Prologue in Sermons: December 26

The Lord Is Especially Merciful To Sinners Who Sincerely Repent and Atone For Their Sins Through Good Deeds

December 26
 
(It Is Not Proper to Lend Credence to Slander)

By Archpriest Victor Guryev

Saint John the Theologian teaches: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). What do these words mean? They mean that if we sincerely repent of our sins, the Lord will forgive us and cleanse our hearts from the filth of sin. Is this true? 

A certain bishop disliked slanderers. One day, several commoners approached him and, pointing to two women, began to complain that they were falling into mortal sins. The bishop, before punishing the accused, began to pray to God to reveal the truth. Then, when it was time to celebrate the Liturgy, he commanded everyone present in the church to partake of the Holy Mysteries. Those who received communion began to approach in due course. The sinners among them had dark and gloomy faces, while the righteous were pure and bright. Two women accused of mortal sins also approached, their eyes pure and clear, and their garments white. When they received communion, their faces lit up like the sun. The bishop was perplexed as to how to respond to what he had seen and began to pray to God to resolve his confusion. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: "Ask about everyone who came to you, and I will tell you what is necessary." The bishop asked: "Is it true what was said about the women that they fell into mortal sins?" The angel said: "True." "How then," objected the bishop, "did their faces, after receiving communion, light up like the sun?" The angel answered: "Having sinned, they soon came to their senses, began to weep and sigh for the evil they had done, began to give alms, confessed with all sincerity and gave a promise not to sin again, and for this they were forgiven by God and now live chastely and righteously." The bishop was amazed and exclaimed: "God's mercy toward these women is amazing; for not only did God forgive them, but He also granted them great grace!" The angel said: "Do not be surprised. Our Lord is good and merciful, and not only forgives those who sincerely repent and cease from sins, but also honors them."

Thus, truly, the Lord is generous and merciful, long-suffering and abounding in steadfast love! He will not forever be angry, nor will He ever be hostile! Therefore, hasten without delay, sinners, to the merciful Lord, and He will surely forgive you, cover your guilt with His boundless merits, and send His grace to help you. It is stronger than the strongest will, and it will surely lead you to triumph over evil. Amen.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.