The Series on Spiritual Obstacles – Trials and Tribulations
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III addresses the subject of trials and afflictions in the Christian life, explaining that they are not merely beneficial matters but are also part of the spiritual path leading to the Kingdom of Heaven. He emphasizes that the Lord Jesus called believers to enter through the narrow gate, carry the cross, and follow Him every day. He explains that human life on earth is limited, whereas eternal life never ends; therefore, believers should care more about eternal glory than temporary earthly comfort. He also explains that suffering endured for the sake of righteousness and the Lord can be a path to blessing, crowns, and heavenly glory.
Spiritual Message
The Pope teaches us that the trials God permits have important spiritual characteristics: they are good trials rather than an invitation to sin, they remain within a person’s capacity to endure, and they are accompanied by God’s help and strength. He emphasizes that God provides a way out along with the trial, even if a person cannot see the solution at the present time. Trials also generally last for a limited period, and all things work together for good for those who love God. The Pope gives examples from the Bible, such as Job the Righteous, Joseph the Righteous, the apostles, and the saints, explaining that God did not abandon His children in their afflictions but was with them and helped them. He stresses that the fundamental principle is that God does not always prevent trials from coming upon us, but He is with us in them and delivers us from them according to His wisdom.
Educational Lesson
The Pope explains that trials may come to all people, whether they live in the world or in monastic life, and that they may occur even after holy spiritual occasions. He explains that a trial is not evidence that God has abandoned a person; rather, it can be an opportunity for faith, patience, and spiritual steadfastness to grow. He also distinguishes between suffering endured for the sake of righteousness and suffering resulting from sin, emphasizing that blessedness is associated with suffering for righteousness. He presents the life of the Lord Jesus, who suffered without sin, as the perfect example of enduring suffering and remaining steadfast in it. He also explains that the saints and martyrs received their crowns because of their faithfulness and endurance, and that the value of affliction depends on a person’s spiritual attitude toward it.
Practical Application
The Pope calls every person to ask themselves how much effort they make for the Lord and how prepared they are to carry the cross and deny themselves. He advises believers to endure afflictions with patience and contentment, and to stay away from grumbling, despair, and doubt in God’s love. He also encourages them to think about the solution to the affliction and the hope that accompanies it instead of focusing only on its pain. He emphasizes the necessity of remaining steadfast during trials and not surrendering if a person stumbles, but rather returning to the path through God’s grace. He asks believers to maintain an open heart, inner peace, and trust in God’s help, knowing that behind every affliction there is a blessing and that God is able to turn it toward good. In this way, Christians learn to live with faith and hope, awaiting eternal glory and holding fast to the Lord under all circumstances.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
