If we want to fare well in this life and to go to Paradise , and to
call our God love and father, we must have two loves: the love for God
and the love for our neighbor. It is natural for us to have these two
loves, and contrary to nature not to have them. Just as a swallow needs
two wings in order to fly in the air, so we need these two loves,
because without them we cannot be saved.
The Martyrs won Paradise through their blood; the Ascetics, through
their ascetic life. Now you, my brethren, who have children, how will
you win Paradise? By means of hospitality, by giving to your brothers
who are poor, blind, lame.
Let us have love for God and for our fellow men. Then God comes and
brings us joy and implants the eternal life in our hearts, and we fare
well in this life and also go to Paradise , there to rejoice forever!
Has God given us wealth? It is our duty to eat and drink so much as
is sufficient, and to have enough clothes; the rest we should spend for
the poor. God has not given us wealth in order that we might eat and
drink to excess, and make costly clothes and build stately houses, while
the poor die of starvation. Such, then, is our duty. Realize it. From
today on act in this manner, and you shall be saved.
We who are pious Christians ought to love our enemies and forgive
them. We ought to offer them food and drink, and entreat God for their
souls. And then we should say: “My God, I beseech Thee to forgive me, as
I have forgiven my enemies.
If you want God to forgive you all your sins and write your names in
Paradise , say to your enemies three times: “May God forgive you and
have mercy upon you!”
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