Размышление о страшном суде

I remembered, beloved, about that hour, and trembled; I thought about the Last Judgment and about the joy of heaven - and I was horrified, and, sighing, I sobbed while the strength remained in me. For I spent my days in laziness, in distraction, in unclean thoughts! Alas for me! What should I do out of shame at that hour, when I am surrounded by my acquaintances, who saw me in this robe of piety and pleased me, while internally I am filled with lawlessness and uncleanness, and have forgotten the One who searches the hearts and wombs?! Truly, there will be shame. It's a pity who will be ashamed there. I beg You with Your bounties, God, do not put me “on the other side” with the “goats” who have angered You, do not tell me: “I do not know you.” But according to Your great compassion, give me unceasing tears and contrition, humble my heart and cleanse it, so that it becomes a holy church of Your grace. Although I am a sinner and unworthy, I will continually strike at Your door. Although I am lazy and careless, I follow Your path! So, my beloved brethren, let us try to please God while there is still time. Let us cry day and night before Him in prayer and psalmody, so that He may deliver us from this endless weeping, from the gnashing of teeth, from the fire of Gehenna, from the never-ending worm, and so that He may fill us with joy in His Kingdom and in eternal life, from where sickness, sadness and sighing have fled. You might be interested in: