Письмо 285

The sad death of brother M.A... is very regrettable for her, and for many, by participation and by nature, regrettable; but can we penetrate into the abyss of God's destinies? How, why, why and for what purpose did this happen? Such a terrible end, and the remaining orphans without care? All this is known only to the One God, before Whom everything present and future, as well as the past, is naked and open. Can we know why such a death followed? Perhaps this incident will serve him to cleanse his sins, the absence of which no one can boast; and others who are bitter and careless about salvation as an example and teacher to convert to the true path. Faith can only bring us peace and hope in God’s unconditional mercy towards us sinners. Without despairing of God’s mercy, we must pray for him and remember him, according to the order of the mother of our church. Isn’t God able to provide for children, providing for all of His creation? Yes, maybe it will be even more useful; Poverty is not a vice, but it is also a teacher of philosophy; So, for them too we must place our hope in the all-wise, all-powerful and fatherly providence of God. Mother A...ya should not grieve immensely and lose heart, but calm herself with faith and hope. Unless the Lord builds a house, those who build it labor in vain; and unless the Lord preserves the city, it will be built in vain (Ps. 127:1). – In your present fear of the threat of the burning of the monastery, these words of the Holy Spirit can encourage you and shout with hope and hope in the ever-watchful Guardian and Provider for all creation. If someone is punished in any way by the righteous judgment of God, then this serves to cleanse him and to correct him. The Holy Prophet Jonah was sent to preach to Nineveh: three days, and Nineveh will be transformed (Jonah 3:4), what happened? The Ninevites repented, as St. Scripture, and the Lord turned His anger away from them and had mercy. I don’t dare apply this example to anyone, but understand and understand!... In the very first letter you inform about the purchase of cells for L... M... and M... I... Thank God that I sent them a corner; All that remains is to “seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then to them all things will be added” (Matthew 6:33). You, describing its malfunction, involuntarily expressed both your passion and weakness, “she annoys us,” and we, apparently, are even more weak to bear them - then we also need to humble ourselves; You are pleased with her weaknesses, let her humble herself; - God forbid that this be done, but that it does not turn into a habit - laziness and negligence. O. M... writes to me from Odessa on February 20 that he is going to go by water to Sevastopol, and sold his horses due to the high cost of feed; he writes that everything is fine, but he doesn’t boast about his comrade; what to do, it seems so necessary, to test it, bear this burden, and avoid dreaming about yourself, seeing your weakness! In terms of humanity, we regret M. I...i’s illness, but from reasoning it is clear that the Lord loves her and wants to save her. In all good and in health, she was not as humble and repentant as you describe: although there were some shortcomings and impoverishments in spiritual work, they will be replenished by this painful situation; We reason this way according to the best of our understanding, but God knows more than we do and His love for us is unlimited; May the Lord strengthen her spiritually and physically. Desirer of your salvation, much-sinful I.M. March 4, 1847. You might be interested in: