Reformers Who Failed in Reform
The Lamenters
Many participated in reform and failed, because they did not walk in reform through a sound spiritual path.
Among these are: the lamenters.
These weep over the Church without doing anything for it!
Their way is to speak about the errors in mourning and complaint, and they sigh over the old days, being satisfied only with sighing and lamentation, without having any positive action.
They may even become accustomed to weeping, even when there is no reason that calls for it…
They constantly have the gloomy, regretful look that overflows with pain.
These do not look at the white points that bring joy…
Nor do they have the cheerful and optimistic heart, filled with hope, filled with faith, confident in the work of God and His intervention… Their lives are devoid of joy. If they see good, they do not rejoice in it; rather they expect that it will not last, and they grieve over its lack of permanence, according to their gloomy outlook.
The lamenters have failed because they are not practical in reform. And because people cannot go along with them in the policy of weeping.
If you see a fire, be certain that your weeping will not extinguish this fire, but rather your serious positive work in extinguishing it.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Kiraza Magazine – Year Eight (Issue Nine) – 4-3-1977
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