We must be clever and steal like the thief

The services are full of beautiful images, many of which teach us new ways to accomplish the spiritual life. We look at a hymn from Vespers which talks about the clever thief who “stole” forgiveness. We are told to emulate him, and we speak of the many ways in which we can emulate the good thief. We have no excuses! It doesn’t matter how bad we are. If we are clever we can find a way.
“When the good-hearted thief beheld Thee, the fruitful Vine, O Christ, he became a better thief and more skilled, for with a few words he quite naturally stole the forgiveness of the ancient offenses. Let us all, then, make haste to emulate him, crying: Remember us also, O Thou Who lovest mankind!” (Tue Vespers, Tone 2, Octoechos, “Lord I have cried”)

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