518. К Царствию Небесному иди тем узким путем, которым ведет тебя Господь. Безропотное терпение и покорение своей участи спасает слабых. Будь искренней в молитве и послушаниях

I received your letter and I pray that the Lord will enlighten your mind. Do not look for your own path to the Kingdom of Heaven, but follow the narrow path along which the Lord leads you. Take a better look at your life and compare it with the life that you are obliged to live under your vow of monasticism, then you will certainly see that you live not in sorrows, but in coolness. Only uncomplaining patience and submission to fate saves us, the weak, and if we reject this last resort, then we will inherit not salvation, but destruction. Be diligent in prayer and obedience, not for any gain, but solely for the sake of God, then everything will be given to you that now you cannot have, and then all this will come to you on its own. I do not advise my sister Strizhenova to get married until she has fully recovered. Married life undermines strong bodies, and for the sick it prepares for quick death. We must live more purely, fast during all four fasts of the year, endure everything, pray to God more often and work harder. Few of those who are called enter the monastery, and if she has no desire, then it is better not to take on the angelic life. If he lives like a Christian, he will be saved at home in the world. Invoking the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: