John of Kronstadt, st The Living Ear: Thoughts on the Salvific Way Translation from Russian by Adrian Tănăsescu-Vlas Everywhere in the world one can see the celebration, strength, gaiety and frolic of life: worms, insects, birds, countless species of fish, innumerable animals, wild beasts, as well as the king of earthly creatures - man; they all live, all seek the fulfillment of life, aspire to rejoicing, to work. See how cheerfully insects (like butterflies, crickets, flies), birds, fish, and animals fly and play - and you will wonder at the exultation and celebration of the life within them. Yet this life is transient, these creatures play and rejoice but for a short while; soon they will no longer be, but new others will be born in their stead - as life turns like a wheel. But who has given and still gives life to all? The Life with no beginning, Eternal, Hypostatic, All-Wise, All-good - God. The life beloved to earthly creatures, with all its delights, will swiftly pass and reach an end for the beasts. Therefore, the All-good Hypostatic Life wants and has decided to grant eternal life in heavens to the rational being, together with God, and has given man all the means in order to acquire this life. This is your aim, o man: to aspire to eternal life and bliss! St. John of Kronstadt Format: 13 x 20 cm; 168 p. ISBN: 978-973‑136-109-3 “Russian Fathers” «« back