How can we offer a praise of thanksgiving in the midst of harsh circumstances?

Pope Athanasius the Apostolic says, “For thus beautifully singing praises, he brings rhythm to his soul and leads it, so to speak, from disproportion to proportion, with the result that, due to its steadfast nature, it is not frightened by something, but rather imagines positive things, even possessing a full desire for the future goods. And gaining its composure by the

577 St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Colossians 9 (NPNF I/13:301).

578 St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Second Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians 20.2 (NPNF I/12:373).

579 St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew 25.4 (NPNF I/10:171).

580 St. Cyril of Alexandria, A Commentary upon the Gospel According to St. Luke: Part II , trans. R. Payne Smith (Oxford University Press, 1859) 130: pp. 601–602, amended.

singing of the phrases, it becomes forgetful of the passions and, while rejoicing, sees in accordance with the mind of Christ, conceiving the most excellent thoughts.”⁵⁸¹

St. John Chrysostom says:

“Then give thanks to God; then give praise to the one who tested you in the furnace. Speak praise instead of blasphemy … this is the way that blessed man [Job] expressed himself.”⁵⁸²

“This was the way that Job, too, offered sacrifice despite those dreadful afflictions beyond the capacity of nature.”⁵⁸³

“Even that of bearing the circumstance nobly; and if instead of using blasphemous words, you were to offer up words of thanksgiving to the Lord, so would evils brought upon you against your will become to you the good deeds of a free choice.”⁵⁸⁴

St. Jacob of Sarug says:

“O You who are hidden, higher than the exalted ones who carry You. Choose me to sing to You among the earthly who are faithful to You.

O You who are eternal, who alone by Himself knows, how can my tongue not serve You by singing of Your goodness?

O You who are to be feared, whom the Sun dare not look upon; let the mind behold You and be moved by the greatness of glorifying You.

O You who are carried by the cherubim; You of whom the earthly cannot speak, speak in me concerning Your mercies.

O You who are great above the ranks of the heavenly hosts, reveal to me Your ineffable wonder that I may speak of You.

The mouth is incapable of glorifying You, O You the Most High Lord, create for me a new mouth that is fit to praise You.

You are near to those who seek to be joined to You.”

581 St. Athanasius of Alexandria, The life of Antony and the letter to Marcellinus (Paulist Press, 1979) Letter

to Marcellinus 29: p. 126.

582 St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Psalms, Volume 2 , trans., Robert Charles Hill (Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1998) Homily on Psalm 127: p. 180.

583 St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Psalms, Volume 1 , trans., Robert Charles Hill (Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1998) Homily on Psalm 50: p. 359.

584 St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans 9 (NPNF I/11:400).