An Enslaved Family of Thinkers

On Sunday, three days after Mother passed away, we held a prayer service in the same room she died. My limited understanding of the arabic and latin language and  my inability to assimilate with the Coptic Orthodox traditions denied me the opportunity to commemorate the  departure of the Mother's soul in union with those present. Filled with anger and arrogance, my mind listened with the intention to respond rather than understand the deeply manifested cultural traditions. 

The Priest sat down to answer questions. He seemed to have an answer for everything. The phrase "I don't know" was like the commonly avoided extra fat on a steak. Personifying a representative of God, the Priest explained the reason God took my Mother away. This is not an exact quote but the explanation was  along the following lines. 

"Sometimes we may ask God to extend our or someone else's life but he doesn't. This is because God can see that it’s in our best interest to die because if we live longer on earth, it is likely that we will deviate from our nearness to God". 

With my heart pumping blood through contracting veins at what felt like the speed of light all the way up to face, I interrupted ever so arrogantly and asked him to provide an example. Kindly enough, he provided an example from the Old Testament of King who lived a long life that pleased the Lord and others. When his life was nearing the end, the King prayed to God to extend his life with an additional fifteen years and God, answered his prayers. But, to the King’s misfortune, he deviated from God serving idols amongst other things. This explanation provides comfort for those who were disappointed at God because he did not answer their prayers that requested an extension to Mother's life. 

But, this explanation provided me with little comfort. An extension of life provides any human being with new challenges and opportunities. How we deal with problems is the what God wants to see. Do we think? ask? repent? harm others? harm ourselves? are we angry? jealous? selfish? or peaceful? loving? helpful? When you are angry at someone who is at harm? Isn't it the angry man? When you fail to forgive someone, who feels sad? Isn't it the unforgiver? When we inflict harm on the self or others life on earth becomes un-pleasurably dark. God graciously provided us with tools or tips to assist us in living in harmony within ourselves and with others. Used properly, the Holy bookS provide us with the power create heaven on earth. Do you think that cutting your life short on earth protects you? Rather doesn't it provide you with more ways to improve upon yourself and to become a better person through repentance?