43- Condolences in Advance

In the midst of her cruel pains, Mrs. Fawzia said, “I rejoice that God is offering me condolences in advance.”

“What do you mean by condolences offered to you in advance?”

“At night my Lord offers me marvelous condolences to support me in advance, and as the condolence increases I know that tomorrow’s pain will also increase. So I thank Him for supporting me in advance.”

I never heard her moan during her severe cancer pains and hemi-plegia. The Lord himself consoled her. I remember visiting her on the first day of the disciples fasting when she said to me, “Do you know what happened yesterday night?”

“No!”

“My brother Kamal came to me. He hasn’t visited me for two weeks since he was not in Alexandria. I missed him, but I asked, ‘What day is it today?’

‘Sunday.’

‘Which Sunday?’

‘Sunday of Pentecost.’

‘How could you come to me and leave the church prayers?’

I insisted that he takes my husband and children and goes to the archangel Michael’s church in Mostafa Kamel Street (a few blocks away from home).

They tried to leave behind one of my children in case I needed anything or a guest comes, but I insisted that they all take part in the prayers.

As soon as the last one left and closed the door, my Lord opened to me the gates of heaven.

I enjoyed unspeakable matters until they put the key in the key hole to open the door I found myself back in my room.”

I tried to talk with her about what she had seen but she never satisfied my question.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: تعزيات مقدمًا!

The open Heavens

When the earthly doors are closed I see the Heavens’ doors open.

When I refuse to lean on a human chest,

I find the Lord’s chest full of love for me.

O’ Lord open my eyes,

So that I may see with St. John an open door in heavens.

I enter to Your Divine holy mysteries,

And enjoy partnership with the heavenly.

I rejoice in the midst of my pain,

And joyfully await my eternal stay with You.

Father, My Colleague Lies

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

I Read It Twenty Times