Anba Georgeos Bishop of Mataai

I recently reflected on a profound teaching, similar to the powerful messages often shared by our beloved Coptic fathers. It really made me think about what true 'persistence' in faith means, especially when life throws challenges our way. Just like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, as described in many sermons from figures like Anba Georgeos, her unwavering spirit offers such a vital lesson for us all. The OCR text vividly captures her refusal to leave, her 'insistence' even when faced with the empty tomb and questions. 'Mary didn't leave,' it says, 'she stood weeping at the tomb.' This image speaks volumes. She wasn't just looking for a body; she was seeking her Lord Jesus, a deeper connection that transcended physical presence. Her 'strange insistence' led her to be the first to truly 'see Christ' resurrected, a moment of unparalleled joy – she had to enjoy seeing Him. It reminds me that sometimes, our greatest breakthroughs in faith come when we simply refuse to give up, even when our logical minds tell us there's no hope, or when 'darkness' seems to prevail. This raises the crucial question from Anba Georgeos's original message: 'How do you see Christ?' Is it only in grand miracles, or in the quiet moments of our daily lives? Mary Magdalene's story shows us that seeing Christ often requires us to look beyond the obvious, to persist in prayer and devotion when all seems lost. It’s about truly seeking Him with our hearts, not just our eyes. We all face 'stones' in our lives, figurative 'stones on the tomb' of our hopes and dreams. Her example teaches us that with persistence, the Lord Jesus Himself will roll away those stones for us to encounter Him anew. The OCR also makes a poignant contrast, asking us to reflect on our 'insistence on worldly matters.' It points out how easily we become consumed with questions like, 'how do I get money?' or pursuing 'worldly affairs,' often with incredible determination. Yet, do we show the same 'persistence' in our spiritual lives? Do we actively seek to 'see Christ' with the same fervor? It’s a powerful challenge. We might spend hours on entertainment or chasing material gains, but how much time and energy do we dedicate to sitting 'before the television' of our hearts, seeking spiritual nourishment? Anba Georgeos's message, echoed in the wisdom of many Coptic teachings, gently guides us to re-evaluate our priorities. So, what does this persistence look like for us today? It means cultivating a daily habit of prayer, even when we feel dry or distracted. It means not letting temporary 'darkness' or challenges deter us from our spiritual path. It means holding onto the hope of the 'Glorious Easter' resurrection in every facet of our lives. It’s about having that 'insistence' to reach the Lord Jesus, no matter the obstacles. This kind of unwavering faith, exemplified by Mary Magdalene and taught by our spiritual fathers, doesn't just promise eternal salvation; it transforms our present reality, allowing us to truly 'enjoy seeing Him' in the everyday. It's a testament to the profound depth of Coptic spirituality, which constantly calls us to a life of active seeking and relentless hope. In a world often filled with distractions, the messages from our spiritual leaders like Anba Georgeos are invaluable guides, reminding us to prioritize that encounter with the Divine above all else, ensuring that our spiritual 'insistence' ultimately leads us to the ultimate joy of Christ's presence.