The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis I, Part II

In hypothesis 1 of book 2 of The Evergetinos, we continue to hear one story after another of the humility of the fathers. Again and again, what we find emphasized is the willingness to set aside the self and the ego. We cling so fiercely to a sense of self-esteem and religious identity that gives us a sense of value or elevates us in the view of others. However, as with so many of the virtues, we find the monks, loving humility; pursuing it precisely because of what it produces within the soul and the freedom that it brings. 

What it produces is not the perfection of virtue as we understand it. By letting go of the self, Christ lifts us up to share in his life and glory. Thus, we find repeated stories of monks trying to hide themselves and any recognition of their holiness by fleeing the company of men. Yet, so often they find themselves discovered because the very glory of God shines forth from their countenance. 

The opposite of vice is not virtue, but rather Christ living within us. We put on Christ. We are conformed to him by Grace. If the world is attracted to anything, it is to that reality. The monks understood this. The only thing they feared was being drawn away from the path of humble obedience.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:09:58 Suzanne: I found the exact volume we're starting on kindle for $9.99

 

00:10:10 Steve Yu: Reacted to "I found the exact vo…" with 👍

 

00:10:22 Steve Yu: Excellent. Thank you!

 

00:10:53 Suzanne: I tried my mic. It doesn't work. Yes, Amazon kindle.

 

00:12:14 Suzanne: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJGFSPL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

00:12:45 Steve Yu: Reacted to "https://www.amazon.c…" with ❤️

 

00:31:44 Adam Paige: The Kindle version of the Evergetinos is a different translation. I believe this is the one Father is reading from: https://a.co/d/fcClhxD

 

00:32:38 Suzanne: Replying to "The Kindle version o..."

 

Yes, I enjoy it.

 

00:33:02 Suzanne: Reacted to "The Kindle version o..." with 👍

 

00:34:11 Rod Castillo: Litany of Humility

 

00:35:03 Suzanne: Card. Merry del Val

 

00:38:03 Rebecca Thérèse: When St John of the Cross was in the final weeks of his life he had to go from is hermitage to a monastery for them to take care of him. He chose to go to Ubeda rather than Baeza because he was known in Baeza and he didn't want the attention his holiness would attract there.

 

00:45:52 Suzanne: Roman Discipline, Order, and Common Sense. The Church understands both the power of the official worship of the Church and the feebleness of human nature.

 

01:08:44 Suzanne: Thank you, Father!

 

01:08:44 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂

 

01:08:46 Lorraine Green: Thank you FAther

 

01:09:33 Louise: Thanks, Fr.

 

01:09:34 Adam Paige: Thanks you so much, Father !