Meditation…
And We Are Always Joyful¹

How wondrous is the inner peace that the holy apostle enjoyed in the midst of his many afflictions and the poor treatment he and his companions and fellow workers received from people!
He records some of this, saying: “As deceivers, and yet true… as dying, and behold we live; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing… as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Cor 6:8–10).
“Troubled on every side, yet not distressed… persecuted, but not forsaken” (2 Cor 4:8–9).

And the troubles that the wondrous Paul endured were not small. Rather, he was “in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,” surrounded by dangers on every side: from the Jews, from the Gentiles, and from false brethren (2 Cor 11). And he met all this with joy and gladness, saying: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor 12:10).

This marvelous joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling in Paul. For among the fruits of the Spirit are “love, joy, peace” (Gal 5:22). This joy is given by the Lord to all who labor with Him, for thus He promised them: “…your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22). And He also said to them: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

The people of the world are disturbed and troubled by afflictions because they do not feel the presence of God with them. But the children of God are always joyful… and no one takes their joy from them.

Afflictions blow outside them without being able to enter into their depths. They are like great ships cutting through the ocean waves. The waves rage around them, yet they move with composure toward their goal, so long as the waters remain outside…

Beware, my brethren, lest the waters enter into yourselves: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

¹An article by His Grace Bishop Shenouda, Bishop of Education – Al-Keraza Magazine, First Year – Issue Nine – November 1965.

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