53. Вышедший из тьмы, тюрьмы, плена и подобные им

As one who came out of darkness into the light, so one who turned from a lawless life to God. For he, too, was in a lawless life, as in darkness, and groped, as those who walk in darkness grope, like the blind. As one who came out of prison, so one who left an ungodly and godless life and is in true repentance, for he, too, was in a godless life, as in prison, and was bound by sins and iniquities, like bonds, and could not walk freely. As one freed from captivity, so one who has escaped and freed himself from a sinful and unclean life and works for the Lord with a free spirit. And this one was in captivity of the tormentor, not a man, but the devil, and he worked for him and fulfilled his evil will. Just as he crawled out of the ditch and walked the safe path, so he came to repentance from an unrepentant life and abides in it, for he, too, was in the ditch not in body, but in soul. Just as he was saved from drowning and came to land, so was he who stopped sinning and began a new Christian life, for he, too, drowned in his sins, as if in the depths of water, and what followed him was nothing other than eternal death. Just as he went to the pit, and saw it and returned, so he lived lawlessly, and recognized his spiritual misfortune, and turned to true repentance, and abided in it, for he also went into the pit of eternal destruction, but returned from it. Happy is the one who comes out of darkness into the light, for he sees the light of this world. Much happier is the one who emerges from the darkness of sin, since he is illuminated not by the light of this world, but by the Divine light. “Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). “Therefore it is said: “Awake, you who sleep, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Eph. 5:14). Happy is he who is released from prison and freed from bondage. Much happier is the one who has been freed from the prison of an unrepentant life and the bonds of sin. Happy is the one who is freed from bodily captivity. But much happier is the one who has freed his soul from the captivity of the devil. Happy is the one who got out of the visible ditch. But the one who got out of the pit of sin is much happier. Happy is the one who escapes drowning in the water. But he is much happier who is saved from the drowning of sin and the depths of evil. Happy is the one who walked towards the pit and was able to fall into it, and, having seen it, returned back. Much happier is the one who walked towards the pit of eternal destruction, and, seeing it and turning away, hurries back. If there is someone like this and has been honored with such happiness, I congratulate him on this and proclaim from God’s word that “there is joy among the angels of God over him” (Luke 15:10). But, oh beloved, stand in what you have begun! Remember Lot's wife and do not look back at Sodom and Gomorrah. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). And remember what is written: “My son! If you begin to serve the Lord God, then prepare your soul for temptation” (Sir 2:1). The devil with his intrigues, from whose slavery you have freed yourself, will follow you, like Pharaoh followed Israel, and will try to conquer you again. Stand, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, calling on the Almighty Deliverer of our souls, Jesus. And you will see His salvation, and with a joyful spirit you will sing to Him: “Helper and Protector, he was my salvation. This is my God, and I will glorify Him” (Ex. 15:2). And when the same enemy plunges you into the kindled furnace of temptation, pray with the three holy youths. And then Jesus, the Son of God, will come to your aid, as he came to those holy youths in the “form of an Angel,” and will cool you, just as he cooled them (Dan 3:49–50). Complete the work you have begun with the help of Christ. Happy that you made such a start. But you will be completely happy when you finish happily. Many start, but not many complete. “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Luke 14:24). Therefore, the Author and Finisher of our salvation, Jesus, says to you: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). “Forsake me not, O Lord my God! Do not retreat from Mene; attend to my help, O Lord of my salvation” (Ps. 37:22–23). “Do not let your foot stumble; He who guards you will not sleep. Behold, He who guards Israel will not slumber or sleep. The Lord will keep you; The Lord is your covering from your right hand. The sun will not burn you during the day, nor the moon at night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; The Lord will preserve your soul. The Lord will guard your coming in and your going out from now on and forever” 12 (Ps. 121:3-8). Translation by P. Yungerov – Editorial “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: