Emptiness of Worldly Vanity

They have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and reaches

and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection (Lk.8, 14)

This is how the Savior describes those who allow the thorns to choke the Word of God. The seed sprouts and fights its way outside and might even get to a certain height, but gets choked with worldly influences and brings no fruit forward. There are some very meaningful words – “go forth”. They go back, get themselves into turmoil of worldly vanity and leave no place for any higher feelings. The Word of God can not sprout on this kind of soil. Worldliness often delays the spirituality.

The influence of the Word of God often gets suppressed by the enjoyments of flesh, by desires of entertainment and pleasures. We can not give ourselves to the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world at the same time. While we are “careful and troubled about many things”(Lk.10, 41-42) – we inevitably forget  that “one things is needful”.

Young people are often afraid that Christian-like life will take away every joy and open up a hard and colorless path. What a false impression, that leaves many half ways! “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps.33, 9) – says the Holy Scripture. And all that tasted realized that no earthly pleasures can be compared with the abundance of joy and the depth of peace that God gives to those who loves Him.

(Translated from “Every Day is a Gift from God. Diaries of an Orthodox Priest”, author unknown)
Translation by Tatiana Rozzell copyrighted 2009/2010. All rights reserved