Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity FastChikamu

Week 4 Theme: The Birth of St. John the Forerunner

Day 7: Growing in Wisdom and Strength

As we conclude our journey through the remarkable events surrounding the birth of St. John the Forerunner, we arrive at a day of reflection on the importance of spiritual growth and the discipline of solitude and prayer. In today's reading, we learn that St. John grew in wisdom and strength in the desert, preparing himself for the ministry that lay ahead. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to cultivate a life of prayer, seeking God's wisdom and strength as we continue our journey with Christ and the value of asceticism and spiritual discipline in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

In our fast-paced and noisy world, the concept of solitude may seem foreign or even uncomfortable. However, as followers of Christ, we must recognize the significance of withdrawing from the distractions of life and seeking moments of solitude to commune with our Creator. We should, at times, withdraw from society, enter into solitude, and strive to develop inner stillness and attentiveness to God and it is in these moments of solitude that we can hear the “still small voice” of God and grow in our understanding of His will for our lives.

Solitude provides us with a space to silence the noise of the world and focus our attention on God. It is in this silence that we can discern His wisdom and guidance, allowing Him to shape our thoughts and actions since silence is the way to foster spiritual growth and to avoid the distractions of the world. As we embark on this journey with Christ, let us embrace moments of solitude, recognizing them as opportunities for spiritual nourishment and growth.

Prayer, too, plays a vital role in our journey of faith and it is through prayer that we establish a direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father, pouring out our hearts, seeking His guidance, and surrendering our lives to His will. We should pray unceasingly, both in times of tranquility and in times of temptation and St. John Climacus speaks on the value of simplicity in prayer, saying, "Let your prayer be completely simple. For both the publican and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single phrase". Prayer is not limited to a particular time or place; it is an ongoing conversation with God, woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Simplicity.

Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, the discipline of prayer strengthens our spirits and deepens our relationship with God. Through prayer, we tap into His unlimited wisdom and draw upon His unfailing strength. As we journey with Christ, let us commit to cultivating a life of prayer, seeking God's wisdom and strength in every step we take. Be encouraged through prayer, we acquire the virtues, wisdom, and spiritual strength necessary for our journey to God. St. Isaac of Nineveh beautifully says, "The flower of spiritual knowledge is divine love…Love is the fruit of prayer…Patiently abiding in prayer signifies a man’s renunciation of himself. Therefore the self-denial of the soul turns into love for God".

In the desert, St. John the Forerunner grew in wisdom and strength, preparing himself for the great ministry that awaited him. In a similar way, we are called to grow in wisdom and strength as we navigate the challenges and joys of our own journey with Christ. Let us therefore emulate St. John's example by embracing solitude and prayer, allowing these disciplines to shape us and draw us closer to God. May we seek His wisdom in every decision we make and rely on His strength to overcome the obstacles we face.

As we conclude this week of reflection on the birth of St. John the Forerunner, let us remember that our journey with Christ is a continuous process of growth and transformation. In solitude and prayer, we find the nourishment and strength we need to navigate the path ahead. Let us do well to remember that the journey to God is a lifelong endeavor, requiring continuous growth in wisdom and strength. May our journey be marked by a deepening relationship with God, as we grow in wisdom, strength, and the abundant grace He provides. "Let us contend with all earnestness, knowing that we are now called to the combat. Let us run in the straight road, the race that is incorruptible" - St. Clement of Alexandria. May God bless you!