Беседа на слова: И свет во тме светится, и тма его не объят (Ин. 1:5). Святого Иоанна Златоустого, архиепископа Константинопольского 19

And the light shines in the darkness. Here (the Evangelist) calls both death and delusion darkness. Sensual light shines not in darkness, but when there is no darkness: but (spiritual light, enlightening the soul) the preaching of the Gospel was a luminary among the darkness of error that surrounded everything, and dispelled it. This light penetrated into death itself and defeated it, so that it delivered those already possessed by death from it. So, since neither death nor delusion has overcome this light, but it shines everywhere and shines with its own power, the Evangelist says: and its darkness is not embraced. Yes, he is irresistible and does not like to dwell in souls that do not want enlightenment. But if it does not embrace everyone, then you should not be embarrassed by it. God approaches us not under compulsion, not against our will, but according to our desire and goodwill. Do not close the doors to this world, and you will receive a lot of pleasure. This light comes to us through faith and, having arrived, abundantly enlightens the one who receives it. And if you present him with a pure life, he will dwell in you constantly. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word,” says the Savior, “and we will come to him (I and my Father), and we will make our abode with him (John 14:23). Just as no one can use the light of the sun without opening his eyes, so no one can participate in this (higher) enlightenment without completely opening the eyes of the soul and without refining them in all respects. How can this be done? Cleansing the soul from all passion: for sin is darkness and deep darkness; and this is evident from the fact that it is carried out outside of reason and in secret. Everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light (John 3:20). And what happens is hidden (secretly), it is shameful to eat and speak (Eph. 5:12). Just as in darkness we recognize neither friend nor enemy and do not recognize the properties of things at all, so it is in sin. A covetous person does not distinguish friend from enemy; an envious person looks at the person most favored towards him as an enemy; the slanderer is equally armed against everyone; in a word: everyone who commits sin is no different from people who get drunk and go berserk, in that they do not recognize the properties of objects. And just as at night it makes no difference to our eyes whether it is wood, or lead, iron, silver, or gold, or a precious stone, because there is not enough light to distinguish these objects, so a person leading an unclean life does not comprehend either the virtue of chastity or the beauty of wisdom. For in darkness even precious stones, as I said, do not reveal their beauty, not of themselves, but because of the ignorance of those who look (in the darkness). But this is not the only misfortune that befalls us when we live in sins; We then also live in constant fear. Just as those on a journey on a moonless night feel fear, even though nothing terrible has happened, so sinners cannot have boldness, even if no one denounces them; but, feeling remorse, they are afraid of everything, they suspect everything, everything instills fear and horror in them, they look around at everything with fear, they tremble at everything... Let us flee such a painful life: since such torment will still be followed by death, immortal death; then there will be no end to the punishment. The Apostle Paul commands everyone to be sober and watchful; Christ the Savior also commands. He who is sober and awake, even if he is carried away by sin, immediately reflects it; and whoever sleeps or is mad does not feel what power sin has over him. Now it is not night, but day; Therefore, let us walk gracefully in the days (Rom. 13:13). There is nothing more shameful than sin. In this regard, it is not as bad to walk in nakedness as to walk in sins and crimes. Nudity is not yet such a crime (and often it comes from poverty); but there is nothing more shameful and contemptible than sin. Let us imagine those who are brought to trial for theft and forgery: what shame and laughter covers them, as shameless, deceitful and arrogant people! It is unpleasant and difficult for us to tolerate outer clothing being put on us carelessly or inside out - even when we see this on others, we correct it. Tell me: who deserves ridicule more than a quarrelsome, slanderous and envious person? Why does all this seem less shameful than walking naked? Only from habit. No one has ever allowed themselves to do this of their own free will; and everyone always dares to sin, without any fear. Of course, if someone entered the host of Angels, in which nothing like this had ever happened, he would see how worthy of ridicule it was. But what am I saying about the host of Angels? If anyone in the royal palace got drunk on wine, or allowed himself to commit any other dishonorable act, he would be subject to the most severe punishment. If such insolence is not tolerated in the royal palaces, then all the more must we be subjected to extreme punishment if we dare to do such things in the presence of the Omnipresent and All-Seeing King. Therefore, I beg you, let us show modesty and purity in our lifestyle. We have a King who constantly sees all our deeds. And so that we are always illuminated in abundance by the highest light, let us thus attract its ray to ourselves. Then we will enjoy both present and future blessings, according to the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom and with whom be glory to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen 20. In short. See Our Holy Father John, Archbishop. Chrysostom of Constantinople. Conversations on the Gospel of the saint, apostle. and Evang. John the Theologian, translated from Greek. at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. 1862, part I, pp. 82–86. You might be interested in: