Metropolitan Anthony: “It’s Important to Celebrate Pascha in a Worthy Way, In Spite of All Obstacles”

No matter how many clouds are gathering over our heads, no matter what predictions are made today by politicians and the media, we need to remain human beings to the last.

Nobody knows the “time and date”, the history of mankind, including the history of our people, is full with examples of an unexpected turn of events, a cardinal reversal. God has many scenarios. All that is required of us is to trust Him completely.

If something terrible happens, then it is, undoubtedly, the least of possible evils and it happens for our good. This is not a punishment, but a correction of the behavioral line from a perfect teacher, a surgeon, and the loving Father.

One of the excellent role models can be the family of royal passion-bearers – the last emperor and his loved ones. Understanding well what was in store for them, they did not lose their human appearance, “posture” until the last minute: the children did their homework, all family members continued to go about their everyday duties and activities, no one fell into despondency and grumble. The trouble only brought them together, they carefully supported each other. Despite the meager atmosphere and boorish attitude towards themselves, they did not sink, and reached their end with dignity.

What can the example of the royal passion-bearers teach us,  in particular?

You need to honestly try to fulfill all your duties to the last. Not to leave the position, not to leave the ministry that the Lord has determined for each of us. Do all your usual things, do not panic and do not become hysterical.

We do not know our last minute, we do not know how the day will end. It doesn’t depend on us. But it is clear that trusting God depends on us. Believing that He cares for us every second like no one else. He does everything in the best possible way. And each of us could be convinced of this more than once in our lives.

The closer the Feast of Feasts – the Pascha of Christ – gets, the thicker the clouds over the horizon of life are. We, Christians, call this a temptation. Let us not give in, let us not be discouraged, but let us focus on the days to come – the memories of Christ’s sufferings on the Cross, let us prepare ourselves worthily to celebrate His Bright Resurrection.

Let us trust God to lift the clouds over our heads. And let us do what depends on us: let us show mercy to our neighbors, let us soften our hearts, let us be merciful and compassionate, and let us not quarrel and not spread panic.

At the end of the fast, let us be more attentive and tolerant towards each other. And the Lord, seeing this little sacrifice, will reward us a hundredfold.

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