Mind Over Matter

We have more control over our suffering than you might imagine. Whether it is being mocked by our coworkers or in the public square, how we ‘receive’ the suffering makes all the difference. That’s why Christ INVITES us to take up our cross, rather than forcing it upon us.

Today is the Feast of the Procession of the Holy Cross. The Feast commemorates a time when the Holy Cross would be processed throughout Constantinople for the faithful to venerate and gain strength in suffering. It is a feast of comfort for the faithful in a time of struggle.

Today is also the Feast of the Seven Maccabee Youth. These pious Jews suffered for their faith at the hands of cruel enemies. Rather than betraying the Law of God, they chose to receive torment. They endured cruel torture with dignity and faith. They inspired me today.

Like so many Christian martyrs, these children could have chosen comfort over faith. Instead, they practiced ‘mind over matter’ and endured, just as Christ endure the Cross for us. How we receive suffering matters, as Christians. We already know we will suffer, so why fight it?

The Lord said to his disciples, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 10.16-22

Saint John Chrysostom taught that we could reduce our suffering simply by accepting it. Think about it for a moment. When we see our suffering as an injustice, now we have double the suffering. We suffer physically AND emotionally.

This is what I mean by mind over matter. If we stop seeing our suffering as an injustice, and accept it as Christ invites, then we have only our physically suffering to endure. God can take away our physical pain if He wants, but He cannot take away our attitude.

Our attitude is a condition of our soul, not our bodies. Our bodies will eventually die and decay, returning to the elements of the earth, until they are resurrected. The condition of our souls is what will make being in heaven joyful or torment. It is truly mind over matter, even in heaven.

Since we begin the Dormition Fast today, I invite you to change the way you receive your Christian struggle. It isn’t an injustice. It is a gift of faith and a badge of honor. Fasting can teach us this much, for sure. We learn to choose struggle for God. Mind over matter.