• on August 11, 2021

Glimpses of Eternity in Christ

Had you ever thought that you could hold on to a single moment in time and that by seizing it you could secure your life?
(The thief’s confession on the cross before Jesus on the Cross).
‘Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ‘Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Luke 23 vs.42-43)

Had you ever looked in the mirror hoping to see your reflection but instead saw another face?
(Hypocrisy).
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
(Matthew 23 vs 25)

Had you ever looked for the admiration of others without knowing your own place?
(Pride).
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16 vs. 18)

Had you ever seen your life as a certainty and then the mystery of time stole all that you had?
(Material possessions).
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3 v. 17)

Had you ever wondered how in your dreams you sought to find a way into the meaning of life?
(The Prodigal son and the need to return to God).
“this son of mine was dead and is now alive again; he was lost and is now found.”
(Luke 15 vs. 24)

Had you ever imagined what was powerful and stable but later found that it was barely hanging by a thin thread?
(The transiency of life without God).
But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6 vs.49)

Had you ever recalled precious moments that were not of you and free from all constraint when you were immersed in spiritual joy without restraint?
(The Grace of God in you).
For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2 vs. 8-9)

Had you ever experienced moments that afforded freedom from time and all tyranny so that you could see greater things than that which had already passed?
(The experience of the soul after Confession and the reality of the absolution of sins).
“Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. (John 8 vs.24)

Had you ever recalled the time when you entered adulthood without notice so you then sought to once again take the child’s place?
(Purity of heart).
And Jesus said to them: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18 vs.3)

Had you ever recalled the time when you were wide awake thinking about what moment you had fallen asleep?
(The life of reality and fantasy).
“Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
(Ephesians 5 vs.14)

Had you ever contemplated the time you spent in outer space?
(The world of delusion).
“And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.”
(2 Thessalonians 2 vs.11)

After this had you experienced a moment in time that allowed you to re-enter your inner space?
(Spiritual life, repentance and the life of the Church)
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4 vs.17)

And do you remember the time when your feet finally touched the ground?
(God is Truth).
“Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”. (John 8: vs.32)

And how much better that feeling was than when you were above the clouds?
(God is Reality).
“These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2 vs.17)

Do you remember the time that seemingly remained the same and for that moment there was no movement, just the stillness ensued, and change was arrested for all time?
(Glimpses of eternity).
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3 vs.13)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelations 21:4)

Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou
August 2021

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