March 30, 2010

The Monk Who Never Judged

Feast of the Uncondemning Monk (March 30)



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

By St. Nikolai Velimirovich

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: Judge not and you will not be judged (Lk. 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.