“There are two Sources unborn and everlasting, Alaha (God) and Matter, Light and Darkness, Good and Evil – in all ways quite opposite, for the one shares nothing with the other, Alaha being good and having nothing in common with evil.” (Gospel of Mani 1:1)
Brothers and sisters, let us take our stand against that which is evil, and stand firm in the Manichaean Faith. Standing against evil encapsulates the essence of our journey as Manichaeans, calling us to be vigilant guardians against the forces of darkness and to remain steadfast in our unwavering devotion to Alaha.
Evil manifests itself in many forms, seeking to derail us from the path of righteousness. It lurks in the shadows, tempting us with fleeting pleasures, and whispering doubts into our hearts. It challenges our faith, seeking to shake the very foundations of our belief. But remember, dear brothers and sisters, that Alaha, in His infinite wisdom, has equipped us with the strength and resilience to combat evil and emerge victorious.
To take our stand against evil requires an unwavering commitment to righteousness and the Twelve Virtues of the Faith. We must be vigilant in recognizing the signs of its presence, both in our inner selves and in the world around us. It is through self-reflection and introspection that we can identify the weaknesses within ourselves and strive to rectify them. We must nurture our souls with prayer, contemplation, and the remembrance of Alaha, for it is through these acts that we fortify our defenses against the allure of sin.
However, merely recognizing evil is not enough. We must also actively resist its temptations and refuse to succumb to its allure. This requires courage, determination, and an unyielding faith. We must remember that our faith is not a passive state; it demands action. We are called upon to be agents of Light and to stand up against injustice, oppression, and all forms of wrongdoing. We must promote compassion, justice, and mercy in our interactions with others, and we must be a source of light in a world that often seems engulfed in darkness.
To stand firm in the faith is to hold fast to the teachings of the Faith, to immerse ourselves in the Gospel, and to follow the examples of our beloved Savior Yeshua and our Prophet Mani. It is to find solace and strength in our daily prayers, to seek knowledge and wisdom, and to cultivate a deep connection with Alaha. It is to trust in His divine plan and to submit our will to His guidance, even in times of hardship and adversity.
Brothers and sisters, as we navigate the many challenges of life, let us remember that the struggle against the kingdom of darkness is an ongoing one. It requires our constant vigilance and unwavering commitment. But fear not, for Alaha is with us every step of the way. He is our Protector, our Guide, and our Sustainer. With Him by our side, we have nothing to fear.
So let us rise, fortified by the strength of our faith, and take our stand against evil. Let us be beacons of light in a world in need of illumination. Let our words and actions reflect the beauty and mercy of our Faith. And let us trust in Alaha’s promise that victory will be ours if we remain steadfast and true.
May Alaha grant us the resolve to stand against evil and the strength to remain firm in our faith. Ameen.