from customs and from the wrong concepts of people regarding religion.. When his spirit is released from all this, he would know God the true knowledge because God is not far from him but dwells in him.

* * The confessions of St. Augustine, Book X. Ch. Y-XVII-38.

 The Release of The Spirit
 By H.H. Pope Shenouda III

The Transfiguration of our Lord and Saviour

The Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior 

By St Gregory Palamas  

The Prophet Isaiah foretold in respect of the Gospel that “the Lord will give a concise word on the earth.” (Isaiah 10:23)  A concise word is an utterance containing an abundance of meaning in a few phrases. So let us look again at the Gospel passage, which we examined earlier, and add what we left out, that we may take our fill of the incorruptible meaning stored up in it, and all receive divine inspiration.

“At that time Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun.” [Matthew 17:1-2; see also Mark 9:2-3] “Behold, now is the acceptable time,” brethren, “now is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2; see also Isaiah 49:8] a divine, new and eternal day, not measured in hours, never lengthening or shortening, uninterrupted by night. For us it is the day of the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow nor turning. (James 1:17) That Sun, since the day when, by the good pleasure of the Father and the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, He lovingly shone upon us and led us “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9) continues without setting to shine upon us for ever.

As the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) and truth, He does not consent to give light to, or be known perfectly by, those who cultivate lying and either extol injustice or demonstrate it in their deeds. But He shines upon those who act righteously and love truth, is believed by them, and delights them with His rays. Therefore the Scripture says, “Light has dawned for the righteous, and its companion, gladness”  (Psalm 97:11) And the Psalmist and Prophet also sings to God, “Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name” (Psalm 89:12) foretelling the joy that those who later saw that illumination would experience. Isaiah tells us “to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free” (Isaiah 58:6) What then? “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health as shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall compass thee” (Isaiah 58:8 ) Again he says, “If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke and the stretching forth of the hand, and murmuring speech, and if thou give bread to the hungry from thy heart, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thy darkness shall be as noonday” (Isaiah 58:9-10) For that Sun makes other suns of those upon whom it brightly shines. “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matthew 13:43)

Let us cast off, brethren, the works of darkness, and let us perform the works of light, that we may not only walk honestly, as in the day (Romans 13:12-13) but also become children of the day. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)  And come, let us go up the mountain where Christ shone forth, that we may see what happened there. Or rather, if we become children worthy of that day, the Word of God Himself will take us up when the time comes. Now, I beseech you, strive to lift up the eyes of your understanding towards the light of the Gospel message, that you may be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) and having acquired the divine brightness from above, be conformed to the likeness of the glory of the Lord (Romans 8:29) Whose face shone like the sun today on the mountain.

From a sermon by Saint Gregory Palamas

Envision God's Invincible Protection

"And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw.  And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

(2 Kings 6:15-17) 

The big edge for Christians is that God is with us. Believers caught in the grinder of life sometimes find that truth hard to imagine.  In a see, smell, taste, hear, feel world invisible protection doesn't seem too invincible!  So, before we become critical of this young servant, we ought to take a good look at ourselves. 

Awareness of God's insurmountable hedge of protection can be a real key to emotional security.  Getting mental images of how he might be shielding us from danger can go a long way toward putting our fears to rest.  Try it!  Then believe it is true.  In fact, God's security system is far more sophisticated and elaborate than anyone can imagine.  Absolutely nothing enters our lives that he does not permit. 

7th Sunday - Sunday of The Pentecost

CHRIST is Risen - Truly He is Risen  
Khristós Anésti! Alithós Anésti!


Sundays of the Holy Fifties


Meditation on Church reading during the Holy Fifties:
Reading: John 15: 16-26

The fathers of the church arranged and named Sundays of the Holy Fifties as they did with the Sundays of the Great Fasting.


 + 1st Sunday of the Holy Fifty Days  is the Sunday of Faith (Thomas Sunday)
 +  2nd is the Sunday of the Bread of Life.
 +  3rd is the Sunday of the Living water. 
 +  4th is the Sunday of the True Light.
 +  5th is the Sunday of the Only Way.
 +  6th is the Sunday of the Joy of Spiritual Asking.
 +  7th is the Sunday the Pentecost.

7th Sunday - Sunday of The Pentecost : 
John 15:16-26

At the end of the Holy Fifty days following the Resurrection of Our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples.  "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."   Acts 2:2.-4

There were a number of signs and prophecy that accompanied the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples.

- A Sound of A Strong Wind: The gushing and loud sound of the strong wind, represents the warning and the reminder from the Holy spirit to us to redeem our souls by repentance and confession of our sins. The Lord wants us to become pure and cleansed of our sins to be able to receive the Holy Spirit. He wants us to work for our own salvation for the everlasting life, the life of eternity.

- The Divided Tongues of Fire: Fulfills the prophecy of John the Baptist that Christ would "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."  (Luke 3:16)  This fire is a manifestation of the uncreated energy of God.

- The Different Languages Spoken: Fulfills the prophecy of  Joel 3:1
The Holy Spirit shown to have overwhelming power to unite, even in diversity. A key lesson of Pentecost is that the people hear the gospel in their own language.

It was the first Christian Pentecost, the unity of assembling with one accord in one place, in which the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, as we became temples of the Lord.  It is also an indication that the Holy Spirit is the truth, that will give us guidance.
"However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;" John 16:13

The decibels were Chosen, Appointed and Commanded by the Lord to go out to the whole world, preach and teach the word of the Lord and be witness to the Lord's Crucifixion and Resurrection. They were blessed with bountiful gifts; the gifts of the Holy Spirit to speak with other tongues.
"but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you."  John 15:16-17.

At the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gave them complete power. Go and bear fruit, and "Whatever" you ask in My name will be given to you.. whatever is eternal and redeemable in God's creation. With this bountiful gifts and with the power of the Holy Spirit, "that your fruit should remain" John 15:16 
On the first Pentecost, St. Peter managed to bring three thousands people to Christ during his first sermon.
"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."  Acts 2:41

Peter's sermon focused on two prophetic themes:

1 - The promised Coming of The Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:14 & 21)
2 - The Resurrection of Christ. (Acts 2:22 & 40)
This method of preaching led directly to the multitude's repentance, baptism, and reception of the Holy Spirit ( Acts 2:38-39)


Their job was not an easy glorious task. The Lord warned them that they will find obstacles along the way. He warned them that the "WORLD" will hate and persecute them.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."  John 15:18-19

The rebellion of the world against God reveals several things:

1- While union with Christ brings love, truth and peace, it also brings persecution, because the world "HATES" love and truth " 
John 15:19"

2- The world hated Christ; therefore, it will hate all who try to be Christlike "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."  
John 15-20

3- The world hates Christ because it neither knows nor desires to know the Father. "But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me." John 15:21
"If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father."  John 15:24

4- Hatred for Jesus Christ is irrational and unreasonable, for Christ brings love and mercy; thus, Christ is hated "Without A Cause"  John 15:25

The Son sends the Holy Spirit from the Father. The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father alone. In other words, the Holy Spirit receives His eternal existence only from the Father. 
In conformity with Christ's words, the Nicene - Constantinopolitan Creed confesses belief "in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father." While the Son is begotten of the Father alone, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone; the source, the Fountainhead, of both Persons is the Father.   

The Promise of God includes both our union with Christ in Holy Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Chrismation.

May we all be always united with Christ, and fulfilled with the Holy Spirit. May the fruit of the Spirit guide us to always live with pure love, peace and truth. 
Amen!

5th Sunday - Sunday of The Only Way

CHRIST is Risen - Truly He is Risen
Khristós Anésti! Alithós Anésti!

Sundays of the Holy Fifties


Meditation on Church reading during the Holy Fifties:

The fathers of the church arranged and named Sundays of the Holy Fifties as they did with the Sundays of the Great Fasting.


 + 1st Sunday of the Holy Fifty Days  is the Sunday of Faith (Thomas Sunday)
 +  2nd is the Sunday of the Bread of Life.
 +  3rd is the Sunday of the Living water. 
 +  4th is the Sunday of the True Light.
 +  5th is the Sunday of the Only Way.
 +  6th is the Sunday of spiritual asking.
 +  7th is the Sunday the Pentecost.

5th Sunday - Sunday of The Only Way: 
John 14: 1-11

Jesus is the only way, the only path to lead us to the Father, and He is the only true source of eternal life. The way we reach the Father is forever established in the person and work of the Son. The Son is the truth because He is the unique revelation of the Father. Christ is the life who became Man so we might have life, and as He is our life, not even death can hinder us from coming to Him. Only in Christ can one come to know the Father, for only in Christ is the way of all truth and all life found.
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through  Me.”  John 14:6

The Lord Reassured us to trust and believe in Him.  He did not want us to be troubled in any way.  He promised us abundance of living accommodations around a central courtyard.  "Mansions" multitude of  blessings that await those who enter the Kingdom of God.
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  John 14: 2

To be deserving of those mansions, we must follow The Way. We have to follow in the correct path by loving God with all our hearts, praying, repenting and following Our Lord's Commandments.
‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness’. ‘Honor your father and your mother’, and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’   Matthew 19: 18-19

We must also cry with King David to our Lord for support and guidance: “Cause me to know the Way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.”   Psalm 143: 8  
“But teach us The Way of God in Truth.”   Luke 20: 21
“This man has been instructed in the Way of the Lord.”  Acts 18:25

John the Baptist was a messenger sent to prepare the Way before the Lord  “ Behold I send My Messenger, And he will prepare the way before me”  Malachi 3: 1 & Matthew 11: 10
“For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare the Ways.”  Luke  1: 76

In the Holy Liturgy the Priest ask us to lift up our minds and our hearts to the Highest. “But the path of just is like shining sun.”  Proverbs  4: 18 

To reach the way to the Father we must be obedient to the word of God.
“This is the way, walk in it,” Isaiah 30: 21
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.”  psalm 37: 23
“For the LORD Knows the way of the righteous.”  Psalm  1: 6 

We must seek eternal life, for those who live seeking material things will be away and perish from The Way. "For as heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways”   Isaiah  55: 9

 

O Jesus You are The Only Way to eternal life.  O God we lift up our soul to You. Support us and guide us to know Your Way, that we may know You and that we may find grace in Your sight. Because You said: "No one comes to the Father except through Me."  John 14: 6
“'Show me  now Your way' 'To You O Lord I lift my soul.' 'O Lord; Teach me Your Paths'”
Exodus 33:13 - Psalm 25:1 & 4 
“That where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know”  John 14: 3-4

O Jesus , let "the rough ways be smooth" "guide our feet into the way of Peace”   Luke  3: 5 & 1: 79
"Teach me Your way, O Lord,  And lead me in a smooth path," "And lead me in the Way everlasting."  Psalms 27:11 & 139: 24
"For all His Ways are justice."  Deuteronomy 32:4
"His ways are everlasting."  Habakkuk 3:6

O Lord, You are The Way. Because through you we achieved peace and happiness, we gained the knowledge of Your teaching and guidance, through You, God and man are reconciled. Smooth our paths O Lord that we may find grace in Your sight.  Amen!

Verses and Fathers Sayings

Let not mercy and truth forsake you
Pro. 3: 3


St. John Chrysostom Saying

For mercifulness is… a protector of those
who labor at it. For it is dear to God,
and ever stands near Him readily asking
favor for whomsoever it will

St. John Chrysostom

Justice