Two monks came to Abba Joseph with a request to explain to them whether it was better for them to joyfully receive the brothers visiting them or not to express this joy. Abba entered his cell. There he covered himself with old rags and walked in front of the monks in such attire, without saying a word to them.
Then he took off his rags, put on the good clothes that he wore on holidays, and walked in front of them again. Finally he put on his regular clothes and sat down with them. The monks looked at him in surprise, not understanding.
The sage said:
“Did you understand what I did?” Did you notice that the change in dress changed anything in me? Have I become worse by wearing rags? Do you feel better by wearing better clothes?
- Of course not!
- Remember that everything created, even people, should not change anything by their appearance in our inner world. Receive with joy and innocence, with Christian love, the brothers who visit you. And if no one comes to you, keep yourself focused in spirit.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru