As the candle gives its own light to illuminate a person in the darkness, so also must the light of the virtues, the light of love and peace, characterize a Christian. The wax that melts, symbolizes the flame of our love for our fellow men. ~ St. Symeon of Thessaloniki
Our souls are as noetic candles of fire and light. May we, with God’s help, exude His Divine Warmth and Illumination upon others in our daily lives.
Set our hearts on fire with love for Thee O Christ our God, so that in its flame we may love Thee with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul and with all our strength, and our neighbours as ourselves, so that by keeping Thy commandments we may glorify Thee, the Giver of all good Gifts. ~ Unknown
O Lord, enlighten my darkness. ~ St. Gregory Palamas
As the burning candle illuminates the darkness, so must the light of Christ within us shine before men that God’s name be glorified. ~ St. Symeon of Thessaloniki
An Affinity of Apple Blossoms Vie in Tandem for Sunshine
The Old English word frēond is the source of the word friend – which means to love, like, honour, to set free from slavery or confinement.
On the flip side of the coin, the Old English word fēond, (frēond WITHOUT an “R”) meant fiend – an enemy, foe, hater, reviler, devilish. These two completely opposite Old English words are separated by just one letter, as they continue today in modern English.
Throughout my life and like most people, I’ve experienced the many degrees of kith and kin friendships – including affinity of neighbours, classmates, acquaintances, and coworkers. But, I’ve found the most true, meaningful, and lasting of friendships are those rooted in a deep, spiritual bond. Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ unites us in understanding and purpose… To help us grow together toward the Light… To help us Bloom and acquire the Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit… To help us become the friends of God. What a Friend we have in Jesus! His Amazing Love never changes! Thank you Oh most Holy Trinity our God! Glory be to Thee!
God loves us more than a father, mother, friend, or any else could love, and even more than we are able to love ourselves. ~ St. John Chrysostom
A faithful friend is beyond price, since he regards his friend’s misfortunes as his own, and suffers with him, sharing his trials until death. ~ St. Maximus the Confessor
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24
The genuiness of a friend is shown at a time of trial, if he shares the distress you suffer. ~ St. Thalassios the Libyan
Concern yourself only that you have God for a friend, and do not be afraid of anything. Behold, He is your only friend Who loves you without change. ~ St. Nikolai Velimirovich
Patience adorns the soul with diamonds which are not of the earth, but belong to the Jerusalem that is above. Patience is a sweet word. Patience is a sweet breath. Patience is an invincible weapon. Patience is a priceless adornment of man. Patience is a blessing of God. Patience is love and obedience. Patience increases when a person takes God into account. ~ St. Raphael of Lesvos
There is no greater love than that a man lays down his life for his neighbour. When you hear someone complaining and you struggle with yourself and do not answer them back with complaints; when you are hurt and bear it patiently, not looking for revenge; then you are laying down your life for your neighbour. ~ Abba Poemen
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. ~ St. Matthew 18:20
Set our hearts on fire with love for You, O Christ our God, so that in its flame we may love You with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul and with all our strength, and our neighbours as ourselves, so that by keeping Your commandments we may glorify You, the giver of all good gifts. ~ A Prayer For Lighting a Candle
Let us continue with God’s help and due diligence, to do what’s needed, with brotherly love… keeping both our neighbours and ourselves safe.
Below is a refreshing, edifying video by Fr. Serafim (Isle of Mull Monastery in Scotland), on how to “wait” during these times.
This is just for now.
Silence can be a Blessing… and during quiet moments we may receive clarity. Nothing that we do is ever too small or pointless. Everything we do matters! Every moment, each decision affects not only us, but those around us.
No life is free from pain or heartache. With faith, it is through the struggle of troubles that we grow. When trusting in God’s plan for us, through His great goodness He helps us weather our weaknesses.
We can’t rely on our own strength to live life the way God has called us to.
We need to allow ourselves to depend on Him, to ask His help.
For “…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:10
In a recent chaotic situation when my Frustrameter Gage red-lined, I literally had to pause, take a breath and say (through clenched teeth), “Okay! I don’t want to, but I’ll accept this,” and I gave my problem back to God. This choice became an unexpected opportunity for joy… and the so-called difficult issue had actually been a superficial perception.
Christ Himself is Joy, Light and Happiness. He is our Hope. Our Everything. Our Heart. Our Mind.
When we can remember to let Him, He is the Joy that transforms us into different people… People who can truly love their neighbours even when they’re weed-eating dandelions on their lawn, before the crack of dawn – (bless their cotton socks). People who can truly love their brethren and everyone, including those who aren’t kind to them… this is part of loving of Christ.
When we consciously choose joy and acceptance in the midst of turmoil, when we find and celebrate joy in the smallest of things, the precious lamps of our souls begin to shine! We are not at the end of something – we are at the beginning of something else! Something greater. Something better!
…“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Joy is thankfulness, and when we are joyful, that is the best expression of thanks we can offer the Lord, Who delivers us from sorrow and sin.” ~ Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica
When we receive the wonderful grace of God, we need nothing else.
