For Those Who Despair
D o not lose heart, O soul, do not grieve. P ronounce not over yourself a final judgement for the multitude of your sins. D o not commit yourself to fire. D o not say the Lord has cast me from His face. S uch words are not pleasing to God. C an it be that one who is fallen cannot get up? C an it be that he who is turned away cannot turn back again? D o you not hear how kind the father is to a prodigal? D o not be ashamed to turn back and say boldly, “I will arise and go to my father.” A rise, and go! H e will accept you and not reproach you but rather rejoice at your return. H e awaits you, just do not be ashamed and do not hide from the face of God as Adam did. I t was for your sake that Christ was crucified. S o, will he cast you aside? H e knows who oppresses us. H e knows that we have no other help but him alone. C hrist knows that man is miserable. D o not give yourself up in despa...