Prologue in Sermons: May 1

 

True Friends Are An Invaluable Treasure

May 1

(A discourse on love, for the sake of which God forgives sins.)

By Archpriest Victor Guryev

Wise people say that a true friend is an invaluable treasure. Is this really so?

Once, two monks were going to the marketplace to sell their handiwork. On the way, they parted in different directions, and during that time one of them fell into sin. When they returned home, the monk who had not sinned said to the one who had: “Come, brother, let us go to the cell.”

But he replied: “I will not go.”

“Why?” asked the pious monk.

“I have fallen into a mortal sin,” answered the fallen one.

The one who had not sinned, wishing to save his friend who was near despair, used a kind of wise deception. He said to him: “Do you know? Without you, I also fell into the same sin as you. But what is to be done? We must ask God for forgiveness.”

Through these words, the one who had sinned came to himself, was struck with horror at what he had done, and entered his cell. Soon both monks went to the elders and confessed their sins: one confessed an imaginary sin, and the other a real one. The elders imposed a penance on both.

Then both monks began to pray: one for himself, that the Lord would forgive his sin, and the other for his brother who had sinned. The prayer of both was heard. It was revealed to a certain elder that, because of the great love of the one who had not sinned, the one who had sinned was also forgiven.

This is what it means to lay down one’s life for one’s brother.

Is it not true, brethren, that a true friend is an irreplaceable treasure? Yes, as you see, it is true. But this is not all. A true and pious friend, as this account shows, can be a savior for us from spiritual death, a comforter, and a fervent intercessor for us.

What if the fallen monk, after his sin, had instead met someone who loved sin? He could have immediately been pushed by such a person into the abyss of hell, which was already opening before him, and perished without return. Only one step remained for him to fall.

But behold, in His mercy, the Lord sent him a guardian angel in the person of the pious monk — and he was saved.

Therefore, brethren, cherish such friends, if the Lord grants them to you. They will guide you to the Heavenly Fatherland. Being full of love themselves, they will share it with you and warm your heart by it. They will guard you from sins and become instructors in piety for you. Amen.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.