Antigone the Heroine of Love

In Sophocles’ tragedies, Antigone shines as a heroine of deep love and unwavering loyalty, even though her fate is marked by sorrow and a dark family history. Born from the tragic union of Oedipus and Jocasta—both her parents—Antigone’s life is shadowed by incest and death. Yet, from this pain rises a woman whose nature is to love, not to hate. In Antigone, line 523, she declares with clarity:

“It is not my nature to join in hate, but in love.”

This short but powerful line reveals Antigone’s deepest truth: she exists to care, to serve, and to give. Her love is not abstract; it is lived out in every action, especially in her devotion to her blind and exiled father, Oedipus, in Oedipus at Colonus. While others turn away from him, she remains by his side, guiding him, speaking for him, comforting him. When he dies, she expresses grief not only for his passing but for the pain of not being there at the final moment:

“One laments the loss of even painful things.

That life for which I felt no love at all

I did love when I held him in my arms.

O my beloved father, now wrapped in the underworld’s eternal darkness,

even though you are no longer here,

my sister and I will love you always.” (Oedipus at Colonus, 1697–1703)

These lines express the paradox of human love, how one can love even despite suffering, especially due to that terrible curse. Antigone’s compassion grows deeper through grief. She does not hide her sorrow; she voices it with aching honesty:

“With tear-filled eyes I still grieve for you,

my father, and in my unhappy state

I do not know how I should relieve

the grief I feel with such intensity.

Alas! You wished to die in a strange land,

but when you died I was not with you.” (Oedipus at Colonus, 1709–1714)

This profound tenderness is also the force behind her most famous act of love: in Antigone, giving a proper burial to her brother Polynices, even though he is considered a traitor by his birthplace. By doing so, Antigone chooses to follow the eternal laws of nature and Divine Justice, not the laws of man. Her gesture is not political, but it is emotional, moral, and sacred. She is moved by love, not by ideology. In this courageous defiance, she honours what she believes is right, that is to say to care for the departed, to respect the bonds of blood, to act out of love.

These words and deeds paint Antigone as a figure of rare emotional depth, filled with tenderness and a desire to serve others through love. Her actions are never selfish. Whether burying her brother in defiance of the law or taking care of and mourning her father in solitude, Antigone gives all of herself, sacrificing her own life.

However, what makes this even more powerful is how Sophocles, a man and a dramatist of ancient Greece, lived during the 5th century BCE, manages to portray such rich inner life in a female character. His writing reveals not only poetic elegance and tragic intensity, but also a rare sensitivity and psychological insight. Antigone’s strength lies not in rebellion alone, but in her heart's immense capacity for love, making her not only a tragic heroine, but a timeless symbol of compassion.

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https://www.perseus.tufts.edu

Vessel of Inestimable Treasures

 

Oh my Marvellous God, You have desired that I strip myself of all that is superfluous. I am human, clothed in this form upon this Earth... Little by little, I free myself from those burdens that bring inconsistent joy, to fully embrace Your True Joy—loving You, serving You, doing Your Will, now and always.

Like a vessel completely emptied of all that belongs to this earthly experience—materialism, fleeting pleasures, and even what we cherish, such as study, work, pastimes, etc.—ready to be filled with what is worthy of Heaven, of Your Eternal Dwelling.

My thoughts soar toward You, in the Hope that I may one day bring this vessel filled with what pleases You.

(11/06/25. 22:25–30)

 

Let them speak ill, we elevate ourselves in Peace and Love

If the criticism is constructive, I welcome it: it can help me grow. But if it's meant to tear me down, I won't let it harm me. As long as I’m at peace with my conscience, and my choices don’t harm God, creation, others, or even myself, then what should I worry about?

People will always talk, no matter what you do, especially those who carry bitterness or malice in their hearts and in their minds. I pray for them. In my limited and imperfect life experience, I’ve noticed that most of the conflicts or judgment I’ve encountered have come from people in my own area rather than from Asia.

That’s not to say I’m idealising certain countries or imagining a perfect world there. The whole Earth is immersed in growing darkness. Still, I do notice a difference—perhaps in proportion, or perhaps because I’ve been blessed to meet kind and marvellous friends from various Asian countries.

From my flawed, earthly perspective, I’ve observed that many of my Asian friends, and other people from that part of the world, show a deep respect—for others, for life, for values. I sense their positive energy, their empathy, introspection, and emotional sensitivity. Many are weighed down by challenges of their own, and I pray for them too.

Sometimes, I sense that some of them may feel undervalued by others from the Western world. But I want to say this: every soul is unique and precious. No one should feel inferior. These people carry a rich heritage, a beautiful culture, and powerful inner qualities. If they channel these strengths into building a world rooted in Love, Peace, Justice, and Righteousness, they will shine eternally in the New Era of Peace (The Golden Age).

It's written:

“God has shown the strength of His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

and lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.”

So to all my dear friends (especially the New Gentiles of Asia, who carry within them a deep spiritual elegance, quiet strength, and ancient wisdom) I say this: keep walking the path of Goodness. Not just in prayer, although prayer is powerful. But even more in action, in kindness offered with no reward, in virtues lived out day by day.

Share not only your resources, but your time, your presence, your compassion. Call a friend who’s struggling. Listen without judgment. Help someone find hope. Show patience when it’s hardest. Offer a warm smile to someone who feels invisible. Be honest, even when it costs you something. Defend what is right, even if your voice trembles. These are not small things, hey are seeds of Light.

As you begin to radiate these positive vibrations, you also begin to attract them (Law of Cause and Effect). And step by step, person by person, we become part of something far greater than ourselves: the building of a New World, a Kingdom of Love, Peace, Justice, and Truth.

And one day, when the veil is lifted, the reward will be beyond anything the human heart can fully imagine. Those who have loved deeply, unconditionally, who have served silently, who have sown good in hidden ways, these will shine like stars.

Because God sees all.

So do not grow weary. You are not alone. The good you do matters. And the Light you carry within you is stronger than the darkness outside.

Unmasking evil and walking toward the Light

In our journey through life, we often see only the surface of things. However each human soul is called to look deeper. Behind every thought, word, and event, there is a hidden spiritual dimension. Our task is to learn how to unmask the evil that hides beneath appearances and to seek always what is true, good, and aligned with Divine Will, the Virtuous Path. This requires discipline, deep self-examination, and a firm desire to grow in holiness.

To unmask evil means to test every thought and action to see whether it comes from God or not. This is not easy. Evil often disguises itself as something harmless or even good. It may appear in the form of pride dressed as self-confidence, laziness disguised as serenity, or envy hidden under the name of justice. The devil does not always use violence or clear hatred; he often uses confusion, distraction, and lies. He attacks our minds with doubts and our hearts with temptations. That is why we must look into ourselves deeply and wisely. We must not let any thought or feeling pass without being tested. Is this idea leading me closer to God or away from Him? Does this action reflect God or the darkened world?

This work of constant examination is not to become proud or to think we can be like God, but to belong more fully to Him. We are not trying to replace Him but to reflect His Light. As human souls, we are called to strive for spiritual purity—not perfection in the worldly sense, but a heart that truly seeks God above all. We must learn to deny ourselves when our desires lead us away from holiness, and instead choose what is right, even when it is painful. This inner battle, this intransigence with ourselves, is how we polish our soul and our spirit to become more transparent on Heaven.

Besides, Saint Paul writes that our real enemies are not people of flesh and blood, but “the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). These demonic forces attack us physically, psychologically, and spiritually. They sow division in families, promote addiction and despair, and whisper lies into our hearts that we are worthless, alone, or beyond forgiveness. They want to block our spiritual evolution and keep us far from the Virtuous Path to Heaven. But we are not defenseless.

Saint Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God. This armor is spiritual and powerful. Truth is our belt—it keeps us upright. Justice is our breastplate—it protects our heart. The Gospel of Peace is our foundation—it guides our steps. Faith is our shield—it protects us from doubt and temptation. Salvation is our helmet—it guards our mind. And the Word of God is our sword—it fights lies with Divine Truth. Prayer is what keeps all this armor strong. We must pray at all times, not only for ourselves, but for all humans.

Therefore, Satan and his demonic forces do not simply seek to cause discomfort or temporary hardship; their true mission is total destruction—physical, psychological, and spiritual. These entities operate with subtlety and intelligence, often hiding behind what appears ordinary, pleasurable, or even harmless. Their ultimate aim is to prevent the soul from reaching union with the Divine, to stop our evolution toward Light, Truth, and Love. They do this by acting on all dimensions of human existence.

Physically, demons rarely intervene in direct, visible ways, but their influence can guide individuals toward choices that damage or destroy the body, which is itself a sacred vessel. They lead people into addictions—alcohol, drugs, excessive consumption of food, and other compulsions—because such behaviors weaken the will and dull the conscience. They encourage forms of extreme hedonism, seducing the body with pleasure to the point where it becomes enslaved to desire and unable to act freely. Sometimes they push toward the opposite extreme: self-neglect, a rejection of self-care that may arise from laziness, burnout, or even the belief that one's body is unworthy of love or attention. Violence is another powerful tool: demons stir up hatred and anger in hearts, which then spill into abuse, war, and cruelty. Domestic violence, murder, and physical conflict often have spiritual roots. Even distraction through constant comfort—passive entertainment, overindulgence in sensuality, or the obsession with superficial appearances—can serve their goals, as it lulls the soul into sleep and inactivity.

Psychologically, demons are especially cunning. The human mind, being the link between soul and body, is a central battlefield. Demonic forces are masters of suggestion. They plant lies in the form of intrusive thoughts: "You are worthless," "You will never change," "There is no hope for you." These thoughts often arrive in moments of fatigue or weakness and, if believed, take root in the heart. They inflate fear and anxiety, exaggerating risks and feeding paranoia, until a person becomes paralyzed and unable to trust life or God. Depression and despair are often exploited and/or caused by demonic presence, as demons capitalise on a person’s wounds, losses, and trauma to whisper: "There is no meaning, no redemption, no way out." They confuse identity, not just in terms of gender or role in society, but in a deeper spiritual sense—twisting one’s perception of self-worth, morality, and purpose. This confusion leaves people lost and vulnerable to manipulation.

Another common tactic is isolation. By sowing seeds of mistrust, suspicion, or even false independence, demons pull individuals away from families, friends, and spiritual communities. Isolation weakens us, because Love and Truth grow in relationship. Pride is often used as a mask: they convince us we don’t need anyone, that we’re better off alone, or that no one understands us. This creates spiritual blindness. Interestingly, demons use both extremes: they may inflate the ego until someone becomes arrogant, or crush it until one is stuck in deep self-hatred. Both are equally destructive. They destabilise the personality and block the person from finding interior peace and harmony.

But the most dangerous level is spiritual destruction, which is the very core of their mission. Here, the attack becomes existential. Demons tempt us to sin repeatedly, knowing that frequent sin dulls the conscience and forms habits. Over time, those habits become vices—chronic patterns that enslave the soul and create distance from the Divine. They use the illusion of harmlessness to justify evil: "It’s not that bad," or "Everyone does it." With time, this leads to spiritual numbness.

Another subtle tactic is spiritual pride. As someone begins to grow or practice their faith, demons may inflate the ego, making them feel superior to others. Instead of deepening in humility, the person begins to worship their own image of virtue. They may speak piously, but act without Love. Apathy and lukewarmness are perhaps the most quiet and effective demonic strategies. Many people do not reject God—they just delay prayer, ignore their conscience, or become too busy with distractions. Time slips away, and the soul slowly drifts into coldness without realizing it.

Doubt in God is often encouraged. Demons twist sacred teachings, suggesting that God is unjust, cruel, or distant. This intellectual confusion weakens faith. In some cases, they direct souls toward spiritual practices that are dangerous—forms of occultism, divination, or “light spirituality” that look harmless but are disconnected from Truth and lead toward false gods or energies. They may even offer a form of "false peace"—a calmness that comes from avoiding Truth and indulging in sin—which deceives the soul into thinking all is well, when in fact, it is asleep and vulnerable.

Finally, when someone begins to truly convert, to walk the Path of Light, that is often when the most brutal attacks come. Exhaustion, temptation, and discouragement increase. The demons know that spiritual rebirth threatens their control, so they try to strike the soul down with thoughts like: "It’s useless," "You haven’t changed," or "You’ll always fall back." They want the soul to give up just before it blossoms.

Yet, despite the depth of their attacks, these forces are not invincible. They are limited, and they flee in the presence of True Light, Love, and Humility. The Divine has given us all the tools to resist them. Recognizing their strategies is the first step in breaking their power. Through constant awareness, prayer, purification, and acts of selfless Love, the soul regains strength. Demons cannot stand in the presence of real holiness. Every small choice for Truth, every act of forgiveness, every effort to rise after falling, weakens their grip and brings the soul closer to its true destiny: union with the Divine.

And what about those who oppose us in the world? We must remember: every human is created by God and is capable of salvation. Even those who hate or hurt us are not our true enemies. We must pray for their conversion, not hate them. We must thank God for them, because they test our love and help us grow in patience and virtue. Every time we suffer for doing good, we are walking in the footsteps of God, and we are earning treasures in Heaven.

There is also a higher solution: the restoration of lost harmony between Heaven and Earth. This harmony—called kosmos in ancient Greek—was part of the original Beauty of Creation. We must return to it by building a relationship between the Celestial and the earthly, between Angels and human beings, between God and His human creatures. This is not imagination. It is possible through Love. Every prayer, every kind action, every small sacrifice filled with Love helps to bring this Harmony back. The more we act with sincere Love, the more we call upon Heaven to help Earth.

So how do we recognise and resist the demonic strategies meant to destroy us?

1. Distraction and noise: Evil uses constant noise—social media, gossip, shallow entertainment—to stop us from thinking deeply. We must create silence in our lives to hear God.

2. Fear and despair: Evil whispers that we are alone or doomed. But hope in God is stronger than any fear.

3. Pride and selfishness: Evil tells us to serve ourselves first. We must learn humility and serve others, as Jesus did.

4. Confusion and Relativism: Evil says there is no truth. We must stand on the Word of God, which is Eternal and Unchanging.

5. Temptation through Pleasure or Pain: Whether through comfort or suffering, the devil tries to weaken our will. We must stay close to God, with prayers, practice of Virtues and good deeds.

To grow spiritually, we must stay close to the Light — that is, to what is True, Good, and Just. This means being honest with ourselves, acknowledging our faults, and working daily to become better. It involves practicing Mindfulness, Compassion, Self-discipline, Altruism, and other Virtues, doing good deeds, staying connected to a community that shares our values, and acting with love toward all beings. Through prayer, meditation, reflection, practice of Virtues, acts of kindness, the more we choose Truth and Love, the less power negativity, hatred, and darkness have over our lives.

In the end, evil may be strong, but God is infinitely stronger. Light always defeats darkness. We are not alone in this fight. Angels fight beside us. Saints pray for us. And Christ walks ahead of us, showing the way. Our task is to keep going, always rising again, always choosing Love, always turning our face toward Heaven.

 

Remember to be kind

Remember to be kind to the person in front of you, because you never know what battles they are facing. When we criticise, offend, or hurt someone, we often don’t realise what they might be going through. Some people are very private and prefer to stay silent, not wanting to be a burden. Some are always ready to give and help when others are in need, yet they often find themselves alone when it’s their turn to need support. 

We are all quick to judge, but who are we to do so? No one. No one is perfect in this world; only God is. I have no right to say that my pain is greater than someone else's, because we all feel things differently depending on who we are, what we’ve been through, and our personality. What feels heavy to me may feel different to someone else, and vice versa.

Let’s also stop thinking that good actions aren't important. Like I always say, praying is important (it nourishes the spirit and connects us with God) but without good deeds and the daily practice of Virtues like Altruism, Love, Righteousness, Peace, Harmony, Humility, and so on, we can’t truly grow. Without them, we risk falling into emptiness.

We should try to live with more empathy and self-awareness, learning to feel and recognise the soul and spirit in each person. Every soul is precious, and I am no one to misjudge or destroy it. Let’s be more compassionate toward those who are suffering, whatever form that suffering may take. Let’s give ourselves with Unconditional Love, without expecting anything in return, except perhaps a bit of affection, love, and true, honest friendship.

Let’s be mindful every time we are about to offend, hurt, or tear someone down. Let’s remind ourselves that we are standing before a soul and a spirit, not just a body. And always remember: the Law of Cause and Effect is Universal. The choice is yours.

The Path to a Virtuous and Deeper Life: Prayer, Virtues, and Good Deeds

 

In the quest for a virtuous and deeper life, three fundamental aspects stand out, that is to say, praying and meditating, the practice of Virtues, and performing good deeds. These elements not only enhance one's spiritual growth but also contribute significantly to personal fulfillment and social harmony. By considering the Law of Love as a corollary of the Law of Cause and Effect, we can understand how these aspects create a ripple effect, impacting not just the individual but also the wider community. Morevoer, the parables of the leaven and the mustard seed further illustrate the importance of small - but full of Love and Humility - actions in our spiritual journey. 

 

1. Praying and meditating: Connection with God and His Messengers

Prayer and meditation serve as vital practices for connecting with the Divine and seeking guidance from Higher Powers. These practices transcend religious boundaries, providing a means to attain inner peace, clarity, and strength. Praying or meditating facilitates a direct communication with God and His Messengers, enabling individuals to align their lives with the Divine Will.

 

The Importance of prayer and meditation

Prayer and meditation are essential for spiritual growth as they foster a deep sense of inner peace and mindfulness. These practices encourage self-reflection, helping individuals to evaluate their thoughts, actions, and desires. By dedicating time to prayer or meditation, one can find solace in moments of silence, away from the chaos and distractions of daily life. This quiet introspection allows for a clearer understanding of one's purpose and the Divine Guidance that shapes it.

Law of Love

The Law of Love, viewed as a consequence of the Law of Cause and Effect, emphasizes the transformative power of positive thoughts and actions. Through prayer and meditation, individuals generate positive energy that radiates outward, influencing their surroundings. This aligns with the principle that loving thoughts and actions lead to positive outcomes, fostering an environment of compassion and empathy. The consistency in these practices can lead to significant personal transformation, making one more compassionate, empathetic, and aligned with the Divine Principles.

 

2. Practice of Virtues: Love, Peace, Righteousness, Loyalty, Respect, Justice, Humility, Truth...

The practice of Virtues forms the foundation of a moral and ethical life. Virtues such as Love, Peace, Righteousness, Loyalty, Respect, Justice, Humility, Truth etc guide behavior and decision-making, ensuring that one's actions are aligned with Higher Principles. These not only contribute to personal growth but also promote social harmony and mutual respect.

 

Significance of Virtues

Practicing Virtues is essential for cultivating a character rooted in moral integrity. These serve as guiding principles, shaping one's interactions and choices. For instance, Love and Compassion foster empathy and understanding, while Justice and Respect ensure fairness and equality in relationships. By embodying these values, individuals contribute to creating a society based on mutual respect and understanding.

Moreover, Humility is a cornerstone of spiritual growth. It allows individuals to recognize their limitations and dependence on the Divine, fostering a receptive heart open to learning and growth. Performing humble acts of service with Love enhances spiritual growth, aligning with the teachings of many spiritual traditions that advocate for selfless service as a path to enlightenment.

 

Law of Love

The practice of Virtues creates a ripple effect in society, where acts of Kindness, Justice, and Truth inspire similar behavior in others. This cycle of positive interactions aligns with the Law of Love, reinforcing the idea that loving actions lead to loving responses. Living virtuously nurtures the soul, leading to moral and spiritual growth. It aligns one's actions with the Divine Will, promoting a life of purpose and fulfillment.

 

3. Good Deeds

Performing good deeds is a tangible expression of Love and Compassion. These deeds extend beyond monetary contributions to include offering time, skills, and resources to help others. Acts of service not only benefit the recipients but also enrich the giver's life, fostering a sense of community and collective well-being.

 

Importance of Good Deeds

Good deeds are crucial for building strong, supportive communities. By offering time, skills, and resources, individuals demonstrate true Generosity and Selflessness. These acts of service strengthen the bonds within a community, creating a network of care and support. Moreover, performing good deeds reflects an understanding of one's role in the greater good, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the welfare of others. Besides, One of the highest forms of good deeds is the act of spreading Virtues. By embodying and promoting Virtues such as Love, Peace, Justice etc in our daily interactions, we encourage others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that enhances the moral fabric of society.

Law of Love

Good deeds operate under the principle according to which positive actions lead to positive consequences. Helping others not only provides immediate benefits but also creates a lasting impact, forming a legacy of Love and Compassion. This legacy endures beyond one's lifetime, reinforcing the principles of the Law of Love and inspiring future generations to continue the cycle of Kindness and Generosity. 

In this regard, it is worth citing two parables that illustrate the profound impact of small, loving actions. As regards the parable of the mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32; Mk 4:30-32; Lk 13:18-19), this, though small, grows into a large tree, symbolizing how even the smallest acts of Kindness and Love can lead to significant changes. This parable encourages individuals to have faith in the power of their actions, no matter how small they may seem.

Similarly, the parable of the leaven (Mt 13:33; Lk 13:20-21) highlights the transformative influence of small acts of Love. Just as a small amount of leaven can permeate an entire loaf of bread, small gestures of Love and Compassion can transform lives and communities. These parables emphasize that it is not the size of the action that matters, but the Love and intention behind it, especially when It is unconditional.

 

Conclusion

 

Integrating prayer and meditation, practice of Virtues, and performing good deeds into one's life creates a holistic approach to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment. The Law of Love, a corollary of the Law of Cause and Effect, reinforces the importance of these crucial aspects, illustrating how positive thoughts and actions lead to positive outcomes. The parables of the leaven and the mustard seed remind us that even the smallest actions, when done with Love, have the power to transform and elevate our spiritual journey, especially when approached with Humility. By embracing these principles, individuals can cultivate a life of depth, virtue, and lasting impact.

Furthermore, when considering the eternal impact of our actions, it becomes clear that inner treasures, such as Love, Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Altruism etc, hold far greater value than material possessions. In Eternity, we do not carry our outer treasures, like money, power etc. Instead, it is our inner treasures which enrich and embellish our souls and spirits. These inner treasures are everlasting and form the essence of who we are beyond this earthly dimension. They shape our character and our spiritual journey, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends earthly existence. Besides, cultivating inner treasures fosters spiritual growth and alignment with the Divine Principles. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of purpose, rooted in values that endure beyond material success.