Afflictions and Happiness

About Bishop St. Theophane the Recluse

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September 1 (14)

Gal. 4:8-21; Mk. 6:45-53

"Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid" [Mk. 6:50]. Such is the basis of our hope! No matter what kind of affliction or grief befalls you, remember that the Lord is nigh and cheer yourself up through courageous endurance. Just as He appeared before the Apostles when they were perishing at the sea, He will also, all of a sudden, reach out to help and protect you in your trouble.

He is everywhere; at an instance He can come to your rescue - but only if you turn to Him in faith, in prayer, in hope, in submission to His holy will. Then the Lord will unite with your spirit, bringing about all kinds of good. But don't expect well­being, honor, glory and all that sort of earthly things to come your way at an instance. External circumstances might remain unchanged; what you will gain is courage and gratitude in any state of affairs which the Lord has ordained for you. And this is surely the most important thing to be sought by anyone in affliction.

Happiness is inside rather than outside. If we are in a living union with the Lord, we will always find that precious inner bliss.

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