Philokalia Ministries
Episodes
Thursday Aug 31, 2017
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Seventeen Part I
Thursday Aug 31, 2017
Thursday Aug 31, 2017
In Homily 17, St. Isaac begins to lay out a "Rule of Life" for those seeking to live chastely and in a way pleasing to God. Chiefly this means showing restraint and wisdom in regard to every aspect of life: sight, speech, attire, food, alcohol, etc. Thus, discretion is put forward as the most important of all the virtues - the ability to discern between good and evil. Purity of heart and purity in action is essential; as is setting aside all egoism. Indiscriminate familiarity in relations with others must be avoided and a proper respect for boundaries in relationships and in daily interactions is essential. This is not fastidiousness but rather an acknowledgment of the power of the senses, desires, appetites - indeed all that is human. All must be purified and transformed by the grace of God.
Thursday Aug 24, 2017
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixteen
Thursday Aug 24, 2017
Thursday Aug 24, 2017
Last night we reflected upon Homily 16 of St. Issac the Syrian. It is a beautiful exhortation to let go of our attachment to the world and the things of the world, to let go of the security and false hope they promise. Isaac encourages us to cling only to Christ who is our salvation and source of healing. The path to healing and joy is repentance. The sacrifice we may make in renouncing the world pale in comparison to both the immediate and ultimate end such renunciation promises - purity of heart and deification. Even the deep sorrow of compunction and the tears shed over our sins, carry within them the joy of renewed intimacy with God.
Thursday Aug 17, 2017
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifteen Part III
Thursday Aug 17, 2017
Thursday Aug 17, 2017
Last night we concluded Homily 15. St. Isaac beautifully weaved his way back and forth between the dangers of talkativeness, gluttony and and the association with those who would pull one away from the path of sanctity and the contrasting virtues of silence, fasting and solitude.
The greater the embrace of the virtues often brings with it a kind of isolation. The witness of virtue itself is challenging and elicits the fearful anger or resentment of others.
One should lives one's life from Eucharist to Eucharist - desiring the nourishment that comes from and is a taste of heaven. The more one longs for the Bread of Life and to be nourished upon the love of God the less one will be attracted to worldly pleasures that are often sought in its place.
Living for God and from God must become the ultimate joy and pursuit at every moment of one's life.
Thursday Aug 10, 2017
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifteen Part II
Thursday Aug 10, 2017
Thursday Aug 10, 2017
We continued our discussion of Homily 15 where St. Isaac teaches of the need to avoid negligence and laxity in the spiritual life. Those who seek purity of heart and avoid clinging to the things of the world begin to experience the light and life of the Holy Trinity. Those who experience such divine vision and bear that light within drive away demons.
However, the human heart can be ruined and wrecked by contact with those who feign purity, who are given over to perversions and whose actions desecrate all that is good and beautiful. One cannot live with one foot in the Kingdom and another within the world.
Our lives must be those of constant Repentance - a turning away from and hatred of all that keeps us from sharing in that fullness of life. The more we taste the sweetness of the the Holy Spirit the greater our desire for the kingdom should become.