His Holiness explains that contemplation is a deep gaze that surpasses ordinary thought and material senses. It is a spiritual insight that sees God in everything. Contemplation can be a gift from the Holy Spirit or a trained habit that teaches one to extract spiritual lessons from material things.

Degrees of Contemplation

It begins with a sensory view, then moves to recognizing God’s power, and finally to seeing His care for each person. For example, by contemplating lilies or ravens, one can see God’s providence and love even for the smallest creatures, strengthening faith and trust in Him.

Drawing the Spiritual from the Material

Pope Shenouda invites believers to find spiritual meaning in everything they see — in nature or daily life. The fire that welds metal can symbolize divine trials that purify the soul; the difference between vehicles can teach that all have unique roles in God’s plan.

Fruits of Contemplation

Contemplation opens the mind to divine knowledge, makes the spirit fertile, and fills the heart with light. Those who contemplate find joy in the Word of God, in nature, and in history, for everything becomes a reflection of God’s wisdom.

Contemplation in the Bible

He emphasizes reading Scripture contemplatively, not superficially. In the verse “Let there be light,” the believer can see God’s call to illuminate the inner darkness, transforming reading into living prayer and personal renewal.

Types of Contemplation

He mentions many forms: in nature, God’s attributes, virtues, saints’ lives, history, psalms, prayers, and God’s providence in the world. Every moment can be an opportunity for contemplation.

Contemplation as a Spiritual Discipline

Contemplation is a continuous spiritual training that helps one recognize God’s hand in everything. It nourishes the soul, strengthens faith, and renews the mind, leading the believer to live deeply in God’s presence.

Conclusion

His Holiness teaches that everyone can contemplate; the key is to direct the mind toward God. Just as the sinner contemplates sin until it fills his thought, the believer should contemplate God and His word until his heart is filled with peace and spiritual light.

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