I pray your soul is in good health, for when it is healthy, it has patience in afflictions,
it has self-denial with the body and in its thoughts; and it fears neither illnesses nor
selfish thoughts. When the soul is healthy, it has love within itself; it does not
scandalize others; it endures a brother’s harsh words; it does not expose his faults in
public; it always has something good to say about his brother; it gives way in quarrels
and escapes having bitter thoughts and distress. When the soul is healthy, it does
not get angry, complain, talk back, murmur, disobey; it does not follow its own whims,
and it does so many other things indicative of spiritual health. This health is what I
seek from you; this is what I advise; for this do I pray.
subm. no. 9
paragraphs: 11-14 from pages 247-248
From the book
Councels from the Holy mountain
Selected from the letters and homilies of Elder Efraim of Arizona
Selection of passages from the book by Silviu Podariu
