Дневный Апостол 1-го Февраля 1840 года

A certain monk, through the inscrutable destinies of God, entered the field of temptation. On the day of his entry into this field, at the liturgy, they read the 62nd concept of Petrov’s 1st conciliar epistle: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the reluctance in you to be tempted,” and so on. (1 Peter 4:12). The monk was especially struck by the words proclaimed by the Apostle: “It is time that judgment should begin from the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). It seemed to the monk that these words were proclaimed specifically for him. With the external action of people and demons, who are only blind instruments of Divine Providence, a mysterious, highest judgment is carried out - the judgment of God 97. If the consequence of this trial is punishment, then it is a consequence of justice. If the consequence of justice is punishment, then it is a conviction of guilt, a conviction from God. It is in vain that I consider myself righteous, unjustly punished, I strengthen myself with cunning excuses, which I myself recognize in my conscience as lies, to excuse myself, to blame people. The impostor righteous! turn your mind's gaze to your sins, unknown to men, known to God: and you will admit that God's judgments are righteous, and your justification is shameless wickedness. With reverent submission, give praise to the judgment of God, and justify the instruments chosen by God for your punishment. The peace of Christ will descend into your heart. With this peace you will reconcile yourself with your sorrows - with selflessness you will surrender yourself and everything to the will of God. One, one care will remain in you: care for the most accurate, real repentance, destroying the enmity between man and God, assimilating man to God. The basis of repentance is consciousness, full consciousness of one’s sinfulness. Job. Ch. 1st and 2nd. Venerable Macarius the Great. Word 4, ch. 7. You might be interested in: