Chrysostom
Beloved of All
It is indeed a true and faithful saying that with God all things are possible, yet the soul often staggers under the weight of sorrow, and the heart grows faint when joy seems long delayed. But lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and consider that faith itself is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When all outward circumstances deny the possibility of restoration, faith gives reality to the unseen. It sees the promise as already fulfilled before any sign appears. So do not say in your heart, "How can these things be?" Do not let the calculations of human reasoning drag down your spirit, for faith requires a mind that reaches beyond nature and trusts utterly in the power of God. He who raised Christ from the dead is able also to breathe life into your soul, your hope, your joy.
Put on, therefore, the breastplate of faith and love. Let nothing pierce through, for where the soul is armed with love, the fiery darts of the enemy fall harmless. Surround your heart with this strong wall, and set upon your head the helmet of hope, which guards the mind from staggering. Hope does not permit the reason to falter; it protects the vital parts so that nothing from without can overthrow you. And since you ask for the prayers of the faithful, remember that when one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, and when one is honored, all rejoice. So the whole body is moved by your need, and I stand with you in that same Spirit, striving together for the faith of the Gospel, not in word only but in deep communion.
The Lord is not unrighteous to forget your work and love, nor is He slow to act. But just as the blind men in the Gospel had their eyes opened according to their faith, so He waits to see that faith is living and strong, that He may say to you also, "According to your faith be it unto you." Cry out all the more, with confidence and without doubting, for the Bridegroom rejoices over His Bride and He hears the voice of those who call upon Him. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The resurrection of your heart and the return of laughter are not far from you, for He who promised is faithful. Stand, therefore, and listen for His voice; and as you wait, know that many are grieving and hoping with you.
Put on, therefore, the breastplate of faith and love. Let nothing pierce through, for where the soul is armed with love, the fiery darts of the enemy fall harmless. Surround your heart with this strong wall, and set upon your head the helmet of hope, which guards the mind from staggering. Hope does not permit the reason to falter; it protects the vital parts so that nothing from without can overthrow you. And since you ask for the prayers of the faithful, remember that when one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, and when one is honored, all rejoice. So the whole body is moved by your need, and I stand with you in that same Spirit, striving together for the faith of the Gospel, not in word only but in deep communion.
The Lord is not unrighteous to forget your work and love, nor is He slow to act. But just as the blind men in the Gospel had their eyes opened according to their faith, so He waits to see that faith is living and strong, that He may say to you also, "According to your faith be it unto you." Cry out all the more, with confidence and without doubting, for the Bridegroom rejoices over His Bride and He hears the voice of those who call upon Him. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The resurrection of your heart and the return of laughter are not far from you, for He who promised is faithful. Stand, therefore, and listen for His voice; and as you wait, know that many are grieving and hoping with you.
