Eternity in Perspective

Written originally on December 9th, 2020

Today's modern world does not equip us for the eternal tomorrow.

I have recently heard of the loss of many people dear and close to us in our Coptic Orthodox Congregation. May the Lord repose all their souls in the paradise of joy, a place where pain, sorrow, and groaning have fled in the light of God's infinite glory.

Many times we find ourselves carried and swayed into persuasion that the only life we have is now. We tend to forget that eternity is ever closer than before. During the early years of the Church, many thought that the kingdom of God would appear immediately, but that is not what happened. Indeed, the gospel must first be preached to all nations and tongues before the world begins to end. Indeed, almost 1900 years later, the gospel is still finding its home in many people's hearts that did not know a thing about God.

Now is the time to live a godly life! Now is the time to live a life pleasing to God! For St Paul says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2nd Corinthians 6:2).

As this year ends and we begin tonight the vigils of the blessed month of Kiahk, we are left to understand that the year, with its memories and pains, will also soon end. So choose to live for the accepted time which is NOW!

St Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, states that "The fear of the Lord and faith prepare you for everything, such as losing your possessions, painful maladies, and severe hurt from the departure of a wife or children or the death of a loved one. Do not allow events as these to lead you to sin, but fight it. Do not allow it to decrease your faith or make you weak, but present your courage in tribulation."

And what a tribulation has this year been! From the loss of our beloved clergy, to the loss of our loved one from family and congregation, to the sheer pain that separation causes as we were all forced to socially distance ourselves.

As the year winds down to a close, the time to turn to God is now, for He is the only one who can help us in these times where everything is shaken.

I pray that God give you all solace and peace.

Your brother in Christ,

Mena Basta