Saving Grace of Tribulations

This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,
that the Son of God might be glorified thereby (Jn.11, 4)

Sickness and sorrow can be seen on every step of our life. There’s not a single person who could avoid it. Even though sorrow is simple, it is mysterious at the same time. And in the midst of sorrow the question arises: why? We will receive a complete answer, most likely, in the other life; but to some extend we can find out the meaning even here.

To be able to understand the purpose, we must remember, that our sorrow spreads its influence far beyond us. In the story of sickness, death and resurrection of Lazarus we see the proof of the said above. This miracle of the Savior, had four different meanings. It was needed for the Savior Himself: “that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” And it was needed for the Apostles: “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe…” (Jn.11, 15)

Savior knew what kind of strong impression that would make on Apostles and said: “I am glad”. Most of all, as it seemed, that event was of Lazarus’ sisters concern, when they received their beloved brother, when they were moaning him as dead, they received also assurance in Divinity of Jesus Christ. They  learned, what He could be for all the faithful. And, at last, this sorrow was needed for the Jews. Let us remember the words of the Savior: “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me”

A great sorrow, which came upon the Lazarus’ sisters, was intended to bring a divine influence onto the people, that gathered on that occasion in Bethany.

The meaning of this tribulation appears to us in a completely different light, which we are not used to see in sorrows. However in our times all tribulations and all sorrows still bear the same meaning – salvation of human soul. Every sorrow is another chance for the Lord to manifest the almightiness of His saving grace. Be of a good joy, brothers! Be brave and strengthen yourselves with a hope, because “patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (Jm.1, 3-4)

(Translated by Tatiana Rozzell from “Every Day is a Gift from God. Diaries of an Orthodox Priest”(1905), author unknown)