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{\*\cs35\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang1033\loch\fs24\lang1033 Endnote Symbol;} {\*\cs36\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang1033\loch\fs24\lang1033 Endnote anchor;} {\*\cs37\cf0\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 WW-Endnote Symbol;} {\*\cs38\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang1033\loch\fs24\lang1033 WW-Endnote Symbol1;} {\*\cs39\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang1033\loch\fs24\lang1033 WW-Footnote Symbol123;} {\*\cs40\cf0\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 Footnote Symbol;} } {\info{\creatim\yr2008\mo1\dy2\hr21\min4}{\revtim\yr1601\mo1\dy1\hr0\min0}{\printim\yr1601\mo1\dy1\hr0\min0}{\comment StarWriter}{\vern6800}}\deftab709 {\*\pgdsctbl {\pgdsc0\pgdscuse195\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn1134\footery0{\*\footeryt1324\footerxl0\footerxr0\footeryh1380}{\footer \pard\plain \s14\cf0\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af7\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 {\*\bkmkstart DDE_LINK}Daily readings and reflections, available at {\b https://www.orthodox.net//scripture} {\*\bkmkend DDE_LINK} } \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 These reflections and others are also posted on the blog: {\b http://stnicholasdallas.blogspot.com/ }} \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ab\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\b\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\b{\field{\*\fldinst \\page\\* ARABIC}{\fldrslt 5}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch } \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0} \par } \pgdscnxt0 Standard;} {\pgdsc1\pgdscuse195\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn1134\pgdscnxt1 Endnote;}} {\*\pgdscno0}\paperh15840\paperw12240\margl1134\margr1134\margt1134\margb1134\sectd\sbknone\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn2514\footery1134{\footer \pard\plain \s14\cf0\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0} \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 {\*\bkmkstart DDE_LINK}Daily readings and reflections, available at {\b https://www.orthodox.net//scripture} {\*\bkmkend DDE_LINK} } \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 These reflections and others are also posted on the blog: {\b http://stnicholasdallas.blogspot.com/ }} \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang255\ab\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\b\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\b{\field{\*\fldinst \\page\\* ARABIC}{\fldrslt 5}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch } \par \pard\plain \s14\cf0\qc\tqc\tx4986\tqr\tx9972{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0} \par } \ftnbj\ftnstart1\ftnrstcont\ftnnar\aenddoc\aftnrstcont\aftnstart1\aftnnrlc \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1\ul\ulc0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1\ul\ulc0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b{{\*\updnprop10000}\up10 32nd }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b Week After Pentecost \'96 Wednesday } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1\ul\ulc0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 The text of the scriptures, followed by short reflections. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1\qj{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b{\b\ul\ulc0 James 3:11-4:6}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amon g you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. F or where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fru it of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight a nd war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b{\b\ul\ulc0 Mark 11:23-26 }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have wh atsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may fo rgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1\qj{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1\qj{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af4\langfe255\hich\f4\fs24\lang1033\loch\f4\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch } \par \page\pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Oil or wine on the menu today. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Today's scripture is a perfect example of the "oil and wine" that our Lord mixes in His teachings to us, which I have mentioned many times, and just recently in the blog. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 "Oil" is the soothing teachings of Christ, which are meant to console and comfort us, to give us hope and strong faith. "Wine" is the astringent teachings of Jesus: His rebukes and harsh sayings - things that should make us tremble if we are not living as we aught, and wake us up from our slumber. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Today, we have teaching that is the finest, smoothest, warmest and most soothing oil to some, but the most bitter and frightening wine to others:} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b{\b And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 (Mark 11:26)} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Our Lord spoke about forgiveness and the conditions for it many times. When he taught us to pray, He included "and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors". In today's passage, it is even more clear: we MUST forgive if we are to be forgiven. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 For those who hold grudges, have vendettas, remember wrongs, and indulge in the false sweetness of anger towards others, these words are terrible and bitter wine. If a person continues to not forgive others, then God will continue to pour this wine into hi s wounds, and in other areas of his life, attempt to bring the blind one to his senses. Since lack of forgiveness has as its mother pride, the words of the Brother of the Lord, which we also read today, apply fully to such a one: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 These very same words are as oil to the humble, because our Lords words comfort the sinner who forgives other sinners: "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespass es.", and in other place, even more comforting: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven" (Luke 6:37) } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Our 'Lord gives only ONE condition for our forgiveness; we must forgive others. What a comfort this is to the humble! The humble considers himself incapable of any works of righteousness, and perhaps such a one fails in many ways that a Christian may be me asured, but he possessed in abundance that most important and indispensable virtue: he forgives others! } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 The marvelous grace that we are able to retain from forgiving others will eventually positively affect every area of our soul; from this virtue, which is grounded in love for others, self-awareness and humility, will flow all the other virtues. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 If you cannot stop sinning, then cultivate in yourself the virtue of forgiving others. This is truly the east way to salvation! If you have trouble forgiving, pray to be able to forgive! An absolute must is that you MUST pray for those you have trouble for giving. At least say "Lord have mercy upon the soul of ____" everyday. You cannot make ANY progress in the spiritual life without forgiving (or, at least, attempting to forgive with all your might) others. Any supposed progress is a sham, since our Lord's words, above, guarantee us that if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 My parish has heard many times this admonition: "If you cannot stop sinning, at least be kind!" The kind think of others, and minimize themselves. The kind forgive others. Therefore, {\b "IF YOU CANNOT STOP SINNING, AT LEAST FORGIVE OTHERS!"}} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 ----------------} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Gleanings from the Fathers about forgiveness. } \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Did you see that brother who was negligent and lazy, who did not go down to the all-night vigils and did not do his duties, whom the brothers knew and held to be a negligent brother? When, therefore, he became sick and the hour of his death drew near, the brothers gathered to hear something beneficial, or to comfort him, or in case he wanted to say something to them, but they saw him rejoicing, cheerful.} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 One brother was scandalized and said, But what do we see in you, brother? We see you rejoicing, while you approach death? But our thought says to us that you were not a violent man and how do you have this courage and this rejoicing face? On what do you ba se this thing?} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 Yes, brothers, he said, really I was a negligent person and I did not fulfill my duties. But I achieved one good thing, by the grace of God -- not to criticize any brother and not to scandalize anyone; and never did I allow my heart to have something again st my brother of the monastery when the sun set. And inasmuch as I did not judge my brother, I believe that God will not judge me, even me, for He said, Judge not, that you not be judged (Mt. 7:1); and as long as I did not judge, I will not be judged.} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf0{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\af7\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 The brothers marveled and said, Brother, very easily you found the way of salvation. And the brother died with much joy. {\lang1033\fs16\cf1 Elder Ephraim of Philotheou Mount Athos, "Counsels from the Holy Mountain". Quoted from https://www.orthodox.net//gleanings/judging_other s.html}} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf0{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\af7\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0 'And forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors.' For we have many sins. For we offend both in word and in thought, and very many things we do worthy of condemnation; and 'if we say that we have no sin' (I Jn. 1:8), we lie, as John says...The offe nses committed against us are slight and trivial, and easily settled; but those which we have committed against God are great, and need such mercy as His only is. Take heed, therefore, lest for the slight and trivial sins against you, you shut out for your self forgiveness from God for your very grievous sins. {\lang1033\fs16\cf1 St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Catechetical Lectures: Lecture 23 no. 16) Quoted from https://www.orthodox.net//gleanings/forgiveness.html}} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs16\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs16\lang1033\loch\f0\fs16\lang1033 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\cf1{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\ql\rtlch\afs24\lang255\ltrch\dbch\langfe255\hich\f0\fs24\lang1033\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang1033\i0\b0