A certain community of monks was blessed to have as their abbot a very holy man, later to be known as St. Paul the Simple.

One day, as they were entering the church, Paul watched his companions with a happy heart, as the men’s happiness and virtue shone through their faces. This touching sight was greatly enhanced by the vision he received of the monks’ guardian angels accompanying them.

It filled the abbot with joy to see his dear brethren in such a state. But alas! One unhappy monk stood out like a black sheep. He walked as if by routine into the church. Paul alone could see the cause of this monk’s gloom. Two devils led him by a bridle, as if he were an animal. His broken-hearted guardian angel stood nearby, with eyes downcast.

The saintly abbot understood that this poor man was in a state of sin. His bad choice had given the devils this influence over him. Filled with grief, Paul spent the entire time in church fervently praying for God’s grace and mercy on the sinner.

When the prayers were over and the monks were leaving, Paul watched once again as that unfortunate monk walked by. But what a change! His face was bright and beautiful, like those of his fellow monks. The devils sulked at a distance and the guardian angel rejoiced.

Full of joy, Paul approached the monk, and eagerly inquired what had happened. He also asked him to share his experience with the others, so as to inspire them. Willingly, the monk told his story:

He had fallen into sin. But during the Divine Office in church that day, his attention was suddenly riveted as the words of the Prophet Isaias were read: "Cease to do perversely, learn to do well, and then if your sins be as scarlet they shall be made as white as snow."

These words were joined by such a powerful grace that the monk, in the depths of his soul, threw himself at the feet of our dear Lord, sincerely detesting his sin, and imploring His pardon. Peace returned to his soul, as he resolved to confess his sin at once and amend his life.

Hearing this wonderful story, the abbot Paul and all the monks poured out their thanks to God for His Fatherly goodness toward their penitent brother.

St. Paul never forgot the change that had come over that soul in so short a time - all thanks to the goodness of God and the power of prayer.