ЖИЗНЬ ЗЕМНАЯ

1. The desire to live naturally alive. And there is no sin here. But the real disposition in this regard is: “God’s will be done” The desire to live is naturally alive. And there is no sin here. But the real disposition in this regard is: “God’s will be done.” Whether to live or die - let it be as God pleases. This disposition must be strengthened and brought to the point that it does not allow any concern regarding this to arise (1, p. 28). 2. About the fight against everyday troubles The fact that you don’t have enough time due to worries, both family and non-family, is also a mercy. He who has no time for everything does not have time to get bored from idleness and idleness; does not have at the same time the danger that idle people are exposed to. There is only one thing that needs to be arranged, namely, mental unrest because of this. And I think that this can be conveniently achieved without chasing too much, but doing with all your attention only what is suggested to be done in the course of things. The basis must be a strong faith that all accidents that happen to us come from the Lord; Each of them, the Lord invites us to do what is required according to His commandments in such circumstances - and looks at how we will act, whether we will guess His will and, having guessed, will we do what is pleasing to Him? Whoever keeps this in mind will always have only one thing on his mind, without tormenting himself with others. Having done one thing, he will take up another, etc., until he closes his eyes to fall asleep (1, p. 124). 3. The earth is a place that wears mourning What to do when we live on earth, which is doomed to always be in mourning and a place that bears mourning (2, p. 3). 4. About swimming in the sea of ​​life Those who sail in the sea of ​​life need to take good care of their boat and steer it properly, avoiding shoals and pitfalls and destructive collisions. The storm will attack - there is no need to lose spirit and look at the lighthouse in order to quickly hide in the marina (2, pp. 205–206; 8, pp. 12–13). 5. To renounce the world is in our power Is it in our power to renounce? - In ours. If we want, we can do anything. For if we want, we will seek it; Having sought, we will pray; having prayed, we will receive help and with this help we can do everything. This is what the apostle says: I can do everything, in Christ the Lord who strengthens me 101... But, of course, we must not ask feebly and not somehow hope, but both strongly, deeply, wholeheartedly (2, p. 213). 6. The paths of Providence in the earthly destiny of everyone If you believe in the Providence of God, which determines the earthly fate of everyone in the way that is most convenient for him to be saved, then you must also believe that your entire everyday situation is the most suitable for you to arrange your salvation. As far as I can see, she will give you complete freedom to pursue your soul. This is a big advantage. Having this confidence, thank God for everything: both pleasant and unpleasant. By graciously enduring the unpleasant, you get a little closer to some of the martyrs. But if you grumble, you will not only be far from this part, you will also give an answer. Be well (2, p. 215; 8, p. 98). 7. Meaning of words: world, worldly life, layman The opinion that one cannot be saved in the world is true if one lives in a worldly way... But if you don’t live in the world in a worldly way, then there is no trouble for salvation from this. How many people are there and have been in the world who are being saved?! Why shouldn’t you join their number (2, p. 27)? The world is passions, people living exclusively according to passions, and the totality of customs and orders of life invented to satisfy passions... To leave all this is to leave the world, although everyone around us lives in a worldly way or in half: sometimes in a worldly way, sometimes not in a worldly way - mixed (3, p. 27). Family and civil life is not in itself worldly, but happens when passions and their satisfaction are squeezed into the order of such a life. There are commandments for family and civil life. If you lead this life in such a way that the commandments dominate in it, driving away everything passionate, then it will not be a worldly life, but a holy life, blessed by God (3, p. 28). 8. Packing for a long journey from where there is no return You are going on a long journey - to a place from which there is no return. No one can avoid this path. But since the minute when they are ordered to enter it is not known, but it is only known that it can come at any moment, then it is best to think that you will have to go home any moment now and always keep yourself ready for that (3, p. 92). 9. True peace and deceptive worldly hopes This is how you know true peace!! Thank God!.. So what – what’s the matter? And now we must pull in the direction in which it is given. We must look for the lost paradise in order to sing about the found one. There is the essence of the matter... Everything outside and except for it is a wasteland... And all this is not far away... right at hand... You have to want it, however... and it’s not easy to want it. Help you, Mother of God and your Guardian Angel! And without this, everything will be the same... you will chase after something and then be sad and annoyed... Again you will chase and again you will be sad... Don’t you remember how in childhood you sometimes wanted to catch up with the rainbow?.. Exactly the same thing happens now... when we are chasing after something... The Lord definitely said: this is what you are looking for and this is what will happen! And the evil one makes you look for something and promises something for it... but nothing comes of it. Is it really possible to stay like this?! It’s a pity, a great pity!.. After all, I know perfectly well what is given on one side and what is given on the other!.. You must choose the best, the constant, the unchangeable. It’s a shame to imagine this choice. The soul itself must choose. After all, she bears an account for everything, she also has honor... No one, however, is different from the Lord who produces and gives everything. Breathe towards Him. He's nearby. And he asks to come to you. I knock, he says, will someone open the door (3, pp. 95–96)? 10. The circumstances of life are from God, and what is required to be done as a result of the circumstances is the direct will of God for the person in them The circumstances of life are from God, and what is required to be done as a result of the circumstances is the direct will of God for the person who is in those circumstances, therefore, an urgent law and duty for him. To say for this reason or to secretly feel: I want - I do, I want - I don’t - is fighting against God, and not pleasing God. Apply this to yourself. You have arranged your life in such a way that doing what you do has become the nature of your life. No matter how bad this is, this is your salvation. God gave you this action for your salvation. To deviate from this means to say to God: “You didn’t arrange me that way, I can arrange myself better than You.” Is this what it means to please God? This is what will happen: give up this, but will not adapt to another way of God’s life. And you will remain broke like a cancer (4, pp. 15–16). 11. About preparation for death We must first compose a good answer to the Judgment of Christ after death. To compose not with thoughts, but with deeds, and write not on paper, but on your nature, on your soul and body, so that the Lord does not need to read, but only look and see everything. Let me ask you a problem to solve: what is a good answer at the Judgment Court of Christ and what does it consist of? When you decide, write. There is no assigned time, even though you will be looking for a solution all your life, just don’t let a single day pass without thinking about it, and if that’s not enough, then not a single hour (4, pp. 21–22). Your solution to the question has good thoughts, but they draw a program for the Court... and the question is how to justify yourself at the Court. Because this is a good answer. Only at the end is a suitable thought presented, namely about repentance. Saint Theodora responded kindly when she was tortured. You did this and that. She answered: yes, I did, but I repented and received permission. This is the kindest answer. This is where all our attention should be directed. You need to remember that there are two resolutions or two ends of one resolution... one is at the beginning, and the other is at the end. At the beginning - permission for Confession... at the end, when all sinful dispositions will be plucked out by tears, mortification of the flesh, good deeds and prayer. This is the resolution of nature from the sin living in us. Observe and consider with him in preparing a good answer (4, pp. 23–24). 12. Instructions for those entering the gates of death So this is your position! I couldn’t believe that you would get so sick that you had to get ready to die. Be the will of God! But I think that your illness does not lead to death. Live with us! Pray and we will pray. However, may the Lord arrange your path for the better. You have been planning to die for a long time. That's why death doesn't take you by surprise. And all Christians are capable of transition to another life; but for those who have worked harder on themselves for the Lord’s sake, the road there is straighter and more unobstructed. Review, however, everything: words, deeds and thoughts - more strictly, like the most captious judge, and everything that you find faulty, lay it down at the Cross of the Lord. Then, having surrendered to the Lord, wait for what He says about you - whether to still suffer or to rest. It's better there, of course. What a comparison! When fear for yourself comes, surrender yourself more strongly into the hands of the Lord, praying to Him for your faith to fill what is lacking in life and in deeds. His merciful embrace is extended to all who depart from here. May He receive you and embrace you, saying: “Come, my bride, my true one!” Grant you, Lord, this! May the memory of God not depart from you. Now it's all away! Have me read for you the life of Saint Dositheus, a disciple of Abba Dorotheos. Saint Dorotheos kept asking him: “How is prayer?” “It’s coming,” he answered, “through your prayers.” Let it go for you too. Help you, Mother of God (4, pp. 241–242)! 13. Death is a great mystery about us Are you really going to leave? I can't believe it. Get sick, I think, and you’ll get up. But what to do if you leave? The transition from this life is not a feature. How long do they leave each day and even what hour? And our turn will come. Who is today, who is tomorrow – it’s all the same. It’s not just who is leaving what. Look around, is everything ready? And if there is nothing else to cook, surrender yourself to the Lord (4, p. 243)! When you look at the hour of death from afar, it seems different than when it approaches. It is difficult for someone alive and healthy to feel themselves leaving. Death is a great mystery about us. It is enlightened by the faith of Christ, but everything is something hidden. When you have to go through the actual process, then everything will become clear. However, there is no point in tormenting yourself with fearfulness. The Lord walked this path of death in order to make this path more convenient for us. Following Him, we too, passing through the midst of the shadow of death, may we not fear evil, for He is with us when we are with Him in this life. Sin separates, but when it is cleansed by repentance and feasible labor, then this mediastinum no longer exists. The Lord is near. Be brave (4, p. 243). I am writing to you, the sick, all about death; but I don’t think this will bring gloomy thoughts to you. For it is possible to desire to be resolved with an apostle in order to be with Christ (Phil. 1:23). This desire is not alien to you. An indication of the closeness of achieving what you want makes you happy, and does not lead to despondency (4, p. 243). 14. Conversation with a dying woman. Last request and blessing Through sorrow, see clearly into what will bring you great joy. Embrace stronger faith that the soul is gained by patience (Luke 21:19) and that sorrows open the entrance to the Kingdom. Remember the Lord as He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He languished in relief of our dying sufferings. Let us also take from Him the spirit of devotion to God: not as I will, but as You will 102 (Matthew 26:39). May the will of God be over you and about you (4, p. 244)! Everyone's hours are accounted for. But for someone who is constantly waiting in the wings, there is no need for a definitive indication whether he is living his last hour; for he already has his last hour every hour. Who is able to say: even if I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me 103 (Ps. 23:4)? - The one who in his life forced himself and still forces himself to constantly be with the Lord. For such a soul there is no shadow of death. One moment - and she appears in another region of light, full of all sorts of joys. Then the song of confession will also be sung: according to the multitude of my illnesses in my heart, Your consolations have made my soul glad 104 (Ps. 93:19) (4, p. 245)! Of course, the nearness of the outcome may produce a shudder. Take heart and may your heart be strong! Be bold, for the Lord has won. He also shows every believer to be a winner. This is certain. The enemy always arrives here in order to, if not extinguish, then darken the bright aspiration. He who has prepared himself with strong faith will be able not to pay attention to this, committing his soul into the hands of the Lord. The Angels of God are about to come and disperse everything that darkens. We do not flow towards the unknown (See 1 Cor. 9:26). But hope does not put one to shame (See Rom. 5:5). If you go away and take away some of those who are being saved, pray to God for us too, that He may grant us to repent and correct our lives. The blessing of the Lord is upon you and on the path which His holy will is pleased to determine for you! Sorry (4, p. 245). 15. Answers to thoughts about the structure of your earthly life You are all wondering about how you will arrange yourself. Stop thinking, just look at your feet and around you. The Lord's way is arranged imperceptibly - not with discretion, as those who boast of prudence boast. He comes by himself. Once you enter it, you will only be amazed at how everything worked out. So decide... You spelled out the solution yourself: for the peace of mind of your parents you need to be here!!! Everything is decided here... This is God’s commandment. No one in the world has ever thought of pleasing God by violating a commandment. Do you feel... You want to remove this obstacle... Wait... It will remove itself. Then be the will of God. Until then, thinking and guessing means wasting time (7, pp. 17–18). Life, of which you have seen a piece, has a stupefying quality: so they see that all this is not what it is, but everyone is dragging on - like someone who is used to opium knows what will happen, like a madman, but everyone accepts it, or that’s why they accept it (9, p. 6). 17. Emptiness and one-sidedness of social life May God grant that such a feeling of separation from secular life and secular amusements will remain in you forever. But it is also possible that you will fall in love. As you can see, you cannot help but touch such a life. The second time it won’t be so destructive and embarrassing, the third time even less, and then wow; As they say about vodka: the first glass is a stake, the second is a falcon, and then just serve it. Those who have to go into a tobacco shop - what do they experience? It eats your eyes and hurts your nose, and you can’t breathe. And those who tinder, then nothing at all; and even these fresh ones, after standing for a while, no longer squint, sneeze and choke so much, and then these inconveniences stop completely. Look, wouldn’t something similar happen to you regarding the order of life that has so disturbed your peace (9, pp. 6–7)? “I look closer and find that this is not life. I don’t know how to explain this, but I am convinced that this is not life. There is a lot of movement here, but no life. Look, my sewing machine is busy, but what kind of life is there?” Your bright little head gave birth to a wonderful idea. Now I can consider your position more reliable. Feeling alone is fragile; it may change. But when a solid thought comes to help it, it strengthens and again strengthens the thought. Together they look like a fortress. But for this fortress to be stronger, you need to understand why exactly there is no life in that life (9, p. 7). Therefore, there is no life in that life because it does not occupy and nourish all aspects of human life, but only a small part, and, moreover, one that stands in last place, or, rather, on the outskirts of life, without touching its center (9, p. 7). Human life is complex and multifaceted. There is a physical side to it, there is a mental side and there is a spiritual side. Each has its own strengths and needs and its own ways of exercising and satisfying them. Only when all our forces are in motion and all our needs are satisfied does a person live. And when he has only one particle of strength in motion and only one particle of needs is satisfied, then this life is not life: everything is one, like in your sewing machine - proper movement occurs only when all its parts are in motion. If any part stops working, the machine stops working. A person does not live like a human being when everything in him is not in motion. Only in a machine the cessation of its life - movement - is visible, but in a person the inaction of a full human life, with the action of one side and the satisfaction of a few needs, occurs invisibly, although there really is, as real, the immobility of the said machine. This is the law of human life! Let's apply it to what we're talking about. What forces are employed there and what needs are being satisfied? The hands, feet, tongue, eyes, ears, sense of smell, touch, memory, imagination, fantasy and intelligence are occupied, all together - the lowest side of man, the same with animals; and only one need of animal life is satisfied, or, better, the play of this life, which also operates in young lambs and lambs when they are driven out into a green meadow. In addition to these forces, a person has two or three more tiers of them and their main center. Judge now, can such a life be life? Your feeling told you that there is no life here. I show you the main reason why not. We need to live the way God created us, and when someone does not live this way, we can safely say that he does not live at all (9, pp. 7–8). 18. About social entertainment Now a little about other things. “Last winter,” you say, “I had a lot of fun and, when I came home, I thanked God for the fun.”... Why not have fun? And we must thank the Lord for everything. But I think that after entertainment it is better to do as Job did. His children had fun every evening. And in the morning he offered a sacrifice to God for them as a cleansing, saying: haven’t they sinned in anything... So you should do the same after having fun. During times of merriment, thoughts do not know where they are going, and words flow like a rain stream - anywhere, because there is no channel. But the Lord is close and sees everything - and takes everything into account... Therefore, after having fun, it is better to pray: forgive me, Lord, if I have sinned in thoughts and words (6, pp. 12-13). When things come from the heart, then life is alive... and when it is dedicated to the Lord, then it is divine, for then God is acting in you. Thinking about yourself and your fate, you decide: God’s will be done. There is no wiser decision than this. He who is like this in his heart is as if in a quiet refuge, although before his eyes is the agitated sea of ​​the world... Keep the boat of your life at this anchor, and the waves will not drown you - the splashes will only sprinkle you a little (6, p. 105). 20. The world worries about worldly things What happens in the world is also in the order of things. This is what the world is for, just to worry about worldly things. He does his job, and we need to do ours. The outer world is not yet as scary as the inner world, because it gets into it too. And when it climbs in, that’s our misfortune (8, p. 26)! 21. The Lord places everyone in a life situation most favorable for salvation If you believe in the Providence of God, which determines the earthly fate of everyone in the way that is most convenient for him to be saved, then you must also believe that your entire everyday situation is the most suitable for you to arrange your salvation. As far as I can see, she gives you complete freedom to engage with your soul. This is a big advantage! Having this confidence, thank God for everything: both pleasant and unpleasant. By graciously enduring the unpleasant, you get a little closer to some of the martyrs. But if you grumble, you will not only be far from this part - you will also give an answer (8, p. 98; 2, p. 215). I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). ...however, not as I want, but as You want. Even if I walk in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. As my sufferings multiplied in my heart, Your consolations gladdened my soul. 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