St. Nektarios: Excessive sorrow conceals pride and hinders spiritual progress

St. Nektarios writes that excessive sorrow hides pride within it. Because of this, it is harmful and dangerous, and the devil often provokes it to cut off the path of the spiritual athlete. The road that leads to perfection is long. He urges prayer to God for strengthening.

One should face falls with patience and, after rising quickly, run forward and not stand in the place where one fell, weeping and lamenting inconsolably like children. One must keep vigil and pray so as not to enter into temptation. One should not despair if one falls repeatedly into old sins.

Many of these sins are by nature strong and rooted in habit. With the passage of time, however, and with careful attention, they are conquered. Nothing should cause despair.