Our Common Enemy
It is not our persecutors and detractors who are our enemies
By Abbot Tryphon, November 30, 2019
Sometimes the humiliation we experience at the hands of others can be daunting, to say the least. Those moments when we are confronted with hatred, sometimes based on the jealousy of another, are often the most difficult to bear, for we know the origins of the abuse, and naturally want to strike back at the abuser. But those are usually the moments when we have the most to gain, for it is usually these experiences that help bring about the humble heart, which is ultimately what is needed to gain the peaceful and contrite heart needed for salvation.
Whatever the circumstances in which we find ourselves treated badly, God is giving us an opportunity to gain the freedom that comes from acquiring humility. Whatever our job, whichever task we are asked to perform, whatever life places before us, these are all occasions for us to give thanks to God. It is when we are willing to embrace these sad and unfair moments with a trusting heart, and a willingness to please God with our response, that our heart becomes one step closer to gaining true humility. And, it is this humble heart that will open the doors to the “peace that passes all understanding”.
These are also the moments when we are called to pray for our persecutors and detractors, for their malevolent treatment of us will bring down God’s judgment upon them, and their own salvation will be at stake. When these moments come our way, it is best to remember that our persecutors are not the enemy, but rather, it is the enemy of us all, Satan himself. If we chose to fight back against our detractors, it is the Enemy of our salvation, the devil, who will ultimately win.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/11/our-common-enemy/.
Peace of Heart
Disappointments are meaningless when we have peace of heart
By Abbot Tryphon, December 2, 2019
We often find ourselves disappointed in life. The job we really wanted is given to another person. An associate at work doesn’t invite us to the dinner party, yet invited a coworker and his wife. A person we’d love to have as a friend shows no interest and we feel rejected. The music director at church doesn’t allow us to join the choir. Someone much younger gets the promotion, along with an increase in salary. You get the idea.
If we have peace in our heart, all these disappointments are meaningless. The man who has peace in his heart gives thanks to God for all things. Even illnesses and poverty can be embraced if we see all as allowed by God because He loves us and grants just what we need for our salvation.
When we approach all that comes our way with a gladsome heart, we gain that which is most profitable. The treasure that is ours is one that cannot be taken away. Not even death can deprive us of this treasure. If we give glory to God for all things, a peaceful heart will be ours.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/12/peace-of-heart-2/.
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