Chapter 73

Tears—the Measure of Progress

Progress in the spiritual life is marked by an ever-greater and ever-greater awareness of one’s worthlessness in the full sense of the word, without any limitation. (9, 172)

The path to perfection is the path to the recognition that I am both blind and poor and naked, bound up with which comes contrition of spirit, or sorrow and grief over one’s uncleanness, poured out before God, or, in other words, unceasing repentance. Feelings of repentance are the distinctive marks of true ascetic labor. Whoever turns away from them and avoids them has turned from the path. In the moment of the beginning of a new life there was repentance; in growth it must also be present and mature along with it. The maturing one ripens in the knowledge of his corruption and sinfulness and deepens in the sorrowful feelings of repentance. Tears are the measure of progress, and unceasing tears are a sign of speedy cleansing. (1, 199–200)

God has given you tears. That is good. But tears that are only temporary are not enough. There must be constant ones. There are tears in the heart that are better than those flowing from the eyes. Those flowing from the eyes feed the worm of vanity, while those, the tears of the heart, are known only to God. It is better to hold back tears in public, remaining with contrition of the heart. (7, 177)

A broken spirit, feelings of repentance and tears do not diminish strength but grant it, because they place the soul in a comforting state... There are also spiritual joys interspersed with contrition... True contrition knows how not to interfere with pure spiritual joy—and to dwell peacefully with it, as if concealing itself beneath it. (9, 154–155)