Topic of the talk: The sufferings of Christ in Holy Week and their spiritual meaning

His Holiness Pope Shenouda mentions that the sufferings of Christ in Holy Week revealed the power of His love and human weakness at the same time, and that the sufferings of Christ were not an isolated event but an extension of His whole life full of pain for humanity.

The sufferings of Christ as an embodiment of redeeming love

His whole life was pain: from the birth and Herod’s threat, then the years of ministry and what He faced of accusations and persecutions from the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and the leaders of the people. The sufferings of the cross are understood as a continuation of Christ’s offering with mourning and bodily weakness.

Human nature’s weakness and the need for consolation in Christ

The saint teaches that human nature is weak and changeable, and that fear, weakness and betrayal appeared even in the disciples and the righteous, yet Christ stood with the sufferers and called the suffering to suffer with Him so that they may also be glorified. Whoever fled the distress fled from God, and sufferings are a field of spiritual formation and growth.

The benefits of admitting one’s spiritual and psychological weakness

Admitting one’s weakness leads to humility that attracts God’s grace and help, and makes the person walk cautiously and with reverence, ask for counsel and prayer, and avoid causes of falling. The humble who knows his weakness prays continuously, asks for God’s concealment and strength, and relies on the sacrament of anointing and the Holy Spirit.

The attitude of the weak servant in Christian service

The servant who feels his weakness is calmer and gentler in dealings, does not harshly condemn but comforts and strengthens souls, involves God in his work and gives all glory to God. As for the strong who relies on himself he may become proud and fall.

Call to practice: prayer, humility, supporting the weak

The practical solution is to confess weakness, ask for the church’s prayers, keep vigil in prayer, seek humble counsel, and avoid the occasions of sin. Divine grace surrounds and supports the weak — “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him” — so our concern should be to console the afflicted and encourage the weak, not to judge them.

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