“Never confuse the person, formed in the image of God, with the evil that is within him. Evil is but a chance misfortune, an illness, a devilish reverie (daydream). But the very essence of the person is the image of God, and this remains in him, despite every disfigurement.” -St. John of Kronstadt

Practicing the Jesus Prayer allows us to focus all of our interior thoughts on one thing: God Himself. It brings us from chaos to clarity…from insanity to sanity…from being a wild beast to a true Human Being, made in the image and likeness of our Creator.

How many of us even considered the words that are pronounced when the chalice is brought forth through the Royal Doors: “In the fear of God, and with faith and love, draw near”? This is our invitation to partake of the most incredible mystery the Church has to offer to us, a gift that we are totally unworthy to accept. But it is only by God’s grace that we may, with fear of God and faith and love, draw near to the body and precious blood of our Lord, God and Savior.

How can a person overcome fear? How can some pray without ceasing? How can we love an enemy? These are things that are simply humanly impossible to do! Or are they?

The question, what is eternal life, can be answered based on our understanding of the Christian faith. For some people, eternal life is simply the ability to live forever, either here or there, without any clear notion of the real impact that an eternal life may present, especially as it relates to their current existence. To live eternally in this world may be all that some people aspire to accomplish. This could be the reason for our obsession with youth; to look and act eternally young. But equating looking and acting youthful to eternal life as the Church teaches is a total misunderstanding. Also, some people may feel the need to live life to the fullest, which usually means to squeeze out the most enjoyment as possible, accumulating worldly riches and experiences to brag about. Once again, that is missing the mark.