607. Послушнице Иулии (Юлии). 1903–1910. В монастыре первая добродетель – послушание и первый подвиг – отречение своей воли. От исполнения своей воли и своего желания не найдете покоя

M. St. O. n. G.I.H.B.n. p.n. I send my blessing to the novices Julia and Juliania. Julia! In a monastery, the first virtue is obedience and the first feat is renunciation of one’s will. Therefore, there is no good reason to grieve that our desires are not fulfilled, and there is no good reason to be upset about this, and we should not insist on the fulfillment of our desires. Let it be as Mother wishes. If the premises are really harmful to health, then you can humbly explain, and I think she will not refuse your request. As for the cell room, you can ask Matushka, but if she doesn’t agree, then you shouldn’t insist. You have to get along with the other one too. And if everything is done our way, then it will no longer be a monastic life, but a lordly one. I am writing this to your cell attendant Juliania. If they speak falsely about her, then let her be patient - such is the monastic life, and for her patience she will receive reward from the Lord. And being ready to take your own life just from one mournful word is a bad sign. What will happen when, by God’s permission, sorrows fall like arrows? What will you do then? And so that there are no sorrows, this is absolutely impossible, for the narrow and sorrowful path to the Kingdom of Heaven is shown! Therefore, both of you arm yourself with patience and humility, each considering yourself worthy of this and all future sorrows, and do not blame others, then you will receive peace. And from fulfilling your will and your desire you will not find peace, but only great confusion. Calling upon you the peace and blessing of God, I remain with the desire for salvation. You might be interested in: