Письмо 260

Now they informed me about the death today, at two o'clock, of the treasurer M.M., a peaceful and calm death; May the kingdom of heaven and eternal memory be with her! - what we must pray to the most merciful Lord for; and they immediately wrote down her name with us for commemoration at the reading of the psalter and the liturgies that take place in our monastery; He also informed the monastery so that they would commemorate him at liturgies. “I know that her death upset you very much, and it’s not surprising: having lived together for so many years, and, moreover, on monastic affairs and orders, she was your right hand; however, all these are human calculations, and only because of our weakness they upset us; but in the destinies of God’s providence there is a completely different action. – God has determined the end of life for each of us, and when it will happen; but this is hidden from us according to His all-wise providence for us. And now the time has come for her departure from here; God sent her an illness, during which he vouchsafed her to prepare for her departure to eternity. - She was awarded the mercy of God, guided by the former sacraments: repentance, communion of the Most Pure Mysteries of Christ, and unction, and on the very day of her death, communion; her soul came from the union of the flesh, with the hope of receiving God's mercy in eternity, peacefully and calmly; this is a sign of God's mercy towards her. I feel sorry for you that you are very sad and upset about being separated from her, and I advise you to adopt sound reasoning, surrender to the will of God, and, moreover, rejoice over her blessed death; who knows: if she had lived longer, could she have prepared herself in this way for the exodus into eternity? But what is needed more than the salvation of the soul? Remember her in church and cell prayers, this will bring both her benefit and consolation to you. You cannot resurrect her with useless sorrow, but you will anger God. The Holy Apostle forbids grieving for the dead, like unbelievers, not having hope for eternal life; and for us believers there is hope for a future life. You grieve that you will not have such an active assistant in your affairs; but the Lord is able to send it to you, and to correct all your affairs. – I wish that the Lord will give you spiritual consolation; but you leave unnecessary sorrow, through which you can damage your health, and the entire monastery will be in sorrow. - I remain the wisher for your health and salvation, much-sinful I.M. December 17 in the evening of 1858. You might be interested in: