К нерадивой душе

Don’t fall, soul, don’t grieve, don’t pronounce decisive judgment on yourself for your many sins, don’t attract fire on yourself, don’t say: “The Lord has cast me away from His presence.” God is not pleased with this word, because He Himself calls out to you, saying: “My people, what have I done to you? Or how did I insult you? Or why are you cold?” Is it not possible for someone who has fallen to rise? Or whoever turns away cannot turn? Do you hear, soul, what is the goodness of the Lord? You are not delivered into the hands of a prince or a military leader, as if you were condemned. Do not grieve that your wealth is gone. Do not be ashamed to turn, but rather say: “I rise up and go to my Father” (Luke 15:18). Rise up, go. He accepts you and does not reproach you, but even more rejoices at your conversion. He is waiting for you, just don’t be ashamed, like Adam, and don’t hide from the face of God. For your sake, Christ was crucified, and will he reject you? Let this not happen! He knows who oppresses us; knows that we have no other helper but Him alone. Christ knows that man is poor. So, let us not indulge in negligence, as if we were destined for the fire. There is no need for Christ to be cast into fire; It is not a gain for Him to send us into torment. Don't you want to know the severity of the torment? Then the sinner will be expelled from the face of God, then the foundations of the universe will not bear his cry and weeping. For it is written: “that day... a day of darkness and darkness, a day of clouds and darkness, a day of trumpets and crying” (Zeph. 1:15–16). If a person convicted by the prince goes into prison for two years, or five, or ten years; How many tears do you think a person has, what shame, what sobbing? But he still has consolation in waiting for the end of this period. Therefore, do we want to know what term is assigned to sinners? Can we determine the time of their exile at twenty or fifty, or a hundred, or two hundred years? But how can one calculate time where there are no years included in the calculation of days? Alas! Alas! This time is hopeless. For “unbearable is the wrath against sinners and rebuke.” Do you hear about the hardship that awaits sinners? Therefore, do not bring yourself to such a need, for even one rebuke is unbearable for you. Do you have many sins? Don't be afraid to cry out to God. Go ahead, don't be ashamed. The field of achievement is near; arise, shake off the materiality of the world. Imitate the prodigal son, who, having squandered everything, went to his father without shame. The father rather regretted his captivity than the wealth he wasted at first. Thus, he who entered dishonestly entered with honor; he who came naked was received clothed in a robe; posing as a mercenary was restored to the rank of ruler. This word comes to us. Do you hear how successful was the boldness of this son? But will you understand your father’s kindness? And you, soul, don’t be embarrassed, knock on the doors. Do you need anything? Stand at the door - and you will receive everything that you need, according to the Divine Scripture, which says: “... for lack of heart” (an unrelenting request), “he, having risen, will give it to him, and demand it as much as possible” (Luke 11:8). God does not reject you, man, does not reproach you for wasting your wealth at first, for He has no shortage of property: He supplies everyone diligently, according to the apostolic word: Ask “from God, who gives to all without partiality or reproach” (James 1:5). Are you at the marina? Look at the waves, so that a storm does not suddenly arise and kidnap you into the depths of the sea; Then with a sigh you will begin to say: “I have come to the depths of the sea, and the storm has drowned me. My voice has grown weary, my throat has become silent” (Ps. 69:3-4). For hell really is the abyss of the sea, according to the Master’s saying that “a great chasm has been established” (Luke 16:26) between the righteous and the sinners. So, do not condemn yourself to this abyss. Imitate the prodigal son; leave the hail that is starving; escape from the miserable life with the pigs; stop eating faces that they don’t even give you. So, come and beg - and eat the manna, the food of Angels, without lack. Begin to contemplate God's glory, and your face will be illuminated. Come and enjoy the paradise of sweets. Use a few years to acquire eternal time. Do not worry about the duration of this life. It is transient and short-lived; all time - from Adam until now - has passed like a shadow. Get ready to hit the road. Don't burden yourself. Winter is coming: hurry under the roof to which we also strive, by the grace of Christ. Amen. You might be interested in: