Similitude 7

After a few days I saw him in the same field where I had also seen the shepherds. He said to me, “What are you looking for?” “I am here, Sir,” I said, “so that you may tell the shepherd who punishes to leave my house, because he afflicts me greatly.” “You must be afflicted,” he said. “For this is what the glorious angel ordered concerning you, because he wants you to be tested.” “Why, Sir,” I said, “what evil thing have I done that I should be handed over to this angel?” “Listen,” he said. “Your sins are many, but not so many that you should be handed over to this angel. But your household has committed great lawless deeds and sins, and the glorious angel was provoked by their deeds. For this reason he ordered you to be afflicted for a time, so that they too may repent and cleanse themselves from every desire of this age. When they repent and are cleansed, then the angel of punishment will depart from you.” I said to him, “Sir, if they have done such things that the glorious angel was provoked, what have I done?” “They cannot be afflicted in any other way,” he said, “unless you, the head of the household, are afflicted. For when you are afflicted, they too will necessarily be afflicted; but while things go well with you, they cannot experience any affliction.” “But look, Sir,” I said, “they have repented with their whole heart.” “I too know,” he said, “that they have repented with their whole heart. Do you think, then, that the sins of those who repent are immediately forgiven? Not entirely. The one who repents must afflict his own soul, humble himself greatly in every action, and be afflicted by many different afflictions. If he endures the afflictions that come upon him, surely the One who created and strengthened all things will have compassion on him and give him some healing. And He certainly will, if He sees the heart of the one who repents pure from every evil deed. But it is beneficial for you and your household to be afflicted now. Why should I say many things to you? You must be afflicted, just as that angel of the Lord who handed you over to me ordered. And give thanks to the Lord for this, because He considered you worthy for the affliction to be disclosed to you beforehand, so that, knowing it in advance, you may endure it with strength.” I said to him, “Sir, be with me, and I will be able to endure every affliction.” “I will be with you,” he said. “I will also ask the angel who punishes to afflict you more lightly. You will be afflicted for a little while, and then you will be restored to your home. Only continue humbling yourself and serving the Lord with an entirely pure heart—you, your children, and your household—and walk in my commandments which I command you. Then your repentance can be strong and pure. If you keep these commandments with your household, every affliction will depart from you. And affliction,” he said, “will also depart from everyone who walks in these commandments of mine.”