Questions & Answers

Grief

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Grief

The question

My mother passed away last year leaving me with my father and brother.

I feel that I have not been able to deal with my mom's passing away in the "right" or "healthy" way. I often become very irritable without a significant reason. I often loose patience quickly. I made a deal with myself to just step back for a while and keep a little distance from my friends. I think I need to be alone for a while to just establish peace within myself and with God. I think this time alone will help me deal with my mother's departure. Is this the right thing to do?

The answer

It has been nearly a year since your mother passed away and I think this should have been enough time for you to grieve for her departure. You should have faith that she is in a much better place and that now, in your new role in the family, you should be a source of comfort to your brother and your father. Do not let yourself be lead by emotions but get over them and be strong. Do not blame God for your mother's death but face your new situation with a positive attitude for as St. Paul said "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God" (Rom 8:28). Make sure to pray and read the Holy Bible daily for this is the best source of comfort and peace.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 246 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.