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The unexpected death of your monastery struck you with fear and apprehension. We should always have this fear, but the darkness of passions drives it away from us. The Savior Himself teaches us this wisdom about the memory of death: watch and pray, for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come (Matthew 24:42), and the wise Sirach encourages: remember your last, and never sin (Sir.7:39). And in many places of Holy Scripture this is prescribed. Due to our inattention to this subject, from time to time we see events of sudden deaths occurring above those like us, like a bell or a trumpet, reminding us that we mortals do not know the day and hour on which our Lord will come. In this case, there is no need to be embarrassed, but after coming to your senses, repent of your sins; This can be beneficial, and embarrassment is nothing less. When passions do not give rest even in the presence of weaknesses, then what would be the strength? For this reason, give thanks for everything and, recognizing your weaknesses, humble yourself, and receive strength from above to help you resist passions. Your pilgrims, many sinners I.L. and I.M. March 19, 1838. You might be interested in: