Take up the cross of Christ with joy, determination, and courage. Do not heed the mockers, do not stop and cry with the wailing, and do not lament when you fall along with the lamenting. Neither weeping nor lamenting make the history of salvation, nor do beating on the chest and wailing open heaven’s door. The history of salvation is made through tears of true repentance. One tear of repentance opens the door of heaven. The tear of repentance will roll down only on the cheek of the courageous faithful. - St Sharbel ✝️
