89. К чтецу Феодоту 59

What are you saying? More waves have risen against you than you expected, and that is why you are grieving? But this is exactly why we need to rejoice and triumph. This is at least what Blessed Paul did in such cases, saying, for example: “And not only this, but we glory in our sorrows” (Rom. 5:3), or in another place: “I rejoice in my sufferings” (Col. 1:24). In fact, the stronger and more impetuous the storm, the greater the profit, the more brilliant the crowns for patience, the higher the rewards. However, I am completely confident in you: I know your immutability, inflexibility and firmness; and if I grieve and cry, it is for those who are plotting against you - because people who should be taking care of you are among your enemies. There is only one thing that upsets me about you, namely the painful state of your eyes, to which I earnestly ask you to pay full attention; You need to consult with doctors and take care on your part. As for the persecution brought upon you, I ask you (as I said above) to rejoice in this, just as I rejoice for you. I know what fruit will grow for you from here for your patience. Do not be afraid of anything and do not be embarrassed by anything, no matter what happens. There is only one true grief, and that is sin. All the rest, with vigilance and vigilance on your part, will serve as the greatest source of gain and will bring you in great abundance those ineffable blessings that are in heaven. Thus, making this kind of gain every day, rejoice and be merry. Also, don’t consider it a chore to constantly write to us. We, of course, would be very pleased if you came to us; but since not only the winter cold, but also the summer heat are equally harmful to you, we are afraid to expose you to the adverse influence of the weather, especially if you suffer from eye problems. Having been attentive to healing them, notify us every time you write to us whether they are getting any better with you, so that in this way, despite the distance between us, you will greatly console us with this. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” Probably written in 406. You might be interested in: