Next Sunday, the Copts of Egypt are celebrating Resurrection which is a live sign of the general resurrection in which people will stand before the throne of the Judging God and gain the reward of his good or evil deeds. If man was granted the gift of life that is a path he walked through with his own free will that god granted him, so he must go through another journey, of death, so his soul will pass to the eternity and after life. One’s destiny is determined according to what he sows on earth. This who sows love, peace and goodness will so peace and eternal happiness as well. This is who sows evil will seek nothing but evilness. Hence, one’s life is one journey beginning from his birth on earth to eternal heaven.
When man puts resurrection before his eye and remembers it in his mind. This will clearly be shown in his acts and behaviors. So we will find him appreciating the value of time of his earthly life as it will determine his destiny at the eternal life. Thus, he truly seeks to invest in each moment of his life for the sake of his talents that God granted him. Life is too short to be lost in conflicts and hatred. Man should let these negative matters to those who choose to go astray in their way.
Man who heeds resurrection and after life, will never haste to take a decision but rather he waits patiently trying to let just mercy or merciful justice be his rule on dealing with each person he meets, the stranger as his family or himself. He realizes that the way he treats others he will be treated and appreciated the value of goodness and dignity of man so he toils to fulfill his duties towards the people he is entrusted on or his work. The one who believes in resurrection will never try to obtain what others own. I recall a story of two rich brothers. Each chooses different way in life: the first decided to be honest and loving toward his family and in his work place, while the other was overcome by self-love, so he spent his life with dishonest friend who wasted his money in gambling, entertainment and amusement till he became heavily indebted. He asked his brother to buy his portion of lands and possessions for the sum of his debts or else he will sell them to another. Although his brother did own the whole money, he managed to get it and bought his brother’s portion. Days and years have passed, his brother has dies so he met his nephews to offer them the papers proving his ownership of the lands of his brother, but to their amusement he tore all these papers saying, “I wanted to keep your inheritance and here is the trust I offer to you. The son of this man commented saying, “My father was a great man. He did good deeds to others as if they are done for himself. He cared for his duty before God not men.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
