The Treasure Beneath the Rubble

Growing up, I remember how our family kept old photographs in boxes and albums. Some were carefully arranged, while others were tucked away in drawers and cabinets.

Every once in a while, we would open those boxes, and suddenly a forgotten photograph would appear. I would recognize a familiar face, remember a special moment, and feel the joy of rediscovering something precious from the past.

Those memories had never disappeared. They had simply been waiting to be rediscovered.

I believe something similar happens in our spiritual lives.

Over the years, we accumulate so much: responsibilities, worries, disappointments, painful memories, and regrets. Slowly, these things pile up in our hearts. And sometimes, beneath all that weight, we lose sight of God's presence in our lives.

Today, our Armenian Church celebrates the Discovery of the Holy Cross, known as Գիւտ Խաչ (Gyut Khach).

According to ancient tradition, St. Helena traveled to Jerusalem searching for the Cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. After much searching and excavation, the Holy Cross was discovered beneath the stones and ruins that had covered it for generations.

What a beautiful reminder for our own lives!

Sometimes the greatest treasures are hidden beneath the rubble. And sometimes the very place where we have experienced our deepest pain becomes the place where we discover God's greatest grace.

Perhaps you are carrying an old disappointment, a broken relationship, a painful memory, or a regret you cannot seem to release. Perhaps your prayers feel unanswered, or your faith has grown weak.

My friends, just because you cannot feel God's presence does not mean He has abandoned you. His love is still there. His grace is still there. His promises are still there.

Like St. Helena, we are invited to begin removing the stones, one by one.

We remove the stone of resentment when we choose forgiveness. We remove the stone of guilt when we accept God's mercy. We remove the stone of fear when we place our trust in Him. And we remove the stone of distraction when we make room for prayer.

You do not have to remove every stone today. Just begin with one.

And remember this beautiful truth: While we are searching for God, we often discover that He has been with us all along.