577. Сравнивай себя с учениками, которые были с Христом не на Фаворе, а во юдоли плачевной

M. St. O. n. G.I.H.B.n. p.n. May God's mercy help you if only you force yourself. Sister in the Lord and my spiritual child, mother Agrippina! I received your letter, in which you write: “It’s good for us to be here, let’s create three canopies.” But this is what St. said. Apostle Peter. After all, they were on the mountain with Christ, so it was good for them that they were with Christ. But do you really think that you too stand on the mountain, that is, on the highest level of virtues, and always with Christ? I doubt this. I’ll tell you what, my dear: you are standing under the mountain with the other remaining disciples, among whom was Judas the traitor. The relaxed boy stood there with his father. So, my joy, don’t you belong to the paralytic youth? Perhaps so. So I cry out from the depths of my heart, standing not on Tabor, but in the deplorable vale. And Christ, coming down from the mountain, transfigured in glory, will heal you too, as the Physician of souls and bodies. Just as he healed that paralytic youth, so he will heal you, if only you fulfill without complaining any obedience that is forced upon you, and endure all the hardships of monastic life. Talk less and not at all, from which you cannot avoid the sin of condemnation. We must ask the Lord to give a contrite heart instead of a stony heart; thoughts overwhelm you - this is due to negligence and inattention to your salvation. Pray to the Lord with tears to cleanse your heart from all filth. May the Lord forgive you and help you improve. Don’t be discouraged, don’t complain, endure everything with humility and believe that you will be saved. Peace to you and God's blessing. You might be interested in: