60. Тина или грязь на дне ключа

We see that although there is clean water in the spring, there is mud or dirt at the bottom. Likewise, in the depths of the human heart there is all uncleanness. Like stinking mud and stench, there lies pride and arrogance, love of money, anger, malice and envy, bestial uncleanness and all kinds of abomination. The impurity lying in the key at the bottom is visible when the bottom is struck with a rod or some other instrument; then, from the mud or dirt lying at the bottom, all the water in the spring becomes disturbed and becomes cloudy. So the impurity of passions and bestial evil disposition, which lies in the depths of the human heart, manifests itself during temptations and temptations. Who would know that there was mud or dirt at the bottom of the key if it didn’t rise up from there and show itself when struck? So how would we know that in the depths of the human heart lies such abomination and uncleanness, if it did not come out from there and did not show itself through external deeds? We see how people sometimes get angry. He screams, scolds and does other outrages. This acts in him and prompts his anger to such outrages, in his heart, like a poison, hidden and revealed in case of temptation and offense. We see how much a person collects for his wretched and mortal body, which is content with a small piece of bread and some clothing. How much, I say, he collects, although he knows that he will leave everything behind when he dies. It is the love of money and the fierce lust for wealth that takes root in his heart that acts in him. We see how a person ascends; what ways does he not invent so that his people know, praise, glorify and honor him? We see how he despises people like himself and considers them a footstool, how he judges and re-judges their affairs, although he himself is the same; how he always excels and tries to rule over others, and so on. It is the pride that nests in his heart that acts in him. The prodigal uncleanness that lurks inside a person manifests itself through such stingy, such vile, such stinking and shameless deeds that it is shameful to even speak of! Plunge, man, into the depths of your heart, examine and recognize what stinking mud of passions lies within it! Whatever evil you see in your neighbor is also in your heart, for which you judge and condemn your neighbor is also in you, although it does not manifest itself outside. God's eye sees not only the external matter, but also the depth of the heart. Many people think of themselves that they are humble and meek, but when tempted, something else appears. Many call themselves sinners and many sinners - without a doubt, “every” person is a “sinner”, according to Scripture (1 John 1:8) - but they do not tolerate this from people. He who truly and unfeignedly calls himself a sinner in his heart will calmly endure every abusive word and will not show a sign of anger, for he is humble. So, take note, man, and consider and experience what evil is in your heart lies hidden, what kind of pride, love of glory, selfishness, anger, envy, love of money, impurity and other abomination. How can good fruit come from an evil seed and how can a good deed come from an evil heart? How can an evil person do good when Christ’s grace does not correct him? Christ corrects the one who recognizes his wretchedness and poverty, admits it before Him, and asks for help and correction from Him. We read in the Gospel that He healed those who admitted their poverty to Him and asked Him for healing. So now He heals those souls who recognize their weakness and ask Him for healing. Look, man, more often into your heart - and you will know it. The beginning of the correction depends on this. The more often you penetrate into it and examine it, the more you will understand it. The more you know the heart, the more you will know the evil hidden in it. The more evil you recognize in yourself, the more you will recognize your poverty and damnation. The knowledge of poverty and wretchedness will convince you to humble yourself and seek help and deliverance from Christ, Who can do everything and make good out of evil. “God gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from Me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the Lord’s Spirit” (Ps. 50:12-14). You might be interested in: