Sunday, November 14, 2010

The hope we are given

Unusually for me,

I stayed home to continue my recovery,

instead of going to Sunday Liturgy.

It is, however, good to rest,

knowing that I have my spiritual father's blessing to do so

and that the prayers of the church were going on.

Read this beautiful quote:

"As the unborn babe in his mother's womb is not at once fashioned into a man,

but the image is formed by degree and born, and even then is not full grown,

but takes many years to develop and become a man;

and again,

as the seeds of barely or of wheat do not rot the moment they are put into

the ground, but cold and wind pass over them,

and then in due time the ears form;

and the man who plants a pear tree does not at once

partake of the fruit; so likewise in spiritual things, where there is so much

wisdom and delicacy employed, it is only little by little that a man

grows and comes to a prefect man, to the measure of stature

(Eph 4:13), not as some say, "Off with one coat, and on with another."

-Saints Barsanuphius and John

(from the 2007 Daily Lives, Miracles and Wisdom of the Saints

and Fasting Calendar for November 1st).

Also today, I read this by St. Nikolai Velimirovic,
about Holy Communion:
"Children take milk from their mothers, which is the mother's
flesh and blood, and by that food their bodies grow.
Similarly, we are taking Christ's flesh and blood in communion,
and by that food our souls are growing and ripening."
*
What blessings and hope God gives us in the Church!

6 comments:

. said...

Thank you for sharing those thoughts. I love the quote by St. Nikolai Velimirovic. It's a beautiful comparison and one I can relate to. Sorry you are still feeling sick and had to miss Liturgy. But I hope you did get some rest and will feel better soon! :)

E Helena E said...

Beautiful words for growth and hope. I was praying for you at my other church today.

Molly Sabourin said...

Oh Elizabeth, those photos and quotes are such a feast for the soul. Thank you for sharing them!

elizabeth said...

Thanks Sarah! yes, it is so beautiful, St. Nikolai's words... thanks for your well-wishes and love!

Thanks so much E-H, I need the prayers! Yes, thank God for words of hope...

Thanks Molly for your kindness and encouragment! I felt uplifted by your words, thank you.

Elizabeth @ The Garden Window said...

Lovely quotes.

I am so sorry you are poorly.My prayersa for a speedy recovery, and take good care of yourself. I hope Cleo is giving you lots of cuddles.

margaret said...

I too like the St Nikolai Velimirovic quote - and the photos are as always a treat for the eyes.

I hope you are feeling better. I too stayed home from church feeling unwell but I never even thought to ask my sf's blessing :( perhaps that is why I felt so emotionally ill as well. Thank you for reminding me of what I should have done.