Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
The protection you seek is not merely of the body, but of the soul, which alone is truly secure when it cleaves to the Bridegroom's voice. For by hearing the word of God, faith comes, and the Church is wedded to Christ in a union no enemy can sunder. Stand firm, therefore, in repentance, for those who have grown old through sins can be made new, though the former brightness may not be fully restored. God's healing is manifold: sometimes He speaks a word, sometimes He stretches forth His hand, as with the withered limb restored whole like the other. So for the ones you name, trust that His power is not diminished. Even if they have heard the word ten times and seemed unmoved, yet that hearing has done a hidden work, and suddenly the entire cure may appear. Do not cease to bring them before the Physician, for He desires to heal and tries innumerable ways.
As for the relationship that needs intervention, remember: true friendship is not eating and drinking, but helping one another flee from hell. If we are friends, we must hinder those things that lead our beloved down to perdition. Pray, then, not with a heart that seeks to impose your own will, but that they may hear the Bridegroom's voice themselves and rejoice. And when you pray, guard against any petition that savors of enmity, for an unlawful prayer adds a grievous burden. For the anointing of your church, desire a good work: the protection of souls. Let those who lead be blameless, vigilant, sober, apt to teach, not seeking power but service. And for your daily labor, know that a brother aided by a brother becomes a fortified city; encourage one another. Though the battle seems long, even at the gates of hell it is possible to recover, to renew your strength, and to lay hold on eternal life. Take courage, then, and be strong, for the Lord is near to all who call upon Him in truth.
As for the relationship that needs intervention, remember: true friendship is not eating and drinking, but helping one another flee from hell. If we are friends, we must hinder those things that lead our beloved down to perdition. Pray, then, not with a heart that seeks to impose your own will, but that they may hear the Bridegroom's voice themselves and rejoice. And when you pray, guard against any petition that savors of enmity, for an unlawful prayer adds a grievous burden. For the anointing of your church, desire a good work: the protection of souls. Let those who lead be blameless, vigilant, sober, apt to teach, not seeking power but service. And for your daily labor, know that a brother aided by a brother becomes a fortified city; encourage one another. Though the battle seems long, even at the gates of hell it is possible to recover, to renew your strength, and to lay hold on eternal life. Take courage, then, and be strong, for the Lord is near to all who call upon Him in truth.
