On life (124) – ”One Road” – 30/4/2016

   Tomorrow, Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter; so many happy returns! As we speak of life, we cannot ignore resurrection. Life is like an endless road. It starts with birth and ends in immortality. Everybody crosses the bridge of death to reach resurrection and, in turn, eternal life.

   In eternity, we reap what we sow in life. Thus, we should realize that our eternal life depends on our worldly life. However, during our earthly life, we can modify our decisions, change our attributes and succeed (or fail) to sow what we shall reap in eternal life. In the end, we lead the life we choose. Therefore:

   Man should heed his steps and choices, as they will either lead him to happiness or misery. He should evaluate his decisions on time, lest he waste his life.

   Man works to achieve happiness in his worldly life. He can, likewise, be happy in eternity. Yet, here lies the challenge: for honesty requires a lot of diligence and integrity. Some people, however, do not think life is worth diligence, or that nobody appreciates such attributes. They might also think that there is a shorter and easier way that leads them to achieving better results. On the other hand, man is actually rewarded for honesty. Here lies the choice and the decision.

   Life is too short to achieve all the goals you set. So, set your priorities correctly: eternity should come in the first place. Your good deeds in your earthly life are the only things you can carry to eternity. By the bridge of death, everybody leaves you. You cannot carry your treasures as you cross it. Nor can you take your authority along. What follows you is your good doing which you might think simple, yet, verily, it is  crucial.

Happy Easter!

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center