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Russian Orthodox Church and

Skete of the Resurrection of Christ

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Russian Orthodox Church |

Orthodoxy in America

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Monday (35th). [I John 2:18–3:10; Mark 11:1–11]

According to the Daily Church Readings from the Word of God
By St. Theophan the Recluse

Yesterday the parable about the prodigal son invited us to return from dissipation to the good path. Now the holy Apostle John inspires us for this, giving assurance that if we do this, when the Lord appears, we will be like Him. What can compare with such a dignity?! I should think that upon hearing this, you would be filled with a desire to attain this for yourself. It is a good and most importantly needful thing! Do not delay undertaking that through which it is attained. Read further: every man that hath this hope in Him, purifies himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). Is there anything within you in need of purifying? Of course—no small amount of things will be found. Make haste: for where the Lord is, no thing that defileth shall enter in (cf. Rev. 21–27). But do not be taken aback by the difficulty of this matter. The Lord Himself will be your helper in all things. Simply desire it wholeheartedly and turn to the Lord for His much needed help. His grace-filled strength will stream into your effort, and things will go easily and successfully. As there is no sin that can overcome the mercy of God, so there is no moral uncleanness which could resist the grace-filled strength that consumes it. Only on your part, let there be a lack of desire for this uncleanness, an earnest effort to repulse it, and your refuge in faith with the Lord.