At the moment faith is established in the soul, we are turning in repentance towards God and acknowledge that we cannot live without Him.
As we mature within faith, we realize that repentance never ceases, because grace of God abounds only in the heart that continually repents.
We also see the truth that the saints are those who never ceased to repent and to rely on God.
They never thought they were worthy of anything but the wrath of God, so they continued to beg for His mercy.
This humble spirit gave birth to the love of God in their hearts, and God’s living in them brought forth works of love and mercy.
Saint Gregory the Theologian said that “the proof of love lies in the works. Where there is love, we have great works. When it stops acting, it ceases to exist.”
If we do not have good works, love ceases to dwell in our hearts and faith weakens.
“But one can say, ‘one has faith and the other has works’. Prove to me that you have faith without works, and I will prove to you my faith through my works”(James 1: 5). These symptoms are usually of transitory nature.
The Divine Liturgy reminds us that only those who have faith and love can approach the Holy Mysteries.
by Elder Tryfon of Bason
