Prologue in Sermons: September 12

 

 

A Good Deed Has Value Only When It Is Carried Through To Completion

September 12

(On Eulogios the Monk and the Paralyzed Beggar)

By Archpriest Victor Guryev 

It does not say, brethren, that “He who endures to some extent will be saved,” but it does say, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). Yet, we lack precisely this endurance until the end. It happens that we embark on good deeds with full fervor and enthusiasm, but after a little time, we become increasingly indifferent to the good work we have undertaken; and sometimes, right at the very end, when we are just about to receive the crown for it, we abandon it altogether. Thus, all your efforts resemble a house built on sand, which is swept away as soon as the wind blows upon it (Matt. 7:26-27).

No, we should not act in this manner. If you have begun something good, you must see it through to the end, resisting temptations; otherwise, the devil will snatch away the crown intended for you, and your reward will be lost.

One monk, named Eulogios, encountering a beggar on the street, who was deprived of the use of his hands and feet, took pity on him, and in his heart made a promise before God: "Lord, in Your name, I will take this paralyzed man and will care for him until death, so that, for his sake, I may be saved. Grant me the patience to serve him." He then offered the paralyzed man to stay in his house, and when the man agreed, he took him in. 

Fifteen years passed. During this time, Eulogios served the paralyzed man as a father: he cared for him in every way, washed him, fed him, and carried him from place to place. The devil envied Eulogios' patience and, wishing to deprive him of his worthy reward, planted in the heart of the paralyzed man anger and malice towards Eulogios. And thus, the once meek and unfortunate man began to slander and revile Eulogios in every way, and despite all of Eulogios' admonitions and pleas, he finally brought him to a state of despair. "What should I do?" he said to his fellow monks, "the paralytic brings me to despair. Should I abandon him? But I am afraid to break the promise I made before God. Should I not abandon him? But he gives me no peace day or night." 

The monks suggested that he seek counsel from the great Anthony, and Eulogios heeded their advice. Anthony first admonished him and the paralytic to live in peace, and in conclusion, he said to both of them: "Temptation, children, has come upon you from Satan, for you are both close to death and worthy of receiving crowns from God. Now do not be troubled by anything. Otherwise, the Angel may find you in wrath against one another and deprive you of your reward." Convinced by the Holy Spirit, Eulogios and the paralytic lived in peace for just fourteen days thereafter, and then Eulogios passed away, followed three days later by the paralytic.

Therefore, brethren, be patient. Undertake a good work, bring it to completion, and do not waver in it. Otherwise, the reward shall be lost. "No one who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62), says the Lord Himself. Amen.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.