Слово 73. О признаках и действиях любви к Богу

Love for God is naturally ardent and, when it attacks someone without measure, it makes that soul enthusiastic. Therefore, the heart of one who has felt this love cannot contain and bear it, but, according to the quality of the love that has found it, an extraordinary change is seen in it. And here are the tangible signs of this love: a person’s face becomes rosy and joyful, and his body warms up. Fear and shame recede from him, and he becomes, as it were, ecstatic. The power that gathers the mind together flees from him, and he appears as if amazed. He considers terrible death to be a joy; the contemplation of his mind does not allow any suppression 587 in thoughts of heavenly things. And in absence, not visible to anyone, he talks as if he were present. His natural awareness and vision pass away, and he does not sense in a sensual way the movement excited in him by objects; because although he does something, he does not feel it at all, since his mind floats in contemplation and his thought always seems to be talking with someone else. The apostles and martyrs once reveled in this spiritual rapture; and some went around the whole world, toiling and suffering reproach, while others poured out blood like water from their truncated members; in severe suffering they were not faint-hearted, but endured them valiantly and, having become wise, were recognized as insane. Others wandered in deserts, in mountains, in dens, in the abysses of the earth, and in troubles they were the most comfortable. May God vouchsafe us to achieve this madness! If, before entering the city of humility, you notice in yourself that you have calmed down from the rebellion of passions, then do not trust yourself: for the enemy is preparing some kind of snare for you; on the contrary, after peace, expect great anxiety and great rebellion. If you do not go through all the abodes of virtues, then you will not find peace from your labor and you will not have rest from the enemy’s machinations until you reach the abode of holy humility. Grant us, O God, to achieve this by Your grace! Amen. You might be interested in: