Chrism

Tranquility is connected to love, to which it lends and from which it takes. A person that has love in his heart, will most likely be tranquil in his relationships with others. The world needs peace and love so that its problems may be solved through reconciliation even when we have different opinions. The calm person is always peaceful, and the peaceful person is always calm. Fire cannot be extinguished by fire, but by water. “He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.” (Matt. 12:19)

Do not lose your calm so that you may not lose your gentle temper. Through calmness we can reach deeper into contemplation and prevent restlessness and emptiness. Be humble and do not anger anyone, and do not be angered by anyone. Pray for, and ask to be prayed for, and be at peace with all, and with yourself. 

When you live a life of faith, you live in peace and tranquility, surrendering your whole life to God, accepting everything in faith from His loving hands. When a problem surrounds you, remind yourself in all calmness that “all is for the best” and that God will solve your problem.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” – Saint Augustine. The source of the hearts tranquility is not the world with passions and desires, but God alone. Only when we experience God, we experience the sweet calmness. When we experience the sweetness of living with God, we will find tranquility and safety, like a ship on a stormy ocean that reaches the shores of safety. 

– Contemplation from “Calmness” by Pope Shenouda III, his blessings be with us.