There was one hardworking old man in the Skete who worked hard physically, but was absent-minded in his thoughts. He came to Abba John Kolov and asked him about forgetfulness. And he heard a word from him, and returned to his cell, but forgot what Abba John told him. He went to ask him again and heard a word from him. He returned to his cell and again forgot the word. And thus, leaving many times, he lost what he had heard due to his forgetfulness. After this, still meeting with the elder, he said:
“You know, Abba, I forgot again what you told me.” But so as not to disturb you, I did not come.
Abba John told him:
- Go, light the lamp.
And he lit it. And Abba also said to him:
- Bring other lamps and light them from it.
He did so. And Abba John said to the elder:
“Does a lamp really endure anything when other lamps are lit from it?”
He replied:
-No.
Avva said to this:
-So is John. Even if the whole Skete came to me, it would not hinder me in the grace of God. Therefore, whenever you want, come, without any reasoning.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru