by St. Nikolai Velimirovich
Our father among the saints, Nikolai Velimirovich, was a gifted theologian combining a high level of erudition with the simplicity of a soul steeped in Christ-like love and humility, is often referred to as the “new Chrysostom” for his inspired preaching.
As a spiritual father of the Serbian people, he constantly exhorted them to fulfill their calling as a nation: to serve Christ.
During WW II he was imprisoned at the Dachau concentration camp.
He later served as a hierarch here in America, where he died.
“My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)
When the Apostle Thomas felt the wounds of the Lord Jesus, he cried out: “My Lord and my God!”
When Mary Magdalene heard the voice of the resurrected One in her soul, she cried out: “My Lord and my God!”
When Saul saw the light and heard the words of the resurrected One, he acknowledged: “My Lord and my God!”
When the pagans, in amazement, observed how the countless numbers of martyrs joyfully undergo pains and asked them: “Who is this Christ?” All of them replied: “My Lord and my God!”
When the scoffers ridiculed the army of ascetics and asked them: “Who is He, for Whom they took upon themselves the awesome burden of mortification? They all had one answer: “My Lord and my God!”
When the scorners derided the virgins who vowed their virginity and asked them: “Who is He for Whom they renounced marriage?” They all had one answer: “My Lord and my God!”
When the avaricious in astonishment asked the very wealthy: “Who is He for Whom they distribute their wealth and become beggarly?” All of them replied, one and the same: “My Lord and my God!”
Some have seen Him and have said: “My Lord and my God!” Some have only heard Him and said: “My Lord and my God!” Some have only felt Him and said: “My Lord and my God!” Some have only observed Him in the fabric of events and in the destinies of peoples and said: “My Lord and my God!” Some have felt His presence in their lives and cried out: “My Lord and my God!” Some have recognized Him by some sign, on themselves or on others, and cried out: “My Lord and my God!”
Still some have only heard about Him from others and believed and cried out: “My Lord and my God!” Truly, these last ones are the most blessed!
Let us also exclaim, with all our hearts, regardless of how we have come to recognize Him or how we have come to learn about Him:
“My Lord and my God!”
About Fr. John A. Peck
