Filled with the virtues

Saint Paul received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit so filled with the virtues that he reminds us more of an immeasurable field filled to overflowing with the splendour of countless varieties of flowers. Whatever we might say of Paul, nothing can do him justice. In his life and in his teaching we find summarized all that was said by the Prophets who came before him, and, all that was taught by the Fathers and Saints who came after him!

The Holy Spirit revealed to him that by his baptism, just as we do, he had become a dwelling place for God. (Eph 2:22) This is why he burned with the flame of Divine Love .... every aspect of his being transformed by that same love. Both his life and preaching were a constant call to love as the perfect realization of all the virtues .... their beginning and their end. "The only purpose of this instruction is that there should be love, coming out of a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith." (1Tim 1:5)

Paul asks us to imitate him and to seek after only spiritual gifts. "But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1Cor 12:31) And in all this, the greatest gift is that love which rejoices in the truth, which holds faith in all things and which supports and endures all things. (1Cor 13:1-13)

In today's epistle, Ephesians 4:1-8, The Apostle Paul asks us to walk with humility, kindness and patience. For the Christian, the path ahead should be clear ..... it is love for one another and a constant search for unity and peace. We are the one body which is Christ. In the Divine Liturgy we are united to Him, just as the branches are one with the vine. Above all, the gifts bestowed upon us should be placed at the service of the Christian Community.

Issam John Darwish BSO, DD

Eparch

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