Learning more of the early church
fathers just keep on amazing me. Indeed, to follow their footsteps is
a lofty goal. Gratefulness and awe of what they have done filled me.
This week the two of the outstanding lessons that I have learned goes
around the lives of three great men in the past. First, I have
learned that if you love what you are doing, you will never get tired
of it. That is a lesson learned from Saint John Chrysostom. He said
that, “Preaching improves me. When I begin to speak , weakness
disappears, when I begin to teach, fatigue too disappears”. That
speaks volume of passion for the task that he felt called to do in
his lifetime. The second lesson that I have learned is about the
greatness of God's grace. If we look at the life of Saint Jerome and
Augustine, it is very evident that indeed, God's grace is
transformative. God's grace could turn a person from a total mess to
a changed person who would make a great impact to the world. These
two Fathers experienced what it was like to go after the lust of this
world and they too have concluded that God is more satisfying. Though
their plight was never easy for there was a constant battle deep
within, yet they triumphed because of God's wonderful grace.
Lately, I have been doing a spiritual
check-up. I found out that somewhere in the journey I have been
complacent with my faith and pursuit for excellence. I felt exhausted
and dislike of my tasks. As I ponder about it, I figured out that my
sins has hindered me in having a rich fellowship with God. I realized
that I have wandered and I should return to my first love. I also
realized that because of my inner struggle, I tend to be stingy in
making margins for other people. I get irritated and insensitive
towards other people. I am in a battle.
The lessons that I have learned came
just perfect in time. So in application, I started to read my Bible
again early in the morning just before my life gets busy. I also
started writing my journals and prayers. This way, I could keep track
of my devotions and be encourage to draw more closer to God. I will
also think others as better than me and respect them. In the
ministry, I will be more passionate and will give my best to the task
that God has given me. Hopefully, I will be able to redeem myself for
the rest of my time here.
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