WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM

At the end of the Great Lent, and upon the completion of the simple explanation of the Lord’s Prayer, I would like to make a short review of what we have learned from this divine teaching and highlight its essential points as our Daily Bread.

First, however infinite and incomprehensible the universe is, through our Lord and Brother in nature, Jesus Christ, we have learned that we are privileged to have our heavenly Father, with whom we can communicate in prayer and in whom we find all good things which “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, or the human heart conceived,” (1 Cor 2:9). In Him, we find safety and joy, just as a child in his or her parents’ bosom.

Second, as an adopted child of the holy, heavenly Father, we must justify our childhood through our thoughts, words, deeds, behavior, and relationships to always bring honor and praise to His Holy name.

Third, God’s kingdom, which originated before time and transcends time, is open to all who welcome Him with love and humility. His mercy is so immense that He extends it even to those who are ungrateful toward His providential care and who ignore it within the limits of this time.

But following the second coming of His Only begotten Son, His kingdom will be established forever, where He is the sole ruler, and the citizens are those who follow Him. Thus, as His ambassadors, we must deliver these glad tidings to the world.

Fourth, the axis of all good things and bad things is created by either obeying or disobeying God’s will. He expects from us something which is doable and not something which is not in our power. The first Adam did not obey the divine will and as a consequence, he went astray and brought a curse upon himself and all his offspring. Then, the second Adam, Jesus Christ, in whom divine and human natures are united, obeyed the will of the Father—even unto death—and became the source of our salvation. It is therefore our turn to make the right choice.

Fifth, the daily bread, which symbolizes the essential stuff and staple for our physical sustenance, refers also to our spiritual need to be satisfied by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While we must work hard to ensure our physical, daily bread, our spiritual bread is offered to us for free. It is given when we ask for it (Mt 7:7). Isn’t it amazing!

Sixth, asking forgiveness from our heavenly Father and forgiving our fellow human beings are like the two oars which propel our life’s boat efficiently. Asking forgiveness makes us free from all kinds of worries and from any harsh storms which can destroy our life boat, while forgiving makes us free from internal storms which likewise can compromise our souls severely. Let us pull on both oars, strengthened by the Holy Spirit to forgive others, and imitate the One who unconditionally forgives us.

Seventh, due to our fragile nature, we are subjected to a lifetime of temptations because of our sinfulness. We beseech God to save us from those tribulations which we cannot overcome by ourselves. Whenever we are confronted, we should pray earnestly not to be ensnared by temptation.

Let us constantly pray. God granted us this marvelous recipe, which energizes us to complete our journey from life to Life, and which makes us sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, celebrating in Him the fullness of life and praising Him forever.

ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN
Prelate