Illness and death

Before us are the letters of the great Russian saint, the famous theologian St. Theophan the Recluse. Here are collected answers to letters from his spiritual children who asked him about everything. The saint, summarizing the experience of the Church, the Holy Fathers and his own experience, gave simple and clear answers. This issue is dedicated to the Christian attitude towards illness and death, which we encounter so often in life, and these encounters are always associated with sorrow, despair, and despondency. Here is a frail old man, exhausted by old age and illness. Here is a man, once full of strength, but now broken by a serious illness. Here is a young man making plans for the future, but whose dreams are destroyed by illness. But here is an innocent baby, whose first feelings on earth were suffering and pain. Illness and suffering are inseparable companions that accompany us in life from birth. Along with the disease, there is another test, which plunges some into fear, and compels others to erase the memories of it by any means. This test is death. How much grief she brings us. How great is the grief of a spouse who has lost his half. How great is the suffering of a mother who has lost her child. When faced with these trials, one may grumble and doubt the greatness of God. After all, if illness and death are inevitable, then our life becomes unfair and meaningless. Is it fair that one has excellent health, while the other suffers from a serious illness? Why exactly is he being punished? Is it fair when death snatches away one of two loved ones? Were they really worse than those who lived their lives in prosperity? How can we come to terms with the idea that everything we have gained through hard work must be lost in an instant in the face of death? The advice given by the Saint will help us move away from the values ​​that are imposed on us by the fallen world and look at life as the Gospel teaches us. You might be interested in: