Письмо 107

You complain about someone who insults you: but who allows her to insult you? Of course, God, as punishment for your non-corrections, which you wrote to me about. Read from St. Isaac's 20th word, and imitate how it is written there, then you will more easily bear insults. Do you want to speak and partake without condemnation of the Holy Mysteries of Christ? The most necessary preparation for them is to forgive your neighbors their sins, according to the word of the Lord: “If you forgive your neighbors their sins, your heavenly Father will forgive you your sins; If you do not forgive them their sins, then your heavenly Father will not forgive you your sins” (Matthew 6:15); and have publican humility; This is how true repentance happens, and in our humility the Lord will remember us and send His help in our affairs, with our good will. – You ask to give you penance; but was swayed by my silence. What kind of penance will I give you? It must be the opposite of sins: you talk idle talk, condemn, want punishment for that person; Here is your penance: abandon these actions of yours, turn away from evil and do good. And regarding her affairs, it is not our business to enter into court: whoever sows, this will also reap. We must wish everyone to repent and come to true reason. I wish you peace, health and salvation; much-sinful I.M. February 21, 1859. You might be interested in: