May 20
(Word from the Paterikon.)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
Know, brethren, that for guarding ourselves from sins it is good for us to think more often that the enemy of our salvation constantly wars against us and that those conquering him receive from God for their victory over the enemy crowns in the future life. This is evident from the following.
A certain monk Moses was greatly tormented by demons tempting him to the sin of the flesh. Not being able to drive away from himself the vile thoughts and not wishing any longer to remain in his cell, he went to the venerable Isidore and announced to him his inner warfare. The elder began to entreat him that he return to his cell, but Moses remained unyielding. Then the elder led him up onto a mountain and said: “Look to the west.” Moses looked and saw a multitude of demons rushing to battle against him. After some time Isidore said: “Now look more attentively to the east.” Moses began to look to the east and beheld an innumerable multitude of people shining with heavenly glory. And Abba Isidore said to Moses: “These whom you see in the east are the saints sent to us for help in the struggle against sin; and those whom you saw in the west are those fighting against us, the enemies of our salvation.” And the words of Abba Isidore so inspired and encouraged Moses that he glorified God and, completely renewed morally, returned to his cell.
How then is it good to reflect even on this alone which has now been said? First, by this: now, knowing from the vision of Moses that the devil, like a roaring lion, walks about seeking to devour us, we must be constantly attentive to ourselves, to our thoughts, intentions, and deeds; keep watch over ourselves and clothe ourselves in all those weapons which are indicated to us in the word of God against the enemies of our salvation. Second, having learned from the vision of Moses that the righteous are crowned for victory over the enemy with heavenly glory and are sent by God to help us in our sorrow, we can be comforted that we are not helpless, but that we have in heaven invisible friends and strong intercessors for us before God.
Therefore, we hope that the reflections offered by us concerning the struggle with the enemy of our salvation and concerning the blessedness of the righteous will be, if only you hold fast to them, both beneficial and saving for you. Amen.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
For more than fifteen years, the Mystagogy Resource Center has been a labor of love dedicated to making the riches of the Orthodox Christian tradition freely available to people throughout the world.
Thousands of articles, translations, lives of saints, theological reflections, historical resources, and daily materials have been published across this ministry’s websites, all offered free of charge for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Orthodox faith.
This is a one-man ministry that requires countless hours of research, translation, writing, editing, and maintenance each day.
If this work has spiritually benefited, educated, encouraged, or inspired you in any way, I humbly ask you to consider supporting this ministry financially.
Generous annual and monthly benefactors make possible the continuation and expansion of this work for the future, for without such support this ministry cannot exist.
Every contribution, whether large or small, truly makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and prayers.
