Metal Offering “Thank You”

Description

Metallic Vow Thank You

What is a Vow:

If we want to give a brief definition, as noted in a book by the Monastery of Paraklitou, we can say that a vow is a conscious promise of some good deed or offering to God, the Virgin Mary, or our Saints. It is a fact that there are many different interpretations regarding this subject.

With the vow, we bind our conscience. This very commitment of the conscience is what distinguishes a vow from a simple intention or even a firm decision. How and When can we make a Vow? Regarding how and when we can make a vow, we need to say that the prerequisite is calm and mature thinking, without pressure, coercion, fear, or violence, and with full awareness of what and to whom we are promising.

We cannot make a vow that concerns other people, or things and matters that do not directly involve us. They also cannot refer to others without their consent. Caution is also needed regarding the object of the vow, which should be good and holy. Anything that is useless or inappropriate cannot become the subject of a vow.

We must also not make a vow, even a holy one, if its fulfillment does not align with other important obligations in our lives. For example, a mother cannot vow a long pilgrimage to a holy place if fulfilling the vow would require leaving her small children alone and unprotected.

It is also important to know that for our vow to be welcomed by God, it must be the result of genuine piety, accompanied by repentance, a struggle against sin, and progress in virtue. Vows are useless without life correction and hope for salvation.

Fulfillment of the Vow. The fulfillment of the vow must be possible—achievable within a reasonable time and not vaguely. By vowing something that we cannot fulfill, we show disrespect and frivolity.

A book from the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes, states: When you vow something to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, for God does not like the reckless. Therefore, whatever you vow, fulfill it. It is better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill it (5:3-4).

Net weight: 6 g

Dimensions: 6 x 8 cm