Christ Calls a Sinful Soul to Himself by St. Tichon of Zadonsk

CHRIST CALLS A SINFUL SOUL TO HIMSELF.

Why have you, man, forsaken Me?
Why have you turned away the One Who Loves you?
Why have you cleaved unto My enemy instead?

Remember, for your sake I became flesh.
Remember, for your sake I was born of the Virgin.
Remember, for your sake I was a babe.
Remember, for your sake I became meek.
Remember, for your sake I became destitute.
Remember, for your sake I lived on the earth.
Remember, for your sake I suffered persecution.
Remember, for your sake I bore defame, vilification, abuse, disgrace, wounds, spitting, slander, ridicule and accepted the shameful passion on the cross.
Remember, for your sake I had to live among the lawless.
Remember, for your sake I died a disgraceful death.
Remember, for your sake I was buried.

I came down from Heaven to take you up unto Heaven.
I have humbled Myself, that you may rise up.
I have impoverished Myself, that you may be rich.
I have dishonoured Myself, that you may be glorified.
I have become vulnerable to heal you.
I have died to revive you.

You have sinned, and I took your sin upon Myself.
You were wrong, and I have taken execution.
You were debtor, and I have paid the debt.
You were sentenced to death, and I have died for you.
My love, My compassion drew Me to these things.
I could not tolerate you to suffer in your affliction.

Do you despise this My Love?
I am rewarded with your hatred instead of love.
You love sin instead of Me.
You work for your passions but not for Me.
But what did you find in Me worthy of disgust?
Why would not you come to Me?

Do you want goodness for yourself? I have all goodness.
Do you want bliss? I have every happiness.
Do you want beauty? What is more beautiful than Me?
Do you want nobility? Who is higher than the King of Heaven?
Do you want fame? Who is more glorious than Me?
Do you want wealth? I have all the wealth.
Do you want wisdom? I am the Wisdom of God.
Do you want friendship? Who is kinder and more loving than Me, Who laid down His life for all?
Do you want help? Who will help you but Me?
Do you look for a doctor? Who will heal you but Me?
Do you look for joy? Who will cheer you but Me?
Do you look for consolation in sorrow? Who will comfort you but Me?
Do you look for rest? I am the rest for your soul.
Do you look for peace? I am the peace for your soul.
Do you look for life? I am the source of Life.
Do you look for light? I am the Light of the world.
Do you look for truth? I am the Truth.
Do you look for a way? I am the Way.
Do you look for a leader leading unto Heaven? I am the Right Leader.

For what reason should you not come to Me?
Do you dare not to approach Me? I, whom it is easy to approach?
Are you afraid of asking? Whom did I refuse who asked with faith?
Your sins do not allow you? I died for sinners.
Are you bothered with the multitude of your sins? I have plenitude of mercy.
“Come to me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)