Steps on the Path to God – Contrition of the Heart
In this lecture, Pope Shenouda III explains that the first true step on the path to God is repentance, and that repentance is not merely a temporary stage, but a continuous life that accompanies a person throughout his entire life. He confirms that the beginning of the correct spiritual path is built upon contrition of heart and the feeling of unworthiness before God.
The Main Idea
Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that a person cannot repent unless he feels his sins, and that the most dangerous thing that can affect the soul is self-righteousness or thinking that it has reached perfection. The contrite person before God always sees himself in need of mercy and forgiveness.
True Contrition
The truly repentant person lives in holy shame before God and continually remembers his weakness and falls without despair, but with a spirit of humility and love. The more a person humbles himself, the more God reveals to him the depths of his soul and his sins in order to purify him and lead him into a life of holiness.
The Danger of Spiritual Pride
The lecture warns against moving quickly from a life of sin to feelings of worthiness or pride in service and spiritual gifts. Spiritual pride leads a person to downfall, while humility keeps him steadfast on the spiritual path.
Spiritual Examples
Pope Shenouda III reviewed examples from the Holy Bible such as the tax collector, the Prophet David, and the Apostle Paul, showing how they lived in continual contrition despite receiving the grace of God. He also mentioned sayings of the holy fathers confirming that humility is the foundation of all virtues.
The Spiritual Message
The path to God begins with humility and continues with humility. The person who keeps his heart away from pride and lives in continual contrition receives the grace of God, and the Lord preserves him from falling. True holiness is never separated from continual repentance and the deep feeling of God’s love and mercy.
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