The Elder (Geronda) told me one day: "Boys and girls come to me sometimes. Those poor children, and what haven't they done. They have committed every sin of the flesh, but I love them."

The Elder (Geronda) did not justify the actions of the youth, which he characterized as carnal sins, but at the same time he loved them as precious souls "for whom Christ died". By his love, he attracted them like a magnet and gradually they were healed of their worship of the flesh.

You receive the Cup which seemingly comes from the hand of man. What is to you whether the bearer of the Cup acts righteously or unrighteously? As a follower of Jesus, your concern is to act righteously; to receive the Cup with thanksgiving to God and with a living faith, and courageously to drink it to the dregs. In receiving the Cup from man, remember it is the Cup of Him Who is not only innocent but All-Holy. Thinking on this, remind yourself and other suffering sinners of the words that the blessed and enlightened thief spoke when he was crucified on the right hand of the crucified God-man: "We receive the due reward of our deeds...Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy Kingdom" (St. Luke 23:41 & 42).

Two beloved disciples asked the Lord for thrones of glory He gave them His cup (St. Matthew 20:23). The Cup of Christ is suffering. To those who drink from it on earth, the Cup of Christ grants participation in Christ's Kingdom of grace; it prepares for them the thrones of eternal glory in heaven.

Blessed are those children who lived from infancy in a spiritual environment and, thus, tirelessly advanced in spiritual life. Thrice blessed, however, are the mistreated ones who were not helped at all (on the contrary), they were pushed towards evil). But, as soon as they heard of Christ, their eyes glistened, and with a one hundred and eighty-degree turn they suddenly made their soul shine as well. They departed from the attraction of earth and moved into the spiritual sphere.

It is very important and clear that our personal prayer is grounded in our real and authentic life. Our sins should not stop us from prayer. We should be embarrassed and ashamed of our sins, but they should not keep us from our daily prayers. If our life is contrary to our prayers, or if our prayer is not connected consistently with our real life, then, unfortunately, we must admit that our prayer is inauthentic, only an empty shell, a dead and false form. Still, we must approach our Creator with prayer and give Him the opportunity to forgive our many sins.

Blessed are those who loved Christ more than all the worldly things and live far from the world and near God, with heavenly joys upon the earth.