50. Truly, many virtuous people incorporate within
themselves deep reflections on death. Reflections on death lead to abstinence,
assist prayers, create tears, protect the heart and assist introspection. In
turn, these virtues give birth to a deep fear of God and the heart is cleansed
of passionate thoughts (Blessed Philotheos of Sinai).
50. What inexpressible solace is experienced, when
the soul separates from the body — shedding it like clothing — assured in its
salvation. Because, as though already commanding future blessings, it leaves
the body without sorrow, going with peace to its Angel that descends toward it
with joy. Together, they pass heavenly expanses unimpeded, not subjected to any
attacks from the demons but ascending in joy with boldness and cries of
gratitude, arriving to worship the Creator and receive its determination to be
placed in the assembly of souls — similar to it in virtuousness — until the
General Resurrection (Blessed Theognostos).
51. Just as satan wars against God through us, by
inciting us to violate God’s commandments and thereby impeding the realization
of His will; so does God destroy the sly one’s ruinous plans by assisting us to
fulfil His holy will, expressed in His Divine and life-giving commandments.
Thus, through human infirmity God suppresses thoughts of theomachy from the
enemy (Blessed Philotheos of Sinai).
53. It is dangerous to attempt prematurely to
teach your neighbor so as not to fall into that, which you are trying to warn
him of. He who sins cannot teach others how not to sin (Abba Isaiah).
