Let It Be to Me According to Your Word
Main Idea
The lecture revolves around the phrase “Let it be to me according to Your word” as a way of spiritual life based on complete surrender to God’s will, without murmuring or mental argument, but with faith and meekness of heart.
Surrender in the Life of the Virgin Mary
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents the Virgin Mary as a living example of surrender. She never planned to be a mother nor desired this role, yet she accepted God’s will saying: Let it be to me according to Your word. This surrender continued throughout her life: from the Annunciation, to leaving the Temple, to fleeing to Egypt, and even standing before the Cross.
Biblical Examples of Surrender
His Holiness presents many biblical examples that confirm the same meaning, such as:
- Abraham, who obeyed without discussion, whether leaving his land or offering his son.
- Jacob, who thought goodness was in what he loved, but God’s will revealed otherwise.
- Elijah, Jeremiah, Moses, Joseph, and David, who walked in paths they did not choose, yet they were God’s path for them.
- Jonah, who tried to flee, then returned to surrender after discipline.
The Danger of Relying on Human Wisdom
The teaching emphasizes that human wisdom often stands against obedience, and when a person is wise in his own eyes, he rejects God’s will. Therefore, it warns against debating God’s will with a proud mind and calls for humility of heart.
The Essence of Spiritual Life
A life of surrender requires:
- Humility of heart
- Obedience
- Faith
- Simplicity
A simple person entrusts all matters to God with joy, while the overly rational person exhausts himself without benefit.
Conclusion
His Holiness calls us all to live with this spirit: to say to God in every circumstance, whether joy or pain: Let it be to me according to Your word, trusting that all things work together for good for those who love God.
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