52. Зеркало

We see that what is depicted in the mirror is what it addresses. So is the human soul: what it turns to and joins with love is depicted in it. In the mirror, when it turns to the sky, the sky is seen, when it turns to the earth, the earth is seen. So is the human soul: when it turns to heaven, the heavenly image is depicted in it, when it cleaves to the earthly with its love, the earthly and bestial image is depicted in it, and thereby it destroys its nobility and its heavenly beauty. Therefore, the Holy Spirit exhorts us through the Apostle: “Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world: if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but of this world” (1 John 2:15-16). And what is now depicted in the soul is what it will appear at the Judgment of Christ with, if it does not truly repent now. And so each person will have conviction within himself, and will see in himself what he was thinking about in the world: about heavenly things or about earthly things? Christians are called by the word of God and renewed by holy Baptism to eternal life and heavenly blessings; they must diligently seek them. And when they cling to earthly things, they anger God. We read that the Israelites, having left Egypt under the leadership of God’s servant Moses, when their hearts turned to Egypt and “wanted its food, they greatly angered God” (Num. 11:1-11). Likewise, Christians, in holy Baptism, brought out of the slavery of the devil and from the world to heaven, as to the promised land, are called, when they turn their hearts to the world, the righteous kindle the wrath of God upon themselves. And what happens to them is that to those who were called to the great supper, but refused to go, about whom it is said: “None of those who are called will taste my supper, for many are called, but few are chosen” (Luke 14:24). All Christians are called to the great supper of eternal life. And although not in word, but in deed, many refuse to go. They want to reign here in the world, and not go to that kingdom. And so “not one of those will taste that supper.” The life of Christ teaches us how we should abide and live in this world. Christ could have had everything in this world, as the Lord of all, but he did not want to. He lived in great poverty and humility, sorrow and reproach, giving us an image. Whoever follows this Leader will taste that supper and with Him, like a member with a head, will reign there. “Whoever serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there will my servant also be. And whoever serves Me, My Father will honor him” (John 12:26). “But you remained with Me in My tribulations, and I bequeath to you, as My Father bequeathed to Me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom” (Luke 22:28–30). “And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). “Lord, God of strength! Turn us and make Your face shine, and we will be saved” (Ps. 79:20). “Bring back, O Lord, our captives, as you are carried along by the south wind” 11 (Ps. 126:4). Translation by P. Yungerov – Editorial “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: