261- You’d Be beneath Me

 

St-Takla.org Image: Saint Moses the Black (Mousa Al Aswad) and St. Isidore (Isithoros) the priest of the cells, modern Coptic icon by Samy Hennes صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: القديس الأنبا موسي الأسود والقديس الأنبا ايسيذوروس قس القلالى - أيقونة قبطية حديثة رسم سامي حنس

Abba Isithoros, priest of Eskeet, was known for his spiritual wisdom. Many great leaders were his disciples. Whenever he was attacked by thoughts of pride about who he was and how many people were his disciples, he used to repeat the following phrase, “Am I like Abba Anthony or did I become like Abba Bemwa?” And the thoughts of pride would disappear. Sometimes the devil would fill him with despair, telling him, “You’ll go to Hades in spite of your efforts.”

Then, Abba Isithoros used to tell the devil, “If I went to Hades, you’d be beneath me. A thief inherited the kingdom of heaven with one word.”

Thus his soul would be comforted.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: ستكونون تحتي!

O my soul, why are you so proud?

Have you become like St Paul the Apostle,

Who called himself the chief of sinners?

Or have you become like one of the martyrs,

Who even gave up their souls for the Lord?

And why do I feel despair,

When with one word the thief inherited heaven?

The Lord’s arms are extended to me

And the Father is waiting for my return.

Do me a Favor, Don’t Talk to me

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

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