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| | Beatitudes. Blessed are they that mourn. Fr.Victor Potapov. (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-08) |
 | | For much as after a violent burst of rain, says Saint John Chrysostom, there is a clear open sky; so likewise when tears are pouring down, a calm arises, and serenity, and the darkness that ensues on our sins quite disappears (Homily 6 on the Gospel according to Matthew). |
 | | Mourning over sins, writes Saint Demetrius of Rostov, washes the soul, whitens every darkening, cleanses the conscience, enlightens the mind, loosens sinful bonds, and expiates the handwriting of iniquities. |
 | | Those who sorrow over their fallen condition and the sinful world will rejoice in the future age, according to the Savior's word: Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy (John 16:20). |
| www.stjohndc.org /russian/beatitudes/e_Beatit_02.htm (1155 words) |
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