—Geronta, in the Gospel, why is the Kingdom of God likened to a mustard seed: “It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs”? [1]

—As a seed, mustard is very small, but when it is sown it becomes a great bush. Even the little birds go and sit in its branches. The word of God is like this seed, because from one, small, evangelical word (i.e. word of the Gospel) man becomes great in soul and understands the Kingdom of God.

—Geronta, how does one feel that which is said in the Holy Scriptures, “The Kingdom of God is within you”? [2]

—Blessed one, when within us there exists a portion of the joy of Paradise, then “the Kingdom of God is within you.” But also the opposite: when we have stress or a troubled conscience, then within us exists a portion of hell. It’s a great thing that in this life a man is able to feel within himself some of the joy of Paradise. It is not difficult to accomplish this, but unfortunately egoism often hinders our obtaining this sublime spiritual treasure.

Man is capable of making his life paradisaical if he accepts God’s governance over him as a good Father. He must have faith in God, hoping in Him for whatever he attempts to do, and glorifying him in everything. He must not have stress, for stress crushes the soul, paralyzing it. When we seek the Kingdom of Heaven, everything else will come. As the Gospel says: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God”[3], but “the violent take the Kingdom of God”[4] .

Today people have made their lives so difficult because they are not content with minimal possessions. Instead they continuously pursue material things. Those, however, who would place the search for authentic spiritual life above all else must be content with only a few things. When a man’s life is simple, without many cares or worries; and when he is free of a worldly spirit; then there is an abundance of time for spiritual pursuits. Otherwise, people exhaust themselves trying to follow the latest fashions. They lose their peace and only gain great anxiety.

Look at how people will sometimes make their life a martyrdom! Today, as I was returning with someone from Ouranopoulis, he requested that we make a quick stop at his house. Because he insisted I consented, not wanting to lose his good favor. As soon as we arrived at the front porch I notice that he takes off his shoes and goes inside walking on tip-toes. “What happened to you that you walk like that?,” I asked. “Nothing, Geronta,” he tells me, “I walk carefully so as not to ruin the flooring.” What do you say to that?! He is tortured without reason.

Translation by Fr. Luke Hartung from the book Family Life [in Greek], by Elder Paisios the Athonite, published by the Sacred Hesychastirion of St. John the Evangelist, Souroti, Greece (2002).