CHRIST IS RISEN!
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
What is that law? Love.
I have been occupied in thought with this passage for this passed week. It is due to the book I'm reading about a very special priest-monk who survived the "special camp" in Russia, under Stalin.
Fr. Arseny approached everyone with deep kindness and concern for their suffering. He served those who were suffering with love, even if they didn't believe in God. He made no distinctions. In this case, they were hard-core communists.
I could never feel that kind of compassion for people who even frustrated me. I tolerated them. I am full of pride. But, this book and the description of his life in the camp really affected me in such a profound degree.
I finally understand what it means to take on our neighbor's burden. It means that when we see a person suffering or in spiritual turmoil, our hearts ache with pain for them. And when we feel that ache in our hearts, it disintegrates any anger and frustrations we have in our hearts. THAT is God's love working through us. God really wants us to care about each other as His children. I received a small taste of this feeling of love, but it doesn't last. It's a constant struggle and I found that the only way to keep bringing that feeling back to the forefront is with prayer and asking God to work His will in my life and to instill this precious message in my heart.
I know I'm not expressing myself very well and it's only part of my thoughts. What I feel in my heart is too complicated to put into words. I treasure this feeling as a small taste. I can't even imagine how powerful this feeling was in the Apostles and all the saints. But, now I can understand why the saints blessed their persecutors; they had such a deep love for all humanity. They couldn't possibly feel hatred towards the ones that killed them. It's impossible to feel that when God's love is alive in our hearts.
I would appreciate any further insight. I think it would be the best benefit for us all.
My humblest apologizes for all the suffering I have caused others with my irrational outbursts. Please forgive me.
Please remember me in your prayers.
Joanna
