Human freedom of consent always belongs to man. Venerable Macarius of Egypt (Sermon 26,6) said that the Lord restricted the power of working miracles among the apostles because of their eagerness for addressing everyone in the faith, with the power of signs and miracles, they would almost force the whole world to receive the faith. So, the Lord expects of us freely to declare our consent, He wants from us a feat of faith – and for this purpose He gave us a mind capable of knowing the Real One. He wants us to be crucified with him voluntarily, as He Himself voluntarily suffered for us.
Elder Sophrony (Sakharov)
