On life (114) – ”Why Pain?” – 20/2/2016

   Why pain? Can life be ever void of it? Pain is synonymous to illness, trial, trouble, the narrow path, or death, all of which are known to all people and are allowed by God. As people face them, they might wonder, “Why me?” Some might escape, while others depend on their strengths. Yet, some realize that that pain is the best blessing, and the path toward a happy eternity.

   First, we should know that God is fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, pains, and the warfare that aims at destroying us. Yet, He tries us to help us, make us feel His true love, and experience the blessings of pain. In this context, pain is synonymous to trials which are allowed by God, but not as a means of punishment.

   Through pain, man experiences God’s help and His peace that surpasses all understanding. Thus, trial paves the road toward freedom.

   Should man accept the trial thankfully, he will forget his fears. He will only feel God’s peace and mighty hand that strengthens him. He will also behold how God sees, listens and hurries to help him. In fact, this is what saints experience. St. Paula says, “Whoever escapes trial escapes from God, for God dwells amidst the trial and works wonderfully.”

   During trials, man is liberated from short-sightedness. His mind is broadened, and he abandons all sorts of mundane desires. Likewise, he experiences the sweetness of life with God. Thus, the trial becomes training on faith, peace, love, patience and so on.

Freedom from Men

   Trial liberates man from man. Thus, he suffices with God, realizing He is the only way out, and that we should depend on Him solely. Should God ever allow your going through trial, never think He abandoned you. Rather, He wants you to be better. Mind, you are not alone, but as per Pope Cyril VI, “Be sure that He who chooses the beginning of the path will never abandon you on the way.”

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center