Two Are Better Than One, and a Threefold Cord Is Not Quickly Broken
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflected on the biblical verse: “Two are better than one, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken,” explaining that spiritual life is not based on one separate element, but on fellowship and integration between more than one aspect.
His Holiness explained that true fasting is not merely a bodily abstinence from food, but the participation of the spirit with the body in worship, because the body alone is not enough, but it must be accompanied by the spirit of repentance, purity, and strengthening of the will.
He also clarified that prostrations, metanias, and church rituals are not beneficial if they are limited only to outward movements, but the heart and mind must bow together with the body in humility and reverence before God.
He confirmed that prayer is not merely words that are spoken, but it must be accompanied by understanding of the meanings of prayer and sincere feelings of the heart such as faith, humility, and contrition, so that the prayer may become real and accepted before God.
He also spoke about reading the Holy Bible, explaining that reading alone is not enough, but understanding and practical application must be added to it, because hearing without action does not lead to a true spiritual life.
His Holiness pointed to the importance of bringing God into every relationship and every work, for when a person gathers with his brother and with God, this becomes the “threefold cord” that is not quickly broken, whether in service, love, giving, or social relationships.
He also emphasized that good works alone are not enough unless the Holy Spirit participates in them, because man is not saved by human effort alone, but through fellowship with the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit within him.
In the spiritual and intellectual aspect, he explained that the wise person does not look at matters from one angle only, but gathers all aspects, verses, and thoughts together in order to reach sound understanding away from extremism or bias.
In the end, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III called for an integrated life in which the person is connected with God in everything, so that the human will may unite with the will of God, and spiritual life becomes built on love, work, and divine grace together.
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