The Virtues in the Life of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf
By Fr. Kamil AlChouefati
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When we reflect on the life of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf, we see not only an ascetic who lived in silence but a living Gospel translated into daily virtues. This saint lived far from the noise of the world, yet he became a light to the whole world because holiness needs no noise but a heart filled with God.
First: The Virtue of Humility
Saint Sharbel shunned praise and always chose the lowest place. He did not seek fame or earthly honor but considered himself a humble servant before God. True humility is knowing that everything one possesses is a blessing from God.
How much we need this virtue today, in a time when people love to show off and boast. Saint Sharbel teaches us that a person is elevated when they bow before God.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt. 23:12)
Second: The Virtue of Prayer
For Saint Sharbel, prayer was the breath of life. It was not a duty he performed but a loving encounter with God. He would spend long hours before the Blessed Sacrament until his face radiated peace and light.
Prayer changed his life, and through him, God changed the lives of many. When we pray sincerely, our hearts are transformed and grace enters into our homes and families.
Third: The Virtue of Obedience
Saint Sharbel obeyed his monastic order and superiors with love and simplicity, even in small matters. He never argued or complained, for he saw obedience as the path to God’s will.
Obedience is not a weakness but a spiritual strength that makes a person trust that God is guiding him even when he does not understand the way.
Fourth: The Virtues of Asceticism and Detachment
Saint Sharbel lived a life of voluntary poverty. He was content with little, for his heart was attached to God, not to material possessions. He knew that a person’s true treasure is not what they own but in those they love.
In a world that chases after money and appearances, Saint Sharbel reminds us that true peace cannot be bought but is lived with God.
Fifth: The Virtue of Love
Despite his solitude, he loved people deeply. His prayers were for the suffering, the sick, and sinners, and since his passing into heaven, his love continues through the miracles and consolations that believers receive through his intercession.
True love is not just words but a heart that sacrifices, prays, and forgives.
Conclusion
Dear friends,
The life of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf calls us to return to God—to a simpler, purer, and deeper life. he was not great by worldly standards, but he became great in heaven because he loved God with all his heart.
Let us ask for his intercession, saying:
“O Saint Sharbel, teach us to live with humility, to pray with faith, and to love with sincerity so that our lives may become a living witness to Christ.”
Amen.
When we reflect on the life of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf, we see not only an ascetic who lived in silence but a living Gospel translated into daily virtues. This saint lived far from the noise of the world, yet he became a light to the whole world because holiness needs no noise but a heart filled with God.
First: The Virtue of Humility
Saint Sharbel shunned praise and always chose the lowest place. He did not seek fame or earthly honor but considered himself a humble servant before God. True humility is knowing that everything one possesses is a blessing from God.
How much we need this virtue today, in a time when people love to show off and boast. Saint Sharbel teaches us that a person is elevated when they bow before God.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt. 23:12)
Second: The Virtue of Prayer
For Saint Sharbel, prayer was the breath of life. It was not a duty he performed but a loving encounter with God. He would spend long hours before the Blessed Sacrament until his face radiated peace and light.
Prayer changed his life, and through him, God changed the lives of many. When we pray sincerely, our hearts are transformed and grace enters into our homes and families.
Third: The Virtue of Obedience
Saint Sharbel obeyed his monastic order and superiors with love and simplicity, even in small matters. He never argued or complained, for he saw obedience as the path to God’s will.
Obedience is not a weakness but a spiritual strength that makes a person trust that God is guiding him even when he does not understand the way.
Fourth: The Virtues of Asceticism and Detachment
Saint Sharbel lived a life of voluntary poverty. He was content with little, for his heart was attached to God, not to material possessions. He knew that a person’s true treasure is not what they own but in those they love.
In a world that chases after money and appearances, Saint Sharbel reminds us that true peace cannot be bought but is lived with God.
Fifth: The Virtue of Love
Despite his solitude, he loved people deeply. His prayers were for the suffering, the sick, and sinners, and since his passing into heaven, his love continues through the miracles and consolations that believers receive through his intercession.
True love is not just words but a heart that sacrifices, prays, and forgives.
Conclusion
Dear friends,
The life of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf calls us to return to God—to a simpler, purer, and deeper life. he was not great by worldly standards, but he became great in heaven because he loved God with all his heart.
Let us ask for his intercession, saying:
“O Saint Sharbel, teach us to live with humility, to pray with faith, and to love with sincerity so that our lives may become a living witness to Christ.”
Amen.
