A Word About Being Whole – Al Raha Beach Theatre – Abu Dhabi, UAE

The meeting begins with a welcoming speech from the Egyptian ambassador to the UAE, who expressed his great joy at the visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, considering it a historic event reflecting the deep brotherly ties between Egypt and the UAE. He praised the UAE’s wise leadership and its values of love and cooperation.

Beginning of Pope Shenouda III’s speech

His Holiness begins by thanking the ambassador for his kind words and expresses his gratitude for the warm welcome and love he received during his visit to the UAE. He speaks with special appreciation about Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the nation, describing him as a great man who built a lasting civilizational and spiritual legacy. He also thanks the UAE leadership for their care and attention.

The main spiritual idea: A call to perfection

His Holiness reflects deeply on the verse:

“Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

He explains that the perfection meant here is not the absolute perfection that belongs to God alone, but the relative perfection that a person can reach according to his ability and the grace working within him.

The meaning of Christian perfection

• Perfection is a continuous striving toward a pure spiritual life, beginning with repentance and growing through virtues.

• Repentance is not merely abandoning sin but hating it inwardly and removing its love from the heart.

• The perfect person seeks to do good positively, not just avoid evil.

The path of spiritual growth

• The journey begins with sincere repentance.

• A believer must continually train himself, examine his heart, and control his tongue, thoughts, and emotions.

• His Holiness explains that divine grace supports all who truly wish to walk this path, because “virtue only needs you to want it.”

Degrees of spiritual growth

• Each person has a different degree in heaven according to his striving on earth.

• Whoever seeks a great reward in eternity must labor earnestly in his earthly life.

• No one should think that the commandments are too difficult, for God’s grace helps those who try.

Continuous repentance

• Repentance remains open to every person as long as he lives in the body.

• Each one must constantly review his actions, confess his sins, and struggle to abandon them.

• His Holiness encourages reading the lives of the saints as inspiration for spiritual progress.

Conclusion

Pope Shenouda concludes with a call to spiritual awakening, reminding that even the greatest saints saw themselves as just beginning their journey. This humility should inspire all believers to keep striving toward righteousness and spiritual perfection.

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