Friday. [II Pet. 1:1–10; Mark 13:1–8]

Having enumerated the virtues which we must seek with all diligence, having received grace-filled power, the Apostle says by way of encouragement, If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Pet. 1:8). The virtues to which he refers here were mentioned in I Pet. 2:21–3:9. Now we shall add only that we are required to manifest these virtues not just once, but rather to make them always abide in us, to be part of our essence, to take root in us. Thus, they must not remain on one level, but ever multiply and grow in strength and fruitfulness. Only then, he says, will you not be barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Pet. 1:8). He who believes in Him and confesses Him enters into the knowledge of the Lord. “You believe?” says the Apostle! See then, that your faith be not barren and unfruitful. What should I do, so that my faith will not be that way? Prosper in every virtue. Where are those who repeat over and over that believing is enough: that nothing more is needed?! Whoever thinks this way is blind.