Reading the Gospel is not limited to a mechanical perception of the text; it transforms into deep spiritual contemplation and personal revelation by touching the very essence of the human soul and leading to inner transformation.

Spiritual Transformation Through Gospel Contemplation

Reading the Gospel is not limited to a mechanical perception of the text; it transforms into deep spiritual contemplation and personal revelation by touching the very essence of the human soul and leading to inner transformation. By reading the Gospel, a person gradually frees themselves from old attachments and passions, thereby preparing the mind for spiritual rebirth. As stated in one of the sources:

"Christ gives true contemplation of both the material and the immaterial, including the Holy Trinity itself. This is the contemplation that Christ demonstrated and taught to people when, in His Incarnation, He renewed human nature and, through His life-giving commandments, paved the way to truth for mankind. Human nature only becomes capable of true contemplation when a person, through suffering, adherence to commandments, and affliction, sheds the old self. In this case, the mind becomes capable of spiritual rebirth, of contemplating the spiritual world and its true heritage. This means the contemplation of the new world by the spirit of revelation, in which the mind spiritually delights, exists through the action of grace. And this contemplation becomes nourishment for the mind until it is strong enough to embrace a more perfect contemplation than the first, since that contemplation leads a person to yet another, until the mind is brought into the sphere of perfect love. And love, being the center of all that is spiritual and residing in the purity of the soul, makes grace act: the mind accepts spiritual contemplation and becomes the beholder of that which is hidden – θεωρητικος των κρυπτων" (source: link txt).

Personal revelation occurs when the reader, opening both their mind and heart, allows the Word of Christ to speak directly to them. As Metropolitan Anthony Surozhsky expressed:

"Bless me, help me open my mind, be receptive with my heart, help me be fearless. For I will inevitably come upon such places that will demand a change in my life, a change in my attitude towards people, towards myself, and I will be daunted by this change. Help me become courageous, bold, yet wise…" (source: link txt).

This openness implies not a hurried reading, but one in which, after reading, it is essential to fall silent and listen to the quiet that fills the mind and soul—allowing the inner voice to respond and guide the person to a new level of spiritual existence. Thus, the consistent and sincere reading of the Gospel becomes a path whereby, through the purification of the soul and the awakening of love, the mind gains the ability to perceive not only the overt meaning but also the deep, hidden revelations.

In summary, the process of reading the Gospel transforms into profound spiritual contemplation and personal revelation through inner transformation—from freeing oneself from the former self and passions to opening the heart and mind to the workings of grace and love, enabling a person to directly connect with Christ’s words and embrace a new life.