Слово на день Введения Пресвятой Богородицы во храм. Святого Тихона, епископа Воронежского и Задонского

Jesus appeared in full view: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And her sister, who is not called, Mary, even sat at the foot of Jesus, hearing His word (Luke 10:38, 39). The Son of God, our Savior, wandering on earth for the sake of our salvation and moving from city to city, from city to city, and scattering the seed of His saving teaching in the fields of human hearts, came to the whole place, in which a certain pious wife, named Martha, received Him into her home with great joy. She wanted to treat such a longed-for Guest as best as possible, and took every possible care to ensure that. But since the Son of God came into the world for this purpose, to proclaim the will of the Heavenly Father and preach the Gospel of the kingdom, then in that house He did not fail to preach the Word of God. Reverent Martha had a most reverent sister named Mary, who, leaving all the household care that women are busy with in such cases, and sitting at the feet of the Savior, eagerly began to listen to the word of God. Jesus appeared in full view: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And her sister, who is not called, Mary, even sat at the foot of Jesus, hearing His word. – What do you, listeners, think about these two Christ-loving sisters: which of them served Christ more, Martha or Mary? Martha tried to entertain the Savior: Mary listened with all her heart to the preaching of Christ. Many, perhaps, will praise the work of Martha more than Mary (and it seems so to me), since Martha tried, worked, worried to please her beloved Guest; but Mary did not work, she only enjoyed listening to the Word of God. Therefore, Martha, indignant at her sister Mary, complained to Christ: Lord, are you not careless, because my sister has left me alone to serve? Thank you so much, let me help you. But listen to what Christ says to Martha, who is so concerned: Marfo, Marfo, worry and speak about the multitude: but there is only one need: and then he adds: Mary is good, that is, the best part of the elect (Luke 10:40–42). So you see that Christ did not judge according to ours: he praised Mariino’s diligence more than Marfino’s: Mary chose the good part, even though she will not be taken away from it. Marfino’s diligence was commendable, that she tried to please Christ, but even more commendable was Mariino’s, that she diligently listened to the Word of God. Martha cared about bodily refreshments, and Mary about spiritual ones: therefore, Mary’s efforts were more pleasant for Christ than Martha’s. He is pleased, like sweet food, if anyone listens to His holy word with reverence and zeal. And when Christ so praises Mariino’s zeal in listening to the word of God, he teaches us to be jealous of the same spiritual zeal. Therefore, imitating the efforts of the God-loving Mary, let us, the listeners, learn more diligently in the word of God, about which we will now compose our conversation. This is also required by the present triumph, which the Holy Church celebrates in honor of the Most Holy Mother of the Son of God who appeared on earth: for now She has entered the church of God, into the Holy of Holies, in order to become a holy church and the dwelling of the incarnate Hypostatic Word of God. Listen to our conversation about the fact that: 1) from ignorance of the Word of God all kinds of errors and vices arise, - 2) that, therefore, it is necessary for everyone who wants to live according to the will of God, - and about 3) how you should listen to it. A person who has lost his bodily eyes, or walks in deep darkness, does not know where he is going, does not see where he is in danger, often falls into a pit, often stumbles, does not see uncleanness on himself, even if he is all dirty: so a person who does not have a mind enlightened by the word of God, does not see the true and saving path, often falls. And he is all the more unhappy because he does not feel his fall: he is completely defiled by vices, but, unfortunately, he does not see them; constantly sins, but does not know his sins. Do you want, listeners, to be convinced that such a disastrous state arises from ignorance of the word of God? I will give you some examples of this. The worst and most harmful vice is drunkenness: it exposes the body to all sorts of diseases and destroys the soul. Drunkenness leads to quarrels, foul language, godless songs, carnal incitement and other countless temptations that bring obvious destruction to the soul - which is why St. Chrysostom says that no one is loved by the devil as much as one who is drunk. And this is truly true: because what a sober person does not do, a drunk person dares to do. A person possessed by this passion lies almost in the ditch of destruction, but does not feel it; drowns in a sinful swamp, but does not try to free himself; rolls around in the mud, but does not want to wash himself, and is indignant at those who want to lead him out of that abyss. But the word of God thunders terribly against this vice: do not flatter yourself: neither harlots, nor drunkards will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). – Many have learned to condemn and slander their neighbors and do not see their vice in this; but how grievously these judges sin! It often happens that whom we consider to be a sinner is righteous before God; whom we curse, God blesses: they are cursed, and You bless, says the Psalmist (Psalm 109:28). Oh, woe to you damned ones, when these, whom we are now unjustly judging, will appear in the kingdom of the Heavenly Father in the person of the righteous, and will judge us, the lawless judges, righteously before the whole world! Then the righteous man will stand boldly in the face of those who insult him and sweep away his labors, says the Wisdom of God (Wisdom of Sol. 5:1). Those who see will be troubled with grave fear, and will be horrified at his glorious salvation. And they say in themselves repentantly, and in the distress of the spirit sighingly: this is what we once had in laughter, and in the parable of reproach. His life is maddened by imputation, furiously, and his death is dishonorable. What is his lot in the sons of God, and in the saints? For we have gone astray from the true path, and the light of righteousness has not shined upon us, and the sun has not risen to us, says the same Wisdom (Wisdom of Straw. 5:2-6). Even if the one whom you condemn was truly a sinner: who are you to judge a stranger’s servant? stands for his Lord, or falls: he will become, for God is able to establish him, - this is how the Apostle convicts you (Rom. 14:4). Where does your truth come from? You were conceived in iniquities, and your mother gave birth to you in sins (Psalm 50:7). If you have anything good, then it is God’s, and not yours: for a person cannot not only do, but even think of himself anything good. Finally, these unrighteous judges with their judgment delight in the dignity of Christ the Son of God, who alone will judge the whole world, and will reward everyone according to his deeds: it is fitting for us all to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, says the Apostle (2 Cor. 5:10); and the word of God convicts these unrighteous judges, saying: Judge not, lest ye be judged (Matthew 7:1). - Many have become an evil custom of mixing in the great and terrible name of God with every word: “God knows,” “God knows!” Others, following the same evil custom, when they say something, swear by the same terrible name, even if the matter itself does not require it somehow: “By God,” “God is a witness,” “God sees,” and so on, and they don’t feel their vice in that; and when they open their inner eyes, they will see that they are showing great disrespect for the name of God. But the Scripture denounces such people, saying: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not cleanse him that taketh His name in vain” (Ex. 20:7). – For many people, it is not considered a vice to talk idlely and laugh uncontrollably; but Christ says: I say to you: for every idle word that men speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36); woe to you who laugh now: for you will mourn and weep (Luke 6:25)! – Many people’s minds are occupied with how to find praise from people, and they do not admit their vice; but Christ says to them: how can you believe, accepting glory from one another, and do not seek glory that is from one God (John 5:44), placing them among the unbelievers? Some people think nothing of eating enough or overeating; but Christ says: woe to you now when you are filled: for you will hunger (Luke 6:25). All these and similar sinful customs entered into us from ignorance and inattention to the word of God. From the above, you can also understand that the word of God needs to be known to those who want to live according to the will of God, to discern their vices, and thus cleanse them. The good and perfect will of God is revealed in the word of God, and whoever wants to fulfill the will of God must know what it is: but it is impossible to know if you do not diligently learn from the word of God in which it is revealed. How can one fulfill the will of the king if one does not know the decrees in which it is expressed? How can one live according to the will of God, without knowledge of the word of God, in which it is revealed? This is why the holy word of God was given, so that we can learn from it and thus manage our lives according to the will of God. All Scripture, says the Apostle, is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for punishment, in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, prepared for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). For this reason, Christ Himself commands to test it: test the Scriptures, for in them you believe to have eternal life: and this is the essence that testifies of Me (John 5:39). The Lord commands us to continually study His law, as it is written in the book of Joshua: And let not the book of this law depart from your mouth, and let you study in it day and night, so that you may understand to do everything that is written: then you will prosper, and you will straighten your ways, and then you will understand (Joshua 1:8). Holy Scripture is like a candle shining in a dark place, giving light to those who walk in the darkness of this world, lest they stumble: Your law is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths (Psalm 119:105). Holy Scripture is the firmest spiritual rule by which we must lead our lives (and what is not in accordance with it, correct and change); this is a guide that shows us the right path leading to God, our Creator, the source of all good things. This is like a spiritual mirror, showing our soul vices, so that, having recognized them, we can cleanse them through repentance; this, finally, is like a fragrant pharmacy, in which there are various medicines against spiritual infirmities. Does anyone suffer from the illness of pride and arrogance: there he will find a cure for his weakness, seeing that everyone who exalts himself will humble himself: and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11), - he will stand on the same side with the humble publican, and, not daring to lift his eyes to heaven, will groan about his sins. If anyone suffers from the disease of the love of money, there he will hear the voice of God: foolishly, this night they will take your soul from you: but what you have prepared for those who will be (Luke 12:20), and, frightened by this voice, he will go away healed. If anyone is faint-hearted, he will receive healing from there; if anyone doubts anything, he will go away confirmed; If anyone suffers from the disease of unbelief, the medicine of faith will be found there; If anyone is overcome by despair, there he will find the hope of God's mercy, known to all repentant sinners - there he will see that the merciful Heavenly Father with open arms receives to Himself fornicators, adulterers, tax collectors, robbers and other great sinners who come to Him with a broken heart, and commands all the heavenly Powers to rejoice at their conversion. There is joy in heaven before the angels of God for one sinner who repents (Lk. 15:10), says Christ, encouraging us faint-hearted. In a word, no matter who has any spiritual weakness, he will find undoubted healing for himself in the Holy Scriptures, if only he approaches with the right heart. For Scripture enlightens the mind in faith, strengthens the will to do good deeds, restores and instills hope, and thus these three theological virtues - faith, hope and love, without which it is impossible for a person to be saved, are planted in our hearts with the help of Him who deigned to give us this Scripture for our spiritual benefit, according to His goodness. From here we see, listeners, how much we need that word of God. Now let's see how one should listen to or read the word of God. When we want to listen to or read the word of God for the benefit of the soul, then we need to cleanse our hearts of all obstacles that do not allow the word of God to be contained in it. A drunken lip cannot take in anything until it has been squeezed out of what it has been given to drink: so the human heart, occupied with various lusts and cares, cannot admit and accommodate God’s words. So, if we want to learn from the word of God with benefit, we need to do the following. - First. So that our heart does not become a road along which various lusts and vain thoughts go, on which the sown word of God is devoured by the birds of the air, that is, stolen by the spirits of wickedness in high places. - Second. So that our heart does not become stony, and therefore insensitive, so that the all-sown seed of the word of God does not dry up from the sadness of worldly cares. - Third. So that it is not drowned out by the thorns of the love of money, covetousness, lust and other whims that suppress the all-present word of God. - Fourth. Consequently, the heart must be good soil for him, so that it can bear fruit of a hundred, or sixty, or at least thirty. Thus, purifying and preparing the heart. one must begin to listen to the word of God with fear and joy. With fear: thinking about the majesty of Him who gave it, for He is God, the King of Heaven; with joy: thinking about the goodness of Him who, through His holy word, deigned to talk with us, the poor, the needy and the outcast, and did not disdain to send us His Scripture, as a friend sends a letter to his friend. And what kind of joy this should be (which I am talking about here), judge from the following. If the king of the earth writes a letter to someone on his own behalf, do you know with what joy, joy and delight the person who receives it reads this letter? how many times he reads it, kisses it, almost never lets go of it, comforts himself with it day and night, and boasts to his friends and neighbors: “The Emperor himself has honored me with his letter!” And truly, there is something to boast about, because this is a sign of the royal mercy towards his servant: the king favors him more than others, as his faithful servant. But the Heavenly King, our God and Creator, sent His Scripture to man through the prophets and apostles, as a letter to His friend, and in it He revealed His will, declared Himself, who He loves, how He loves, preserves and what He leads man to, calls him to Himself and into His message, promises with Him an eternal heavenly kingdom and unspoken joy in heaven. Read and listen, man. This Scripture is as if written to you: read it as a letter from the King of Heaven, from God and your Creator sent to you as a sign of His love and mercy towards you, and you will certainly read or listen to the word of God with joy and great consolation. At the same time, pray diligently with Saint David to the Creator, saying: Lord, open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders of Your law (Psalm 119:18). This prayer of yours will be a conversation with God, and your reading or listening to the word of God will be God’s conversation with you: through your prayer you will speak to God and offer your petition, and God, through His holy word, will answer you, teach, instruct, admonish, and console you. What a sweet and welcome interview! God is with man. The Creator talks with His creation, the Lord talks with His servant. As you begin to listen to the word of God, take as an example that pious Mary, whom I mentioned at the beginning of my speech, who abandoned all household care and, sitting at the feet of Jesus, heard His word. Amen 38. In a slight reduction. See Creations like the saints of our father Tikhon of Zadonsk. Ed. fifth. Moscow. 1889, vol. 1, pp. 47–54. You might be interested in: