Wise behavior of the Holy Apostles

For so is the will of God, that with well-doing, ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (I Peter 2:15).

Brethren, it is difficult to argue with an atheist; it is difficult to talk with a madman; it is difficult to persuade an embittered man.  It is difficult to convince an atheist, a madman or an embittered man with words.  You will convince them more easily by deeds.  They may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (I Peter 2:12).  Do good to those who wish to argue with you, and you will win the argument.  One deed of compassion will bring the madman to his senses and will pacify the embittered man more quickly than many hours of conversation.  If atheism, madness and bitterness stem from ignorance, that ignorance is like a rage which can quickly be restrained by good works.  If you argue with an atheist in his own rabid manner, you strengthen the rage of atheism.  If you converse with a madman by derision, the darkness of his madness is increased.  If you think you will overcome an embittered man with anger, you will stir up a greater fire of bitterness.  A meek and good deed is like water on a fire.  Always remember the holy apostles and their successful methods of behavior toward men.  If an atheist provokes you, it is not the man that provokes you but the devil; for man is by nature religious.  If a madman swears at you, it is not the man that swears at you but the devil; for man is by nature reasonable.  If an embittered man persecutes you, it is not the man that persecutes you but the devil; for man is by nature good.  The devil provokes you to lengthy arguments and unfruitful conversations, but he flees from good deeds.  Do good in the name of Christ, and the devil will flee.  Only then will you have dealings with men, with true men; pious, reasonable and good.  Therefore, whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord.

O All-good Lord, help us to do good and by good to conquer in Thy name.  To Thee be glory and praise forever.  Amen. 

Prologue of Ohrid, June 30 entry:  On the power and the efficacy of good works

A holy end to our lives

Good deeds and love for one's neighbor will result in a holy end for everyone who inwardly supplicates, "Save me, my Christ."  Through love and prayer, he will be saved. 

Deception and impudence in judging others

One must not trust one's feelings, since because of his limitedness a man cannot know everything, and therefore his judgment is also relatively limited.  Even if you see with your own eyes that someone sins, do not judge, for the eyes also may be deceived.  One must in every way flee from judging, and pray in secret for those who have sinned. This form of love is pleasing to God.  Judging is bound up with impudence and is incompatible with true repentance:  "To judge is to impudently appropriate to oneself the rank of God." 

On the great goodness of God

Since our sweet Jesus is so good, compassionate, and kind, why should you despair? We seek one small thing from Him, and He gives us so much! We ask for one beam of light, and He gives us Himself as all Light, Truth, and Love. So humble yourself and rest all your hope in Him. 

Wisdom for this transient life

Examine yourself and strive to adorn it with love, humility, compassion and hope.  Seek the regeneration of your soul, enlightened by the voice of the Gospel and helped by God.  With fear and love for the Heavenly Father, proceed to sow the seeds of God's word on good soil.  Cultivate the talent given by Christ for the salvation of your soul. 

Meditation on Proverbs 24:17

Rejoice not when your enemy falls; and when he stumbles, let not your heart exult (Proverbs 24:17)

He is a man; do not rejoice in his fall.  He is your brother; let not your heart leap for joy when he stumbles.  God created him for life, and God does not rejocie in his fall.  And you also, do not rejoice at that which grieves God.  When a man falls, God loses; do you rejoice in the loss of your Creator, of your Parent?  When the angels weep, do you rejoice?

When your enemy falls, pray to God for him, that God will save him; and give thanks to God that you did not fall in the same manner.  You are of the same material, both you and he; like two vessels from the hand of the potter.  If one vessel breaks, should the other one smile and rejoice?  Behold, the small stone that broke that vessel only waits for someone's hand to raise it to destroy this vessel also.  Both vessels are of the same material, and a small stone can destroy a hundred vessels.

When one sheep is lost, should the rest of the flock rejoice?  No, they should not.  For behold, the shepherd leavs his flock and, being concerned, goes to seek the lost sheep.  The shepherd's loss is the flock's loss, too.  Therefore, do not rejoice when you enemy falls, for your Shepherd and his Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, do not rejoice in his fall.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Good Shepherd, remove malicious joy from our hearts, and in its place plant compassion and brotherly love.

To Thee be glory and praise forever.  Amen.

On criticism and God's grace

A spiritual father-confessor named Benjamin, when a person had come to him for confession was talking about others and criticizing his brothers, would send the “penitent” away until he could correct himself and change his attitude.  The most simple monk, Elder David, would tell his visitors about this kind of criticism: “Be careful, do not say one person does this and the other does that.  If you do so, you lose Christ’s grace.  Even if you see a person acting like an ass, do not criticize.  Love your neighbor as you would your own self.  This is what Christ tells us to do.”