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Forget What is Behind
H.H. POPE SHENOUDA III
St. Paul the Apostle said,
"...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those
things which are ahead. I press towards the goal." (Phil.3 :13). By referring
to what is behind St. Paul did not mean sins but righteousness; that he put
his virtues behind and was pressing forward.
Therefore, it justifies the saying, "A good man forgets all the good deeds
that he has done as he is too busy in the good deeds that he is still
doing..."
The saints never put their good deeds in front of them, but behind. They
forget such deeds and never talk about them. And if it happens that somebody
mention their deeds in their presence, they change the subject so that this
person would forget this too...
If they remember their good deeds, they might feel self-satisfaction about
their present state and forget about the work of grace in them. But if they
forget these deeds and remember nothing but God's grace that works in them,
then they will reach forward, feeling that there are wide spheres ahead of
them, leading to the desired perfection...
I wish you would forget the past completely, not only the righteousness you
did in it but also all hardships and troubles you faced therein. Forget also
the evil which spoils the purity of the heart when you remember... Instead of
that, reach forward in positive steps towards the love of God... and towards
eternity...
Poor are those who limit their thoughts to the past with all its troubles,
mistakes or its sweet dreams. There would not be any time or strength left for
them to do something for the future.
They talk about the beauty of the past, the greatness of the past, either
boasting in it or grieving over it. As for the present, there is nothing about
it, it does not exist, the same goes with the future... etc.
The beautiful past cannot satisfy you if the present is troublesome.
Therefore, do not live on sweet memories but reach forward. Let your present
always be better than your past...
Do not remember from the past except what could make your present better and
gives you a push forward in repentance or in growth...
You Yourself Be Good News
People need one who makes them
happy and alleviates their troubles. With the hope that he has, he can let in
light to shine amidst their tribulations making them disappear and giving a
new hope...
You too, be like that. If you have a joyful word, give it to people. If you
have inconvenient word, postpone uttering it in order not to cause trouble to
others.
Blessed are the words of the Bible, "How beautiful are the feet of those who
bring glad tidings of good things." (Rom.10 :15).
Be cheerful with everyone and do your utmost to spread happiness among people.
Meet people with a gentle smile and a sweet word, for people do not like
frowning or angry looks that make them lose the peace of heart and quietness.
Make people happy to meet you, make them feel that you bring them joy and that
your arrival is good news to them.
Look how people draw a good omen and rejoice in a happy word that they read in
the horoscope or fortune-book. It could fill their heart with joy and boost
their morale although nobody knows the future except God. What made them happy
was nothing but a word...
Can't you see that the word Gospel means Good News?! Preaching the Gospel was
the announcing of the Good News which the Angel gave to the shepherds, "I
bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." (Luke 2:10).
Look how the Lord Jesus Christ said to the people, "Come to me all you who
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt.11 :28).
So, if you are unable to carry people's burdens, at least do not cause them
troubles.
Look how the photographers ask people to smile before they take their photo.
They want the picture to be a happy one. You too should be smiling so that
your face might be a source of joy for people...
Some wrongly think that religion means a gloomy face and that gloominess
indicates seriousness! Religion is in fact joy, and gentleness and joy are the
fruits of the Spirit. (Gal.5 :22).
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