The beginning and the foundation of our spiritual salvation are humbleness, humility and defeat that come from the awareness and admission of our sinful condition. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalms 34:18). “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalms 51:17).

A herald of the Gospel taught a sinner how to repent by saying for two weeks in a row a prayer of just four words “Lord, show me my heart”. After two weeks he found him bitterly crying. He had found his heart. This finding is the beginning of salvation.

Through this finding the publican saved his soul as well. When you have reached this point the Holy Spirit will lead you forward, in front of God’s love.

(Translation from: Preot Iosif Trifa, Oglinda inimii omului, Editura Oastea Domnului, Sibiu, 2009, p. 41)