What life would be like when it is void of love?! A question which words and letters echoed deeply inside him, and images began to flow into his mind one after one; some were of his childhood when he had felt love prevailing over the life of his little family extended to his big family. How would he forget the occasions in which the whole family had gathered around his grandpa and grandma, with love feelings in the air as well as pure smiles which foreshadow a future filled with hopes and dreams.
And suddenly, his countenance turned sad, and he whispered to himself: Life has changed a lot!!
We may see life changed, indeed nothing remains as it is, but rather anything does change positively or negatively. Ceasing to change is a feature of death. So if some people think that life has changed to the worse, they shall then stop to consider what have been done, and how have they pursued to have such dominating life approach.
But first, let me my friend, tell you that love, goodwill and good have not left our world yet. Despite the increasing depressing vision of many, there are still hearts filled with good and affection for all, and there are still hands stretching to help others and relieving their pain.
As for the life which is void of love, goodwill and compassion, let me say it is not life anymore, but rather it has lost all its meanings, the Thrice Beatified Late Pope Shenouda III said: “Sow love on Earth, and Earth becomes a Heaven; uproot love from Earth, and Earth becomes a tomb”.
It is the difference between death and life, how would be a life which members have lost love and goodwill? It would be like a forest in which powers engage in a conflict destructing everyone! Dullness will be drawn on its members’ faces and hearts! Anything happens in it would break hearts! Yesterday, I read about a n incident that took place in a country suburb where an eighty eight year old woman was found lying on the road without water, food, medication or anything that would make her survive, the old woman was broken hearted, unceasing to cry. The suburb residents gathered around her, offering her food and drink. The old woman said that her daughters decided to get rid of her and left her in the street after they accused her of madness! The municipality took the woman to a hospital for treatment, while a place was sought for to house this elder mother who had been abandoned to face the harshness of life. But I think the toughest thing for that old woman was the cruelty that pervaded her daughters’ hearts.
While for sowing love… to be continued
The General Bishop
Head of Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
