Hari
OM
Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and
parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.
We
are following the text "Beyond Sorrow" in which we
explore the nature of suffering and how to manage and move through
difficulties.
An
item from a great Christian scholar now. The language is of old English
styling; for purposes here, this has been simplified. The essay has also been
summarised.
ON
LACK OF ALL COMFORT
Thomas
a Kempis.
When
things are going well, it easy to give praise and thank the Lord; we accept His
comfort readily. However, when things are going less well, we are more inclined
to seek human, physical consolation and succour, and are less able to take that
from God. To be able to overcome the need for consolation and, for His sake,
willingly endure desolation of heart without thought of self, that is a great
thing indeed. It is a virtue.
We
readily accept comfort, but it is with much difficulty that we can surrender
our ego and permit God to take charge. One of the things which prevents us
doing this, very often, is that it may mean the loss of relationship with those
we love here on earth. We are attached. Do not grieve at the loss of 'friends'.
The true will never abandon you. What is more, at the end of things, all
relationships but the one we have with the divine will be of no value to us.
Therefore, cement your connection with the Higher and let the relationships
here on earth be as they are. It is not an easy struggle, surrendering one's
own will and mastering one's own personality in order to acknowledge a Higher
Power. The effort is repaid, however,
when we come to know the true succour of the Lord. In our efforts we do well to
remember that our beloved Christ Himself suffered much.
Receive
God's comfort with a grateful heart; remember it is freely given and does not
necessarily reflect your own merit. Be not proud or presumptuous when the
Lord's grace is felt in your life. Humility is a great virtue. Know also, that
this grace is as likely to pass as any other event and that quite likely there
will some challenge in its turn. Do not, then, throw the hands up in despair
and bewail your sorrows; know that it is the turning of the Divine Will and
accept that this too shall pass.
Divine
comfort is granted that a man may be the stronger to endure adversity; and
temptation follows, lest he become proud of his virtue. Never cease then in the
battle with your own self. Surrender your ego and place yourself in the arms of
the Lord. Pray, "Lord, You know what is best; let everything be in
accordance with Your will. Give what You will and when You will. I am in Your
hands and am Your servant."
Amen.
