Archpriest Andrew Lemeshonok, the spiritual father of St.Elisabeth Convent answers various questions of the parishioners.
How
Not To Be Overly Attached To Another Person?
Christ is in our midst — this is the
formula of proper relationships that we should be aiming at. We should neither
idolize a person nor make him or her our property. Everyone has their own
private life. Every person has their strengths and weaknesses. Both God and sin
can co-exist inside of every human being.
Our relationships must be more
balanced. When you are too fond and enthusiastic of another person, you should
expect to be disappointed because “every man is fake, including myself.” People
can feel affection to other human beings. They may have a lot in common and
feel connected. It is okay to make friends and talk with one another. Even
saints did it… Most importantly, Christ must be in your midst. This will save
you from unhealthy attachment and distorted relationships.
How
Not To Be Discouraged?
First of all, you should not isolate
yourself but instead seek to serve somebody else. You should make an effort and
get out of this condition. If there are people around you who need your help
and support and who are in a much worse situation than you, as soon as you try
to help them, your despondency will vanish. Again, it is vital that you do not
separate yourself from other people and become isolated. This is a terrible
condition, and people can really overthink things. You should go and confess
it.
How To
Forgive an Offence?
The less you want to pray for the
aggressor, the stronger and more essential your prayer is. You must force
yourself into praying because the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the
violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). Some people are easy to pray for,
whilst others cause aversion, and you have to pray for them and to ask the
Church to pray for them, too. When you have the chance to talk with that
person, you should smile at them and tell them some kind words, and you will
immediately see how useful and valuable this experience is for you.
August 30, 2017
CONVERSATION