Monastic life, tranquillity and prayer – His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s address at Abu Makar Monastery
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the value of monasticism and the life of quiet that the monastery offers as a spiritual foundation for experiencing God’s presence in daily life. He mentions that his visit to the monastery was in the capacity of a monk seeking the blessing of monastic life and its purity.
Main idea
The essence repeatedly stated by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III is that monastic life is not an escape from the world but a school of inner quiet and purity of heart so that a person becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit. The external quiet of the monastery must be met by inner quiet in the heart, mind, and senses.
Spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)
Monasticism is considered a service to the church through prayer and contemplation; His Holiness explains that the existence of pure hearts filled with God’s Spirit can save an entire community as he referred to biblical examples (Abraham, Moses, Noah). True spiritual work is the maturation of the heart to bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, and peace.
Practical elements and requirements
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Regulating the senses and closing their doors to distractions so that the mind may quiet.
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Keeping time of stillness and worship even if for short periods.
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Dedicating oneself to prayer as a ministry that supports the church and affects the salvation of the community.
Call and application
His Holiness calls monks and every believer to make God present within them — to live in love, joy, and inner peace, and to trust in God’s ability which makes everything possible for the believer. Living with God makes life effective and impactful.
Conclusion
The final message emphasizes that monasticism and the life of prayer and contemplation are not luxuries but a spiritual necessity for the church and the world: a single pure heart is able to change the fates of many, and God responds to hearts of love and faith.
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