Now I have begun to speak to my Lord
29 Μαρτίου 2011
Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra (b. 1934)
BEHOLD, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.
NOTHING in the world happens by chance.
Christ the Master administers our life, and everything in our life.
In the midst of pain and bitterness, the Holy Spirit comes to meet us, and he draws out God-given joy.
Often, we do not perceive his presence, because we are preoccupied with the workaday nature of our cares.
But he, blowing where he wills, blows also into our hearts, and refreshes them.Divine consolation pours upon us like balsam.
The mercy of God comes down from heaven, and overflows in our lives. As our griefs are increased, so the visitations of God are more abundant.
You open the spiritual books, and you see God speak to you. You feel immediately the fluttering of the Spirit’s wings. You feel that God answers your doubts.
You see your darkness dispelled, your way opened up whenever there is a barrier before you. You see him leave no dark scar on your road.
Then, filled with joy, you cry out, “Now I have begun to speak to my Lord. Yet, I am earth and ashes.”
I have begun to converse with my God easily, with my Christ. But who am I, to be talking with you? I am ash, I am clay.
Yet God gives his this grace to me.
Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra (b. 1934). The Elder retired as Abbot of the Monastery in 2000. My translation, from the original at Απόψεις για τη Μονή Βατοπαιδίου.
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MAKE known to me, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for I have lifted up my soul to thee.
Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to thee for refuge.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; thy good Spirit shall guide me in the straight way.
Thou shalt quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake; in thy righteousness thou shalt bring my soul out of affliction.
Psalm 142[143]:8-11.
