Not Looking at What Is Seen but at What Is Unseen
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture confirms that true spiritual life is based on looking at the unseen things through faith, and not being occupied only with visible things perceived by the senses. The believing person lives with the hope of eternity and trusts in the hidden work of God, because what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Faith versus the Senses
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the senses perceive what is visible and material, while faith deals with what is unseen. The people before the Red Sea saw danger, but Moses the prophet believed in the power of God that is unseen. Likewise, in the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, the disciples looked at the limited possibilities, while the Lord Christ saw the unlimited power of God.
The Power of Faith in Facing Circumstances
Biblical history shows that those who look at what is unseen live in reassurance. David did not look at the physical strength of Goliath but at the power of God. Elisha saw heavenly armies surrounding them while his servant did not see them until God opened his eyes. Thus the believer is reassured because God works even if His works are not seen by the eye.
The Difference between the Body and the Spirit
Looking at what is seen makes a person focus on the needs and comfort of the body, but looking at what is unseen makes a person care about the rest and salvation of the soul. Therefore a person may become physically tired in service or worship, yet finds deep spiritual rest.
Visible Worship and Inner Worship
The spiritual teaching confirms that visible practices such as fasting, prostrations, and prayer are not the goal in themselves, but the important thing is the inner condition of the heart. A person may fast bodily but does not restrain himself internally, or pray with many words while his heart is not present before God.
Earthly Things versus Heavenly Things
Earthly things are what are seen such as money and earthly glory, but they are temporary. What is unseen is the Kingdom and the eternal heavenly glory. Therefore saints such as Saint Anthony left the world seeking spiritual riches, while others lost the Kingdom because they clung to material things.
The True Glory
Earthly glory is visible and temporary, but heavenly glory is unseen yet eternal. Therefore the saints did not seek titles or praise, but cared about what is written in heaven rather than what is written in earthly history.
The Spiritual Message
The spiritual person directs his heart toward God who is unseen, and places his hope in eternal life. True faith leads a person to focus on what is inward and spiritual, not on external appearances or temporary achievements.
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