Discipleship – Part 2

Main Idea

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about a type of discipleship that a person can learn through nature and events, because a person who wants to learn can find a lesson in everything around him. Nature reveals an amazing and precise order, as the earth, moon, and stars move in continuous regularity, teaching a person order, activity, and perseverance in work. Nature also demonstrates the meaning of obedience and carrying out a will, as creation follows the order established by God without rebellion or concern for people’s opinions.

Spiritual Message

The order of nature teaches us to live an organized life and to perform our duties faithfully without making other people’s opinions of us our primary concern. Nature also presents a lesson in serving others, as the rain, moon, planets, and other elements fulfill their roles for the benefit of others rather than for their own personal benefit. Nature also gives us an example of teamwork and cooperation, where every element performs its role and the different roles work together until the goal is achieved.

Educational Lesson

The talk emphasizes that wisdom can be found in things that may seem very simple; the tree teaches a person wisdom by providing shade in summer and allowing sunlight in winter, while the root provides a great lesson in self-denial and hiding virtues because it carries the entire tree without being visible to people. A person can also learn from animals, birds, and insects, learning activity from the ant and the bee, simplicity from the dove, wisdom from the serpent, and even benefiting from negative situations or mistakes that he sees in others.

Practical Application

The Nile River provides an example of perseverance; a great work may begin with a small drop, a long journey begins with a step, and persistence can create a path even through rock. Therefore, a person should not fear difficulties or despair because of his weakness, but should continue working and remain steadfast on the path of virtue. The talk encourages a person to look at everything around him with a contemplative eye, because whoever wants to learn will find a benefit and a lesson in everything. It also calls us to imitate the faith and contentment of the birds, avoiding excessive concern about storing things and worrying about the future, but trusting in God’s care and providence.

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