What is the truth?
We should keep the eyes
of our soul continuously open to see the truth. This is the truth—let’s
not forget it. When we hold on to the truth, we have nothing to fear.
When Pilate asked our Christ who He was, and informed Him that he had
the power to free Him or crucify Him, our Christ responded, “You would
have no authority at all over Me, if it had not been given to you from
above. I have come to bear witness to the truth” ( Jn. 19:11 &
18:37). Pilate then asked, “What is truth?” However, he immediately left
the room because he was not worthy of hearing “what the truth is.” In
order for someone to recognize the truth, he must be worthy. Thus, the
truth will free him from the lie and deception of condemnation. What is
the truth? It is this: We must correctly love our fellow man. Our love
must not be contaminated with microbes, foreign elements, or ulterior
motives. Today, mankind is in need of true, genuine, Christian Orthodox
love.
We do not love
correctly. If we did, our deeds would attest to it. Our deeds reveal the
truth about our life and our thoughts. The basic constituent known as
selfless and sincere love for our brothers (not only the living but also
the deceased) must not be absent from our hidden work[38]—the unseen
spiritual work which every Christian must carry out. The pain of the
person who is suffering from either a physical illness or depression,
and the agony of the person whom God has condemned and sentenced to jail
must become our own pain. When this pain becomes part of us, God will
heal us. Cover others so God covers you! Be wronged, but do not wrong
anyone. Overcome evil with virtue (cf. Rom 12:21)—this is the law of the
Gospel. We should not try to avenge people who have harmed us. If we
love them who love us, it is no great achievement. The tax collectors
and sinful people do the same thing (cf. Mt. 5:46-47).
Furthermore, the Gospel
teaches that if we loan something to others with the intention of
getting it back, we accomplish nothing. Everyone lends because it is to
their advantage. You must help without a motive, without expecting
repayment. Only give. Don’t think of receiving. Give love without
considering, “He did not show me love. I gave but I did not receive.” In
such a case, it is better not to give at all. Make the decision to give
without expecting anything in return! In this instance you are indeed
helping. Christ gave love and, in return, He received wickedness from
people. A certain elder asked a younger monk, “My child, who crucified
our Christ?” “The Jews, Father.” “No, not the Jews, my child. The envy,
jealousy, and wickedness of the people crucified Him.” Christ gave love,
and the payback was jealousy and evil. He gave manna and received gall.
Nonetheless, He did not protest but prayed, “Father, forgive them for
they do not know what they do” (Lk. 23:34). He was wronged, but He
wronged no one. He gave love and received hatred. He praised others, and
He was slandered. This is the spirit of the Gospel. This is the truth
of Christ: to sacrifice yourself for the love of your brother, and for
the love of your enemy! Then you will advance victoriously toward the
brilliant light to meet Christ, our unparalleled hero of sacrifice and
love.
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.gr/2017/12/what-is-truthelder-ephraim-of-arizona.html
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