Поучение 54 62 . В пяток третьей недели. Поощрение к посту и к прочим благим подвигам.

Brothers and Fathers! Yesterday we had some confusion, but now there is peace and quiet; Yesterday we heard threats and commands, but now everything has calmed down. Blessed be God, who dispelled temptation and strengthened us to remain without fear when we expected trouble. This is the feat of true Christians, honest and perfect monks, to always be ready to endure troubles for virtue; so that nothing else is preferred to the commandments of God. Those sent from Caesar came and went, telling us what they said, that is, Caesar wants to expel us if we do not listen to him, fearing God more than those who were afraid of him 63 . But you will have a reward from the Lord for wanting to be exiles for His Name and for His holy icons. He will give a perfect reward, because He is rich in mercy, and He crowns the one who loves good for one’s will. However, the temptation has not passed, but still continues, especially since the command of Caesar was not only for us, but throughout the entire universe, so that no one would remain uninvolved in communicating with heretics. Therefore, let us listen to what the Apostle commands: “Walk in wisdom to those who are outside,” that is, in relation to the unbelievers, “the time is redemptive.” Let your word always be in grace, dissolved in salt, that is, wisely, as it is fitting for you to answer one to another” (Col. 4, 5, 6). By this the Apostle teaches us that we should not simply and as it happens, give ourselves up to temptations, and again so that we should not hold back the words of God: “If he is offended,” it is said, “my soul does not take pleasure in him” (Heb. 10:38). But enough has been said about this. Now, with God’s help, the time of the Holy Pentecost is moving forward, and we will soon reach the halfway point. Let us still apply diligence, stretching forward, each according to his own will, in every possible way not with sorrow and burden; for God loves a zealous and humble ascetic. However, the rule and order of community life do not allow everyone to fast according to his own will and do whatever he wants; but the abstinence of all true novices, which deserves reward, consists in cutting off their own will. Fasting is a good deed, for it tames carnal passions and subdues them to the soul. Tears are a good deed, for they wash away and cleanse the filth of sins and present a pure soul before God. Prayer is a good deed, for it places a person’s mind above the temptations of the world, and makes him worthy of conversations with God. The good deed of love is higher than all virtues, for it makes a person prefer the benefit of his brother to his own. Diligence is a good deed, for it facilitates the labors of virtue. So, let us rejoice, brethren, let us be diligent both in soul and body. The hour of singing and church service has come, let us hasten zealously. The time has come for handicrafts, let us work diligently, as working for God, and not for people. The time for conversation will come, let us talk with humility and fear of God. All our deeds and actions must be pleasing to God and in due order, as the Apostle says, everything... is good and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40), without any embarrassment or contradiction. In kneeling, moderation must also be observed, and let each of you perform the usual verse of the psalter according to his strength. Let us also take care of maintaining our physical health. And may the God of peace vouchsafe us to achieve at this time the king of days - the Resurrection of Christ, and then the kingdom of heaven itself, which “is... food and drink, but, as it is written, truth and illumination, peace and joy in Holy Jesus” (Rom. 14:17). Oh, that we may become partakers of these blessings, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom belongs glory and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. See Patrol. volume. 99th, p. 589. In Greek περισσὁτερον εὐλαβηθὲντες παρὰ ῷοβηθἐντες . In Slav. hands There has been much more shit than fear. You might be interested in: