Письмо 205
Machine translation from the original · Show original
It is in vain that you bring up lies against me, as if I can arrange and console you; I myself am down with ulcers and wounds and demand a doctor to heal them. My spiritual infertility is proof to you: what benefit did my five years of being your confessor bring? Run to the Physician of souls and bodies - our most merciful Lord Jesus Christ, pouring out your hearts to Him; He will not leave you in error. If it is His will that through me, the evil one, you may have reinforcement and consolation, then this too will happen; for He is strong, according to your faith, to enlighten the foolish and to keep him here; but we do not know the will of God; For this reason, we must expect how He will arrange things and obey this with humility. You mention your sorrows, saying: “It seems that it was sent beyond your strength,” leave this thought. The Apostle, Saint Paul, writes: the passions of this present time are unworthy of the glory that desires to be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18). And St. The Apostle James and Paul give a lot of comfort and encouragement to endure sorrows, and that the Lord will not send temptations beyond strength; and that we are burdened with them is because of our bad dispensation.
We need to bear sorrows, alleviating them by remembering our sins, so that, having been cleansed here, we will be freed from eternal torment in the future. Read from St. Macarius in the 7th word of the chapter: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18; also Mark the Ascetic has many chapters strengthening him in patience, and St. Anthony chapter 58: love thee who happens to you, so that you, by ungratefully enduring, do not torment yourself insensitively. St. Isaac also affirms many things; writes in the words: 34, 35, 36, 37 and 51 and in others. Here is his word: patience is the mother of consolation, and cowardice is the mother of torment, and learn from other fatherly words. At Abba Dorotheos St. good word about sorrows; read them, ask God to grant you patience with thanksgiving. He is able to comfort you - believe. And about L. U-ne: accept her suspicions indifferently, listening to her revelations and not being embarrassed, she herself is not happy, but God is strong to heal her. May the Lord direct your path according to His will and give you peace and good fortune. Much-sinful I.M. I bow and ask for your prayers. October 29, 1833.
You might be interested in: