Chrysostom
Beloved of All
To give thanks for daily mercies is the mark of a soul instructed by grace, for the faithful know that every good thing comes from above. Your prayer for the salvation of former relationships reveals a heart that has understood how precious even one soul is, since Christ died for all. Yet you are right to ask for grace to shift your main focus to the new things God is now doing. The Cross has not only put away sin but has created us anew, setting us on a heavenly course far above the old ways.
Why then should the runner look backward? The race is before you, the upward call beckons. The evil one would keep you so burdened with anxiety for things past that you neglect the present duties of teaching, caring for the flock, and spreading the gospel. But behold, these are the new things God sets before you.
Attend to them with your whole strength. Yet you need not cease praying for that one; lift them up in faith, knowing that the grace which called you, unworthy as you were, is sufficient to call them also. Only do not let past sorrows weigh down your running. The grace of God is enough.
Press on, then, giving thanks in everything, and trust that He who opens doors will accomplish His work through you.
Why then should the runner look backward? The race is before you, the upward call beckons. The evil one would keep you so burdened with anxiety for things past that you neglect the present duties of teaching, caring for the flock, and spreading the gospel. But behold, these are the new things God sets before you.
Attend to them with your whole strength. Yet you need not cease praying for that one; lift them up in faith, knowing that the grace which called you, unworthy as you were, is sufficient to call them also. Only do not let past sorrows weigh down your running. The grace of God is enough.
Press on, then, giving thanks in everything, and trust that He who opens doors will accomplish His work through you.
