The Best Companion

Life in Christ is communion. The psalmist said: “I am a companion of all who fear You and keep Your commandments” (Psalm 118:63). I would not be diminishing what the Scriptures say about the communal life if I said that these words are the most eloquent of what has been said about it. I am not talking about something that we have left behind, that is, something that we hope to see in our churches. No church can be established on the ruins of this companionship, the companionship of the pious and obedient people. I do not need to mention that I know many brethren for whom this verse from the Psalms represents a rule for their lives. We all know. This is the best icon for the communion of the new life. This is His icon from the beginning, the icon that remains forever. The golden foundation of this icon is God, Who manifests Himself as leader of a life of piety and obedience. Do you have, among your companions, one of the pious brethren who keep God’s commandments? Believe it! Believe it! In your life, you do not need a better companion. This is a leaven for the new life.