Болезнь (2)

When any sinful struggle happens to us, we will immediately turn our bodily eyes to the icon of the crucifixion of Christ, and our mental eyes to Christ Himself, sitting in heaven, present in us and preserving His wounds intact, and first of all within ourselves we will say this: behold, our Lord was nailed to the Cross for this sin, for this iniquity, for this insolence - how dare I commit this evil deed? and crucify the Son of God a second time? Let this not happen! In addition, if the Fall approaches us, then, quickly raising our minds to the Cross and looking at His outstretched wounded hands, stretched out as if already above us, we will think: why did our Lord stretch out his hands? And for this purpose he stretched out to save me from sinful drowning. Here He speaks with a mysterious appeal to the heart: “Stop, man, do not decide to commit iniquity, leave behind sin. Do you not see My wounds, which I, being God, suffered for you? Do you really want to hurt Me even more? Are you really still trying to torment Me? Enough of your past sins. Stop, don’t dare anymore” (1). Do not rest, man, and never be careless in this age, but always be alert and cautious, always be eager and sober. For one thing lies ahead of you: either defeat the enemy, or be defeated by him; either to be with God, or to separate from Him; either save yourself or die. It cannot be otherwise, for you will never find peace and quiet in this age and you will not inherit peace and quiet. Therefore, while you are alive in this century, never be fearless and careless, but always be ready for battle and struggle. This world is not designed for rest and repose, but for work and achievement; not for silence and consolation, but for struggle and warfare (3). Day after day, ascend to the mountain steps, succeed in virtues and deeds, do not be lazy, do not be insensitive, do not give yourself rest, do not give indulgence, do not give rest, for now is not the time for rest and repose, but for achievement and effort. For even now the demons do not rest, but are zealous and are constantly preparing snares along all the paths of your march; They are watching, watching your death, expecting your separation from the flesh, inventing various obstacles, wanting to catch you with something so that you do not escape their snares. Do not think that there is peace and tranquility in this age, but war and struggle. Therefore, always be awake and never rest. Then you will rest when you win, when you free yourself from the snares of the enemy, when you rise above all the snares, when, having united with God, you fill your soul with His most holy love (3). You might be interested in: