If you can't run fast, enjoy the one who runs very fast

Listen, if you cannot run fast, rejoice in the one who runs fast, and do not grieve. If you want to grow spiritually, rejoice when the nuns grow and pray to God that they may always grow, and that you may reach their measure. When I was a novice brother[1], there lived in the monastery another novice brother, about the same age as me, who had reached a very high spiritual measure; his face shone. He was a model and example in everything; he was very fighting and diligent. He had so much piety that even the older Fathers would stand up out of respect when he passed in front of them. I used this brother more than all the books I had read until then, for he was a living example. Once, my heart ached. It happened that this brother passed by my cell, and I told him to pray for me. He had no time to leave, but my pain immediately passed.

Another time, a demoniac came to the monastery and asked the Fathers to heal him. Then the abbot said to this brother: “Come, go and say a prayer so that the demon may leave this tormented man!” “With the prayers of Your Holiness,” he replied, “may Christ cast out the demon!” And as soon as the brother left, the demon fled.

Such boldness he had before God! Such a spiritual measure he had reached!

Therefore, I prayed to God that this brother would reach the measure of the Saint whose name he bore, and that I would reach his measure. Do the same, and you will see with your own eyes the work of God.

When a man comes to enjoy the increase of others, then Christ will give him all their increase, and he will rejoice as much as all the others rejoice together. And then, naturally, his increase and joy will be great.

[1] In the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou (Holy Mount Athos), in 1953.

Saint Paisios the Athonite

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