Thursday, March 29, 2012

Anonymous Monk Finds Salvation

One of my favorite "stories" is from The Prologue of Ohrid by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich (a collection of lives of the saints). Its a brief story about an anonymous monk commemorated on March 30 in the Life of the Church.

"MEMORIAL TO A MONK WHO JOYFULLY DIED AND WHO NEVER JUDGED ANYONE IN HIS LIFE

This monk was lazy, careless, and lacking in his prayer life; but throughout all of his life, he did not judge anyone. While dying, he was happy. When the brethren asked him how is it that with so many sins, you die happy? He replied, "I now see angels who are showing me a letter with my numerous sins. I said to them, Our Lord said: `do not judge and you will not be judged' (Luke 6:37). I have never judged anyone, and I hope in the mercy of God that He will not judge me." And the angels tore up the paper. Upon hearing this, the monks were astonished and learned from it."

Story Source

For a more in-depth reading about this story and the importance of not judging, please read HERE.

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director