FāVS News News and Commentary about Religion and Ethics in Eastern Washington and North Idaho
Ask an Eastern Orthodox Christian: Can One Find Joy in this Life?
Commentary by Nicholas Damascus
Why is unhappiness so prevalent, and can one find any joy in this life?
Unhappy? Are you restless? Don’t know why. Feel like something is wrong? Experiencing an uneasiness and a feeling that something is missing and yet cannot discern as to what it might be? Trying to ignore it, yet it still remains?
People have everything or have access to everything and yet want more. And when they possess more, they feel empty and dissatisfied. They want to feel whole and complete, and that never seems to come. Everything appears to be all right, and yet everything is wrong.
Bombarded by an avalanche of streaming data and consumed in endless activities and distracting events, we are at a loss when the dial is turned off, and we face the dreadful meaningless of it all in the quiet.
Fifteen hundred years ago, Saint Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts will be [forever] restless until they rest in you.”
This confession of faith resonates deep within us that we are created to be in communion with God [and with one another]. It is his infinite and eternal presence that can fill that void, emptiness and restlessness within us to bring us the fulfilling “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
What this world has to offer, as in fame, wealth or possessions, is momentary, and, eventually, all of it turns to dust. It is relationship that is eternal now and forever. It is communion that makes us be, for our existence and being is communion.
As an infant, I was baptized as an Eastern Orthodox Christian. However, I would say that becoming a Christian is a work in progress, and I often wonder would there be enough evidence to convict me of becoming a Christian. The Orthodox Church is the ancient Church that Christ and the Apostles established. It is not a religion but rather a way of life. It is not about rules and regulations but rather guide posts to make choices to transition to what we were designed to become. Becoming Orthodox is not a conversion but more so a transformation of self. It’s not about being right: it is about “right being.” In John 14:6, Christ says I am the Way (to love and serve one another), the Truth (there is only one reality), and the Life (that life source is love). I invite you to submit any topics or questions to “Ask An Eastern Orthodox Christian” on the website. Join me in finding our way back home to the original teachings of the Church. When you change the way you look at things, things change the way they look.
Nick, if you have a moment, please email me at newsman46@yahoo.com