Письмо 67

The circumstances you described are disappointing: but what can we do? You need to be patient; but on your part, do not enter into the judgment of matters that do not belong to you, otherwise you will get stuck, and out of cowardice you cannot bear it, but you grieve and are embarrassed. - Which of the sisters, pouring out their grief, seeks consolation from you, then you can show readiness for it and console, encouraging you to be patient, for which an eternal reward awaits. And if someone comes and you both begin to judge others, then instead of healing you will bring illness to each other... Whatever is done with the desire of one’s own will, without waiting, does not bring any benefit: wait for an opportunity, and pray to the Lord, when He pleases and benefits you, then your path will be arranged. You should calm down with this answer... This is why I suggested that you go to obedience because solitude is dangerous for you, but some distraction is more useful, and during this the shocks that occur will change your structure, which is very dangerous; and “the silence of the unskilled crushes,” according to the words of the holy fathers. Be prudent in accepting reproaches; if you do not bear them, reproach yourself and not others, then you will bear it more comfortably and you will see the benefit; and when you contradict and object, avenging insults, there will be no end to it, and you will not win, but will be defeated; but from this, having recognized your weakness, you will be more skillful. May the Lord enlighten you and confirm you on this path to salvation, which is your zealous desire. September 17, 1846. You might be interested in: