Tuesday, January 31 (18), 2023

1Peter 3:10-22; Mk. 12:18-27

Judge not, forgive, give… it might look like a lot of expenses and no profit at all.  However, if you do not judge, you shall not be judged yourself; if you forgive, you shall be forgiven; if you give, it shall be given unto you [Lk.6:37-38]. The profit is not yet visible, but you will certainly gain it if you make that investment with a pure heart.  Moreover, you will collect it at the very moment when you need it the most ─ when your soul most urgently needs the forgiveness of your sins and debts.

What a great joy for those who suddenly receive such a great gift, as if for nothing!  And what a horrible grief and anguish for those who did not profitably allocate his funds in time!  One would wish he had given away just everything, forgiven everyone, ─ but sorry: too late.

Wise people do not seek quick profit which instantly follows the expenses.  As the Russian saying goes, leave your alms behind, and it will meet you ahead.  In this case we leave our alms right in the hands of the Lord: this investment is absolutely safe and yield is guaranteed ─ as long as you have faith and hope.

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