On Life 197 – Save Me Now, then … – December 1, 2017

   Amidst the pains that we have gone through, I would like to condole all Egyptians for the martyrs of Al-Rawdah Mosque who were slain by terrorists, beseeching God to comfort their families and beloved ones and heal the injured. We beseech God to overwhelm our country and the whole world with peace and safety, as it witnesses increasing waves of violence.

   Last week, I concluded my article with, “Each person has to decide his goals and roles in life. Will he do what he was created for? Or will he prefer himself to others?”

   Man’s choosing to do what he was created for entails that he take up the responsibilities necessary for achieving his goals. Actions speak louder than words. Here, I recall a story which reposed Pope Shenouda III recounted:

   “It came to pass that a boy went swimming. But, due to whirlpools, he was drawn to the depths, and started drowning. So, he started to shout for help. A man passed by and said, ‘How come you go swimming when you’re not adept?’ How come you swim in this dangerous place?’ He overwhelmed the drowning boy with such questions that the latter answered, “Save me first, then scold me!”

   Indeed, life needs actions more than words, stances more than slogans that we might be true and positive toward the path we chose. Nobody would follow you, unless he trusts your words that are supported by your deeds. On the other hand, whoever suffices with words, not actions, will not be able to continue his life path easily. The gap between his words and deeds will soon be exposed and, in turn, he will lose people’s confidence due to his lack of seriousness.

   Whoever chooses himself at others’ expense, or chooses evil and destruction, has to realize one simple truth: what you sow you will reap. Death brings death. Whoever chooses death for others mercilessly chooses death for himself as well. Whoever clings to hatred will fill his soul with pain and turmoil which weigh him down wherever he is. Thus, cruelty, envy, and mercilessness affect him before others.

   God is just and acts justly toward His creation. Likewise, He is merciful, and His mercy fills the universe, awaiting the lost to return to love and goodness.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center