Wednesday. [Acts 8:18–25; John 6:35–39]

   Saint Peter says to Simon: Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee (Acts 8:21–22). Thou hast no part… But Simon did not even begin to think that he had gone so far astray; externally he had not done anything outrageous, only his thinking was wrong—so wrong, that the Apostle was uncertain as to whether it would be forgiven him even if he repented and prayed God. That is how important the heart’s disposition is, and the thoughts proceeding from it according to this disposition! Judging by this, a person may be one way on the outside, and completely another way on the inside. Only God sees this inner state, and those to whom the Spirit of God, which trieth all hearts, reveals it. With what fear and trembling must we work out our salvation! And how sincerely and zealously must we pray to God: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Ps. 51). Then, at the judgment, something terrible and amazing will happen. The Lord will say: I know you not (Matt. 25:12) to those who were not only sure of their own godliness, but who also appeared godly to everyone else. What remains for us to do? Only to cry out: “Thou who knowest all things, save us O Lord!” As Thou knowest, give a saving formation to our heart!