Talking with Geronta Pavlos of Sinai
Q The Ladder of Divine Ascent stresses the need 'to
keep' one's baptism, and you've emphasized the joy that results when humility
draws the grace of God. Perhaps some find it hard to hope in Christ’s
forgiveness though, having lived far from God..
A And why should we not hope, when Christ made Himself
the friend of sinners? Wasn’t He accused for doing this when He associated with
tax collectors such as Zacchaeus, who then promised to amend his life? Since
God is love He came and gathered exactly such people near Him; therefore a
person with such feelings can say, “Since I’m a sinner, it’s me that God
wants!” Why not live this happiness then, instead of agonizing over what
happened in the past … After all, who is the sinless one?
Q How then do I actually 'change my mind' according to
the Greek 'metanoia' (repentance)?
A “Formerly, before embracing metanoia, I was thinking
of evil. Now, in metanoia, I will think of good.” And try to do it, of course.
Q Changing one's life begins in the thoughts..
A Yes.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου