The Only True Guide

About Bishop St. Theophane the Recluse

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October 22 (November 4)

Gal. 6:11-18; Lk. 16:19-31

In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man [Lk. 16:19-31] second thoughts of the wrongdoers are shown: their eyes will open for the first time, they will see the truth with absolute clarity, — though without a chance to undo anything and help themselves out of trouble. Knowing how many blind souls like themselves there are on earth, they would seek someone from among the dead to be sent there to testify about the only right way of life, the only true world view: how the Lord has revealed them to men. But even that will be denied them: the Divine revelation is convincing by itself for those who want to know the truth, whereas those who don’t want it would not be convinced even if someone rose from the dead.

All of us, when we depart this life, are likely to feel the same as this Rich Man; therefore, we ought to be sure about the only true guide on the course of our life — that is. the Divine revelation. That understanding, however, for many will come too late; we’d rather need it here on earth, but quite a few of us are failing to develop it. Let us at least believe those who have crossed the finish line, let us try to walk in their shoes. Tormented, they do not lie: they wish our eyes opened, “lest we also come into this place of torment” [Lk. 16:28].

This subject is quite unlike our everyday business which we often treat lightly: ‘‘As it may come about...” No, it will not come about any way other than what we have made it to be. We must be sure not to follow the way of the Rich Man from the parable.

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