THEOSISJohn of Tobolsk
Upon the ascension of the Persian monarch Artaxerxes, a decree was issued to gather the finest and most distinguished maidens from across the kingdom to reside in the renowned city of Susa as part of the royal court. These young women were given a year to prepare for their grand presentation, focusing on their physical adornments as well as developing virtuous qualities and comportment suitable for those receiving such esteemed recognition.
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If gathering various outward ornaments and cultivating noble traits requires such a lengthy preparation to be deemed worthy of the court of an earthly king, how much more should we diligently attend to our own will—untamed, self-centered, and lacking in true spiritual refinement—to gradually remove the aspects of base ugliness, primal instincts, self-righteousness, and egoism? Thus, let us strive to ready ourselves to be deserving of the highest honor: serving the eternal King of Heaven. Here on earth, we ought to live in sanctity, grounded in faith and love for the Gospel, humbly surrendering before our Savior in heartfelt prayer, keenly aware of our shortcomings and resolutely determined to amend our lives. We can seek purification of our souls through the holy sacraments of Christ’s Body and Blood, making a sincere commitment to refrain from straying down the treacherous path of sin, so that one day, when He unexpectedly calls us, whether by day or night, to His righteous judgment, we may be prepared to receive our eternal destiny.