The Unseen
This lecture presents a biblical and spiritual call for a person to direct his attention toward what is unseen, not toward what is seen, because visible things are temporary and passing, while unseen things are eternal and lasting.
The Unseen in Christian Faith
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that what is unseen includes God Himself, because He is Spirit, as well as heaven, angels, the human soul, and all spiritual and theological realities. These truths are not perceived by physical senses but by faith.
Body and Soul
The teaching emphasizes that the body is seen and temporary, while the soul is unseen and eternal. Therefore, the Christian is called to care for the soul, not the body, because focusing only on the body leads to the loss of spiritual life.
Biblical Examples
Many biblical examples are presented such as Moses, David, Abraham, Noah, and Joseph the Righteous, showing how they looked to what is unseen and became people of faith, preferring eternity over the fading glory of the world.
The Danger of Focusing on the Visible
It explains that the first sin began by looking at what is seen, and that love of the world and its desires distances a person from God, because the world is what is seen, while God is known through faith.
Blessing and Grace
Blessing, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit are all unseen realities, yet their effects are experienced in life. God’s blessing, the authority of the sacraments, and divine grace are unseen powers but effective.
Church Sacraments
The lecture points out that the sacraments of the Church, such as Baptism, Chrismation, Priesthood, and the Eucharist, contain divine works that are unseen by the eye, yet received by faith and transforming the person inwardly.
Spiritual Conclusion
The true believer is the one who sees with the eye of faith, trusts in what is unseen, lives on earth without being enslaved by material things, awaits eternity, and holds fast to God’s hidden work in his life.
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