The Virtue of Hope

We hope for what we do not see. That is why we rely on so many sources to enlighten us, the gospels with their eyewitnesses, and the saints.

(Quotes were taken from the Book: Modern Orthodox Saints, St. Seraphim of Sarov, written by: Constantine Cavarnos and Mary-Barbara Zeldin).

We recently celebrated The Entrance of the Holy Theotokos into the Temple, where she was set aside for her work, at the tender age of three. As a teen-ager she would become the Mother of God, by her own free will. Being pregnant and vulnerable is difficult and frightening, because you know that you will enter, death valley. The Holy Mother of God, didn't even have the comfort of her own home, mother or bed.

The bible tells us that a sword would piece her heart. We mother's know how fragile our hearts are, and what a torment befell the Virgin Mother at the cross. What got her through? Her faith and her hope. She had already endured many struggles, a virgin mother, who possibly lost her older husband Joseph, many years prior to the death of her only Son. Jesus and Mary would part, and she would be left in the care of John the disciple. Left in her heart was hope. Hope that she would see her son again.

The feast celebrated where He comes to fetch her spirit is known as the Dormition of Mary. Later, we know that she is present in the heavenly realm, (psalm 45:9.) This is sung at the First Hour on Christmas Eve Day. Magnificat: "All generations will call me blessed."

The message is one of Hope. Many of the saints have revealed to us miraculous events, cures, disclosures. Like Mary, some people have been put aside to attain spiritual heights, one such person was St. Seraphim of Sarov, a monastic. He guides by speaking of the importance of inner stillness, guarding of the heard, and mental prayer. Repeatedly stressed is theosis, union with God, the fullest possible participation in Divine grace.

During the last period of his life, his face was seen lit by a dazzling supernatural light, and on several occasions he was seen levitating. On March 24, 1831, St. Seraphim had his twelfth and last vision of the Theotokos, prior to his death. On this occasion, "while in his cell, he saw the All-Holy Virgin escorted by two angels, the Apostles Peter and John, and twelve virgin martyrs. The vision lasted about four hours."

"One more practice of the Saint about which something should be said is that of frequent Holy Communion. He always stressed the importance of this practice to the people who came to him, and he urged priests to facilitate it. He said: "So great is the grace received through the Holy Mysteria, that it has the power to purify and regenerate every man, no matter how great a sinner he may be."

"His life was full of joy, and he tried to impart it to his associates, cheering them by his very presence and occasional pleasantries, both in their work and especially in the evenings, when, tired after a long day of activity, they chanted in the choir. "Joy is not a sin." "He saw the image of God in every man, and the sight filled him with joy."

One Holy Thursday, during the solemn Liturgy of St. Basil, at the time of the Entrance, Seraphim suddenly stopped motionless, and had to be supported behind the iconostasis, where he was silent for two hours and motionless. "He said that he had suddenly seen our Lord Himself in His glory, attended by the heavenly hosts, entering the church by the western door and stopping before the iconostasis, where he was standing. Christ blessed the celebrants, bestowing a special blessing on him. Then He left by entering into His icon on the iconostasis."

We mortals need proof, and people can find all that they require, if they were to adhere to the gospel passage, (Matt.11:28) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

All you need to do is ask, seek and find, and the door will be opened unto you.

So, in keeping with the spirit and joy of Christmas, what are you hoping for?