Remnant
Yordanos Addise
The Holy Book tells us that remnant locally known as “Trufan” refers to those who survived war, exile, and captivity. The root word, “Tiruf,” literally means “that which remains, that which is left over, a remainder, a surplus/extra.” (Metsihafe Sewasew Wegis We-Mezgebe Kalat Hadis, page 903)
After Nebuchadnezzar exiled the Israelites to Babylon, those who remained in Babylon seventy years after the captivity of the elders are called the “Trufan.” The book also explains that the people of Israel who were taken captive from Jerusalem during the king’s reign and lived seventy years in Persia and Babylon are the remnant of Babylon. (Ezra 2:1)
Throughout different eras, due to one reason or another, many lives are lost as a result of war, massacres, or unjust killings and slaughter that occur among people, tribes, societies, and between nations. History is a primary witness to this truth that we know. The news of war is not a new thing to us. The Lord Himself, speaking in the Gospel, said: “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:6-7)
As He said, it is not hidden from anyone that all these tribulations are happening on earth. So, the horrible aspect of war is what we see; its positive side, perhaps, is the act of expelling an enemy from the country when God knows and allows it. Because of this, most of us accept war out of necessity, not out of choice. The most devastating part of all, however, is the suffering and damage faced by the remnant) who lose their families, relatives, and friends. On one hand, surviving a horrific killing or death is a cause for joy, but on the other hand, losing loved ones is extremely dreadful. Above all, though, the most terrible death of all is the death of the soul, which is worse than physical death.
We fear death; it is an undeniable fact that physical death is distressing. However, Saint Yared tells us: “Ethferihwo leMot; ferihwa leHatiat; Do not fear death; but rather fear sin.” By this word, we understand that what should trouble us is the death of our soul as a result of sin, but not physical death. Since physical death is inevitable according to the divine word, “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return,” (Genesis 3:19), worrying about something we cannot change is of no use.
It is highly preferable that we be remnants of the war of the soul, not the war of the body. The Holy Scriptures testify that all the righteous ones who understood His Word, lived by His Law, and kept His Commandments, “saved/profited in their souls” and departed from the toil and rest of this world in glory. (Hagiography). We, the family of God named Christians in Christ, must all know that they are an example for us. The Saints, the Righteous, and the Martyrs who suffered for the sake of the one true Lord and the one true faith, walked the straight path, and bore good fruit, are the saviors/profiteers/remnants of the soul.
While becoming a spiritual survivor should be the desire and wish of all our hearts, at a time when it is essential to gather our provisions to win the spiritual battle, we are instead worrying about temporary problems and avoiding death in the current internal conflict. However, when we are complacent, fearing physical death, the spiritual enemies can snatch our soul like a lion and cast it down, so let us fear this!
The soul is eternal, while the body is temporary. We must be careful, as striving to live on earth in order to fulfill fleeting and perishing earthly things can lead to a state of losing both. When we dwell on physical death, we encounter spiritual exhaustion and lethargy. At that time, our soul is harmed, it becomes soiled; impure, and it wastes away and diminishes.
A person can fear war and flee; it is not wrong to emigrate or hide. However, if it is impossible to stop the clear, horrific situation, whether it is the ongoing war or the massacre, the appropriate action, as permitted by our faith, is to raise our voice and send a message, rather than creating a confrontation or entering into war with the enemy forces. Even if the enemy comes face-to-face and wants to kill us, to say “We will not break our baptismal thread (Mahteb)” and will to be cut our head off by a sword and choose death, it is martyrdom; it also grants us a death of glory.
The “Melka Mariam,” which is read especially on the 21st day of every month the commemoration of the Dormition/Rest of our Lady Saint Virgin Mary says: “When sinners are expatriate from the great courtyard of joy, save me amongst them to be a captive (remnant) for you.” (Melka Mariam) This wonderful prayer indicates that we should not plan to escape the captivity of war, but rather desire not to be counted among the ranks of sinners. In fact, it suggests that we ought to become a captivity or remnant of love.
We believe that this plea, which we have requested the pure and holy Mother of God, will be for all of us. Our God, who does not wish the destruction of our souls, saved us by giving up His only Son, and this was through His revered mother, the Virgin Mary. Therefore, it is right for us to plead her so that she may intercede for us, plead on our behalf, and help us.
Let us implore her to save us from the spiritual war of the enemy Satan and to make us her captives (remnants).
Glory to God!!!