34. Просил и себе...

"Forgive... and bless..." (9:389) The Holy Moscow Hierarch left many genuine Archpastoral instructions, embracing all the paths of the saving procession to Eternity. And it would seem that such a Wise Saint does not need anyone. - But no: he remembers well those words of Christ the Savior with which he ends his glorious Catechism: “When you have done all that is commanded you, say, as we are unworthy servants: as you ought to do, to do” (Luke 17:10). – And Saint Philaret “says this,” which is why he himself asks from bishops, then from archimandrites, pious Christians 1) forgiveness, 2) prayers, 3) support, 4) instructions. 1) Asks for forgiveness and forgives himself: “The threshold of the post is opening. Forgive me and pray, so that I may enter the field of repentance and purification not too lazily and not fruitlessly" (10:281)... "Forgive me and bless me in the field of holy fasting, so that I will not pass away with laziness and despondency, but in repentance, with attention and diligence, I will flow to the Father of mercy and generosity, and I will find grace" (9:389)... "Already the voice of the Church is heard calling to repentance. Before entering this field, I ask for blessings from the house of St. Sergius, and from you (the viceroy’s father - K.S.) and the brethren in particular, forgiveness for how I offended anyone, and for everything in which I was lacking before you through my weak and unworthy service. If any of you think that they need my forgiveness, I offer it in the name of the Lord with peace and love. May the Lord guide us all through repentance onto the path of good deeds and salvation” (8:190)... “What our thoughts are not peaceful towards me, tell me, without accumulating such thoughts, which increases confusion and difficulty. May the Lord forgive us in everything" (8:344). (See also: “5. The path of spiritual activity... b) Create...”). 2) Calls for prayer, which would ask for admonition, patience, vigilance, increased activity and would lead to the last journey: “Pray that the Lord will instruct me in what I should do and tell me a good word of advice” (8:14)... “Pray to St. Sergius, that he may grant me relief, or that I may profit by patience” (9:332)... “Pray for my laziness, that the day of the Lord may not come upon me like a thief, but that I may persuade myself, or that I may be persuaded, it is not too late, and I will light a lamp, and I will gather at least drops of oil and gird up my loins, and I will be like a servant waiting for his Lord” (8:303)... “Through the mercy and forbearance of the Lord, the days given to me are becoming scanty. Meager forces are exhausted, while time would require strong patience and intense activity. Continue to help me with your prayers, so that my weakness will not be completely ineffective and fruitless, or may the Lord bring another strong worker to this part of His harvest" (9:366)... "I ask ... that you (the viceroy father - K.S.) through prayer lead me on a path that requires good guidance, given the lack of deeds that would reliably follow with me" (7:134). 3) In bearing the cross of life, in difficulties he seeks support: “Support me in bearing the cross with words of love, advice, reinforcement and consolation” (7:241)... “You (Archimandrite Anthony. - K.S.) really see me often difficult for those around me and dissatisfied. Things in which there is no food for the soul consume time and always leave the concern that much remains unfinished; weakness requires a lot of time to rest; the soul finds it difficult to return to its peace; thoughts, worries or vanities pursue and rob her. Continue to ask me for help and so that I am not ready to accept the help that is ready out of mercy” (7:189). 4) Accepts instructions with gratitude and rejects praise as a moral danger: “Thank you for comforting me; but learn more. I don’t grieve so much as sometimes I don’t know what to do” (7:165)... “What you say about me, I accept as an indication of what I should be. But it’s better not to tempt me with words that are beyond my measure. Remember what the Apostle said: “I do not consider myself to have attained” (Phil. 3:3). Even when Jesus Christ Himself was told: “A good Teacher,” He rejected this praise, saying: “No one is good except one God” (Matthew 19:17). Judge by this how praise between us is either inappropriate or dangerous. Praise be to the one God, who gives every good thing and perfects strength in weakness” (29:221-222). “Pray and celebrate in peace and, through the prayer of your peace (the vicar’s father and the brethren - K.S.), may our Reverend Father send some kindness of peace to my unworthiness” (8:148). You might be interested in: