‘The Lord Has Not Forsaken The World’ – Patriarch Neophyte of Bulgaria

Pic – Wiki

OCP News Service – 3/6/22

Sofia-Bulgaria: “The Lord has not forsaken the world and men, an important truth that we must not forget and with which we should live in our earthly days” stated Patriarch Neophyte of Bulgaria in his sermon on the feast of Ascension.

He further stated that “the Savior stated that “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). What He said is confirmed today by finding expression in the joyful testimony of the festive service. Isn’t the presence of Christ in our lives something that every Christian can confirm from his personal experience of life in the faith? Will there be a person who has never felt helpful? support and protection from our Lord, together with His mercy and boundless charity? Can there be a Christian who doubts what He has said: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20)?”

“Unfortunately, we sometimes witness events that call into question our faith in God’s presence in our lives, and we are left with a sense of ultimate godlessness — as if the Lord no longer favored the world and humanity. This feeling is still perceived today when we see the celebration of the evil that leads a brother to raise his hand against his brother, which we have seen in recent months in Ukraine. In such instances, it is very difficult to keep our faith pure and strong, but we know and are convinced that God allows all trials and temptations in our lives not to make us unbelievers, but on the contrary to strengthen our faith. When we have the greatest doubts about the meaning of our lives and existence, we, as Christians, are most expected to affirm this meaning and work for its gradual realization” also stated the Patriarch.

Source:
OCP News Service