While I exist, I can accomplish all things: I can do all things through Christ who empowers me (Phlp. 4:13).
Yet herein lies mankind's true plight: when faced with numerous adversities, sorrow, difficulties, losses, and fears, the individual loses their spirit’s resolve, lowering their hands in defeat. In this state, they genuinely lose everything because they lose touch with their very selves, subsequently diminishing their strength and ability to rise again, to find the means to resist. Indeed, a person devoid of mental clarity is truly a pitiful one, detached from both heaven and earth, from the future and present life. What must be done? How can we uphold our spirit, how can we fortify ourselves, so as not to collapse amid overwhelming circumstances, unforeseen sorrows, profound falls, or irrevocable loss? We must take action; we need to engage in meaningful work. From idleness and inaction, individuals can feel discontent even in favorable circumstances, often becoming prematurely despondent. How can one remain hopeful, how can one stay spirited, when affairs are bleak and there is nothing being accomplished, when no external assistance is available and self-help is absent?
Despondency thrives when a person, strained by grief, ceases all efforts; upon losing something, they relinquish everything; when faced with failure, they are unwilling to try again; when gripped by fear, they hesitate to move forward. No, we must not allow our spirits to falter or weaken; we must not cease our endeavors. If you stumble, rise again. If you experience loss, seek it out. If you fall short, summon additional strength. If fear unsettles you, embrace courage. If your power seems lacking, engage with all your might. In summary, never remain idle. Inaction will not alleviate troubles, and silence is a poor comfort in sorrow. Yet by being busy—even if pushed to do so—we can stave off despondency and re-energize ourselves. Just as our bodies remain warm when we move about in the cold, so too will we retain our spirit in distress when we stay engaged. One who has work to do bears half the burden of their grief. By taking action, you will also benefit yourself.
What should you do when faced with trouble and bereavement? Undertake what is suited to your station and circumstances, endeavoring to improve your situation and doing what is helpful within your present context. Above all, engage in what a Christian ought to pursue primarily for God's glory and the salvation of your soul. When you commit to this work, when you arrange for your soul's salvation, no external troubles will disrupt your spirit; you will have reason for consolation, something to anticipate, something to celebrate—God's grace and your soul's salvation. Otherwise, you risk becoming inadvertently disheartened when external matters decline, and your conscience becomes troubled, for your soul is stained by sin. When you perceive no good in this life and lack hope for the next, realizing there is nothing to aspire to because you do nothing good. How can one thrive when destitute of sustenance for body or soul, both worldly and heavenly, and feels incapable of any further action? My strength wanes, obstacles loom large, fears abound at every turn; without resources or assistance, what can I accomplish?
When engaging in your responsibilities, prayer is essential. Can He who fashioned this universe from nothing by His mere word not extend His aid to you?... Do you not trust in Him? The absence of hope stems from not praying. Those who neglect to pray live in self-deception regarding hope. Consequently, Christians, pray without ceasing and unite your supplications with those of the Church's ministers, requesting their prayers alongside yours; through this, you shall receive every grace from God, and all your pleas for salvation will be answered. It is not we, the Church’s ministers, who intercede for you, but Christ, our true God, through the prayers of His Most Holy Mother and all the saints, who will save and have mercy on you. Amen.
THEOSIS