الخطيه والهروب من الله † وعظه للبابا شنودة الثالث † 1990

The sermon begins by referencing the prophet Jonah, who fled from God's command. This act of escaping from God is described as an ancient story, dating back to Adam and Eve, who hid from God out of shame and fear after sinning. The speaker notes the oddity of people fleeing from God, who is a source of good, unlike fleeing from evil or cruel people. This is especially perplexing when a great prophet like Jonah attempts to flee.

The sermon explores the reasons behind fleeing God. Adam and Eve fled out of shame and fear after their sin. Similarly, many people today flee from God (e.g., avoiding church, scripture, or confession) due to feelings of unworthiness, shame, or fear. The speaker emphasizes that God is all-encompassing love and wants people to come to Him as they are, promising purification and renewal, like making them 'whiter than snow.'

Instead of waiting to 'fix oneself' before approaching God, the sermon urges individuals to come to God in their weakness, as He is the one who will mend them. Citing Ezekiel, the speaker describes God finding Jerusalem in its worst, defiled state and transforming it into a glorified city. Fleeing from God is presented as a temptation from Satan, who tries to convince individuals they are unworthy or too sinful to face God.

Some individuals flee from God's call to service under the pretext of false humility, claiming they are unworthy or incapable. Examples include Jeremiah saying he was a child, and Moses claiming to be slow of speech. God rejects these excuses, asserting that He will empower them. Similarly, Elijah fled from his responsibilities, not out of fear of Jezebel, but from God's service, despite God's immense power.

Another reason for fleeing God is self-importance, as seen in Jonah, who worried about his word losing credibility if Nineveh repented and was spared. The sermon stresses the need to deny oneself to follow God. Others flee due to the perceived difficulty of God's path, fearing His demanding commandments. However, the speaker explains that God's grace and the Holy Spirit make these commands manageable, not our own strength.

The sermon encourages taking small, manageable steps in spiritual practices rather than being overwhelmed by the entire journey. For instance, start with one Psalm, and God will inspire you to do more. This approach aligns with the idea of being faithful in little things, which God will then amplify. Spiritual guides are also encouraged to ease people into the spiritual path gradually, rather than burdening them with overly strict rules.

Love for worldly desires is another reason people flee from God, preferring their passions over divine commands. This is seen as the worst form of escape because it directly contradicts love for God. The speaker urges even those struggling with sin to cry out to God for strength and deliverance. Ultimately, fleeing from God is an illusion; He is omnipresent, and escaping Him means escaping the source of strength and help.

The sermon concludes by stressing the importance of complete honesty with God, even admitting a lack of desire for Him. This sincerity allows God to work a transformation. The speaker advises against relying on one's own strength or making promises that cannot be kept, but rather to ask God for the strength to follow Him. Fleeing from God leads to spiritual impoverishment; clinging to Him is a source of strength, grace, and aid, enabling continuous progress in the spiritual life, even with imperfections.