Abba Charbel, Speak a Word

Father Charbel, my heart is restless. I grow impatient with the world and with the Church. I see corruption, distraction, endless noise. I fear that I am losing my way. I look for comforting words from others, or for security in institutions, but my heart finds no rest.

Do not seek rest where it cannot be given. The world cannot offer you peace. The Church is holy, but its members are weak. If you search for consolation in men, you will be disappointed. Turn instead to the One who never fails.

But Father, the temptation is strong. My mind tells me that I must cling to something visible, some fellowship, some certainty. My thoughts rise up against me.

Temptations are not overcome by argument but by constancy. When the evil one tried to lure me away with promise of comfort, I fell on my face before the Lord and remained there until the storm passed. I said within myself: “One thing only is needful, and that I will not abandon.” This is how the heart learns to rest.

And what is this one thing?

To please God. To love what endures forever. Everything else fades. Purity of heart, humility, constancy in prayer; these are eternal. If you guard them, you will stand firm though the world collapse around you.

Yet my prayer is often scattered. I grow weary and distracted.

Then cling to the Eucharist. It is Christ Himself, your strength and your food. Even when your mind wanders, He does not abandon you. His presence is fire in the soul, purifying and renewing. If you fall, rise again. If you are distracted, return again. The constancy is not in your strength but in His mercy.

Father, I fear that I will not endure, that I will give in to weariness or despair.

Endurance is born from humility. The one who knows he is weak and poor is held by the hand of God. Be faithful in small things. Guard your prayer, even for a little while each day. Love silence. Let your heart say with every breath: “Glory to Thee, O Lord.” In this way eternity will dwell in you even now.

Teach me, Father, to rest my heart in Christ and not in the passing comforts of this world.

Do not ask for an easy path. Ask only to love Christ more. When you love Him, the heart will endure everything with joy. Remain at His feet. Hide yourself in His presence. There you will find the peace you seek.