Season 6

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XLVII, Part II

The Fathers do not flatter us here. They speak with a severity that at first wounds, then heals, if we allow it. They do not treat resentment as a minor flaw of temperament or a passing emotional reaction. They name it for what it is: a poison that slowly erodes the soul’s capacity to remember God.
Abba Makarios goes straight to the heart of the matter. To remember wrongs is not simply to remember events. It is to allow those events to take up residence within us, to become a lens through which everything is filtered. The tragedy is not primarily that we remain hurt. It is that the remembrance of God grows faint. The mind cannot hold both rancor and divine remembrance at the same time. One displaces the other. When resentment is cherished, prayer becomes difficult, then hollow, then distorted. The heart turns inward and begins to feed on its own injuries.
The Fathers are unsparing here because they know how subtle rancor is. Other sins shock us into repentance. A lie, a fall, a moment of weakness often leaves the soul groaning almost immediately. But rancor settles in quietly. It eats and sleeps with us. It walks beside us like a companion we no longer question. Abba Isaiah and the Elder of the Cells both know this danger. Resentment does not merely coexist with spiritual life; it corrodes it from within, like rust consuming iron. The soul grows hard while imagining itself justified.
And yet, alongside this severity, there is a startling tenderness. The Fathers do not say that healing comes through argument, vindication, or emotional catharsis. They prescribe something far more humbling and far more powerful: prayer for the one who has wounded us. Not a feeling of goodwill, not an internal resolution, but the concrete act of standing before God and interceding. Again and again the teaching is the same. Pray for him. Pray for her. Force yourself if you must. Obey even when the heart resists.
The story of the brother who obeyed the Elder and prayed is quietly miraculous. Nothing dramatic happens. There is no confrontation, no apology demanded, no psychological analysis. Within a week, the anger is gone. Not suppressed. Extinguished. Grace works where the will yields, even reluctantly. The healing is not self-generated. It is given.
The account of the two brothers under persecution reveals just how serious this is. One accepts reconciliation and is strengthened beyond his natural limits. The other clings to ill will and collapses under the same torments. The difference is not courage or endurance. It is love. Grace remains where love remains. When rancor is chosen, protection is withdrawn, not as punishment, but because the soul has closed itself to the very atmosphere in which grace operates.
St. Maximos names the interior mechanism with precision. Distress clings to the memory of the one who harmed us. The image of the person becomes fused with pain. Prayer loosens that bond. When we pray, distress is separated from memory. Slowly, the person is no longer experienced as an enemy but as a suffering human being in need of mercy. Compassion does not excuse the wrong. It dissolves its power.
What is perhaps most astonishing is the Fathers’ confidence that kindness can heal not only the one who was wounded, but the one who wounds. Be kind to the person who harbors resentment against you, St. Maximos says, and you may deliver him from his passion. This is not naïveté. It is spiritual realism. Demons feed on mutual hostility. They lose their dwelling place when humility and gentleness appear. Foxes flee when the ground is no longer hospitable.
St. Ephraim’s image is unforgettable. Rancor drives knowledge from the heart the way smoke drives away bees. The heart was made to gather sweetness. When bitterness fills the air, nothing can remain. Tears, prayer, and the offering of oneself like incense clear the space again.
This teaching is beautiful because it is honest. It does not minimize the pain of insult or harm. It is challenging because it leaves us without excuses. We cannot claim prayer while nursing grudges. We cannot claim suffering for Christ while secretly rejoicing at another’s downfall. The path offered is narrow and costly, but it is also liberating.
Resentment chains us to the past. Kindness loosens the chain. Prayer opens the hand. Grace does the rest.
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Text from chat during the group:
00:04:55 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 332 Section B Hypothesis XLII Volume II
00:11:28 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 332 Section B Hypothesis XLII Volume II
00:11:41 Janine: Yes, thank you Uncle Father!
00:11:57 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Reacted to "Yes, thank you Uncle..." with 😂
00:30:42 Jerimy Spencer: The way you described sharing bread with a demon reminded me of a passage from The Irish Life of Brigit, and after plates were placed for her at a devout lady’s house she stared intently at the plates, and she was asked what it was, and she said, “I see Satan sitting on the dish in front of me.” And it was a demon of sloth that had been ‘invited in’ for years….
00:38:35 Anthony: Rancid
00:47:13 Anthony: Rocky Balboa probably
00:47:16 Anthony: Paulie
00:47:39 Anthony: Yeah that's a good scene
00:48:40 John ‘Jack’: It’s only when I began to pray for a couple that spread false rumors about me fit years that I received the ability to TRULY forgive them, despite years of “being nice” to them to try to make a mend with them.
00:49:51 John ‘Jack’: It’s very difficult to hate those you actively pray for.
00:50:03 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "It’s very difficult ..." with 👍
00:56:31 John ‘Jack’: Lest we lead another into sin
01:00:54 Myles Davidson: I was unaware of how deeply I resented my father until I began to live with him again a few years ago. It’s taken years of confession, prayer and tears but it’s only been in the last few weeks where that anger and resentment has dissipated like a cloud. There’s no way in a million years I could have shifted it on my own and I consider it a miracle
01:01:24 Jerimy Spencer: Reacted to "I was unaware of how..." with ❤️
01:01:33 Jacqulyn Dudasko: Reacted to "I was unaware of how..." with ❤️
01:02:49 Kate : Myles makes a really good point.  I think sometimes we do not realize the interior resentment that we might be holding on to.
01:05:42 Jessica McHale: I do try to do good to those who try to harm me. It does help to limit resenentment or hate from forming. But I also think we have to exercse a bit of prudence when doing good to those who try to harm us. As a female, I can say there were tmes I knew that the loving thing to do was to walk away and not engage rather than to do good toward someone who tried to harm me.
01:05:55 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "I was unaware of h..." with ❤️
01:13:45 Jerimy Spencer: So in a sense, wiping the dust, breaking any unhealthy attachments that may spring up in the moment or moments of offense?
01:19:14 Janine: Blessed Christmas Father!
01:19:50 Jerimy Spencer: Mele Kalikimaka 😃
01:19:56 Maureen Cunningham: Merry Christmas Thank You  Blessing to all
01:19:58 Jessica McHale: Many prayers for you and everyone here! May the Lord bless you abundantly as we close out Advent!!!!
01:19:58 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️Happy Christmas everyone🎄
01:20:07 Jennifer Dantchev: Thank you! Merry Christmas everyone!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XLI, and XLII, Part I

The Fathers do not speak gently about what we like to call small sins. They expose them as seeds of death planted quietly in the heart. What appears minor in the mind becomes lethal in communion. A thought of irritation. A private judgment. A silent refusal to justify the other. These are not harmless interior movements. They are choices. They shape the heart long before they surface in words or actions. Abba Poimen cuts straight through our self deception. Hatred of evil does not begin with outrage at what is wrong in others. It begins with the hatred of my own sin and the justification of my brother. Until that happens everything else is theater. We think we hate evil when in fact we are protecting our ego. We think we are zealous for righteousness when we are only defending an image of ourselves that needs someone else to be wrong.
The Fathers are relentless because they know how the mind works. A God loving soul begins to feel anger not because it is pure but because it is awakening. As the heart starts to turn toward God the soul becomes sensitive to injustice. But this sensitivity is dangerous. It can become poison if it is not purified by love. What begins as a reaction to evil quickly becomes hatred of the person. The Fathers insist that this is where knowledge of God dies. Hatred and the knowledge of God cannot coexist in the same heart. The moment I consent to hatred I lose sight of God even if I continue to speak His name and defend His truth. This is not theoretical. It is experiential. The soul darkens. Prayer dries up. The heart becomes rigid. The neighbor becomes an object. God who now dwells in that neighbor is no longer seen.
Abba Isaac presses the knife deeper. Do not hate the sinner because you too are guilty. Hatred reveals that love has already departed. And where love is absent God is absent. This is not moralism. It is ontology. God is love. To lose love is to lose God. We imagine that our resentment is justified. We imagine that our anger is righteous. But the Fathers tell us to weep instead. Weep for the sinner. Pray for him. Not because his sin is small but because hatred destroys you faster than his sin destroys him. The devil mocks all of us. Why then do we join him in mocking our brother. Compassion is not weakness. It is participation in the way God bears the world.
The story of Nicephoros is terrifying because it shows where unrepented interior sins lead. A friendship shattered by something never healed. A priest who offers the Bloodless Sacrifice while harboring rancor. A refusal to forgive that hardens over time. Nothing dramatic at first. No public scandal. Just silence. Avoidance. The turning away of the eyes. But this silent sin grows until it devours everything. At the moment of martyrdom when crowns are already prepared rancor proves stronger than torture. The priest who endured the rack cannot endure humility. He would rather deny Christ than forgive his brother. This is the end of so called minor sins. They hollow out the heart until there is nothing left to stand on when the final test comes.
Nicephoros on the other hand does nothing extraordinary by worldly standards. He begs. He weeps. He humbles himself. He refuses to protect his pride. He places communion above justice as he understands it. And this love becomes his martyrdom. The Fathers make the conclusion unavoidable. It is not ascetic feats or heroic endurance that reconcile us to God but love of neighbor. Without it everything collapses. Prayer becomes noise. Zeal becomes violence. Faith becomes an empty confession.
The Evergetinos does not allow us to hide behind abstractions. God has taken up residence in the other. Every thought against my brother is a wound in my own heart. Every refusal to forgive is a refusal of communion. The tragedy is not that we fall but that we excuse what hardens us. The minor sins we tolerate in the mind become the walls that separate us from God. And the only way back is the way Nicephoros walked. Downward. Exposed. Unarmed. Choosing love even when it costs everything.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:04:15 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 326 Hypothesis XLI Volume II
00:12:33 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 326 Hypothesis XLI Volume II
00:14:43 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 326 Hypothesis XLI Volume II
00:15:42 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 326 Hypothesis XLI Volume II
00:17:13 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 326 section A
00:35:02 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 328 section A
00:40:21 Wayne: Would you not see the hatred develop when two people get divorced.
00:43:07 Jessica McHale: So once we recognize we are annoyed by someone, do we right then pray for that person and ourselves so that it doesn't grow into resentment or hatred?
00:45:02 Joan Chakonas: Its so much better to be hated than  to hate
00:45:29 Joan Chakonas: Hatred like this is awful, unacceptable
00:48:37 Jerimy Spencer: Reacted to "So once we recognize…" with 🙏
00:50:58 Jerimy Spencer: Replying to "So once we recognize…"I personally go straight to the Jesus prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” (sometimes three times with the sign of the cross), and then pray, “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on ________.”
00:51:34 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "I personally go st..." with ❤️
00:51:50 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "I personally go stra..." with 👍
00:52:21 Jerimy Spencer: Reacted to "I personally go stra…" with ❤️
01:06:47 Forrest: We are Saprikios, obstinate to Christ's pleading.
01:07:06 Jerimy Spencer: Aloha Father, do you think this story plays out something of “the unforgivable sin”?
01:08:55 Tracey Fredman: Reacted to "I personally go stra..." with ❤️
01:09:28 Maureen Cunningham: What about narcissistic people
01:10:10 Bob Čihák, AZ: What happened to the Priest Saprikios? or, what did he do after this?
01:11:39 Forrest: Νικηφόρος in Greek looks like two words: “Victory” and “Tribute paid to the state”. To me, this name is an allusion to Christ’s sacrifice under Pilate.
01:19:26 Jerimy Spencer: A few years ago I wrote in my journal “only the I Am” gets to make a true ‘I am’ statement, ie regards to the whole “I identify as. . .” insomuch as that to me seems to be an ‘I am’ statement.
01:20:45 Jessica McHale: God is the only person we can trust. For sure. It's not jaded; it's reality. No other person is eternal.
01:22:50 Janine: Amazing class..thank you Father
01:23:25 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing Thank you Father and everyone
01:23:38 Jessica McHale: Prayers for you alll!!!!
01:23:38 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:23:39 Bob Čihák, AZ: Thank you and bless you, Father.
01:24:05 Joan Chakonas: Loved this class
01:24:21 Kevin Burke: Thank you Father!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XL, Part III

There is a remarkable clarity in these sayings and stories a piercing simplicity that both unsettles and consoles. The Evergetinos places before us the most difficult and necessary truth. The evil done to us is not a detour on the spiritual path but the path itself. Wickedness does not destroy wickedness. Resentment never cures resentment. Anger never frees us from anger. Only goodness that is unmerited and uncalculating has the power to unmake what evil intends to build. It is a truth we often admire in abstraction and dread in practice.
The Fathers do not theorize about forgiveness. They reveal what forgiveness becomes when enfleshed. A man betrayed unto martyrdom thanks his betrayer for delivering him to blessing. A brother who has been stealing bread from a starving elder receives not reproach but gratitude. The monk who finds his life endangered cries out to warn the very man who led him into danger and would have robbed him. These stories do not soften the challenge but intensify it. The gospel is not a philosophical proposition but a cruciform way of being. And the cross is never abstract. It always has a name and a face and a voice that has wounded us.
It is in the seventh story that the Fathers hand us the key for understanding the rest. The one who injures me is not merely an adversary but a physician. The one who slanders or ignores or mocks me reveals the wound of my vainglory. The one who takes what is mine uncovers my greed. The encounter that disturbs my peace does not create the sickness. It unmasks it. To resent the one who exposes it is to reject the medicine of Christ. It is to say to the Healer not this way not through this pain not at this cost. Yet without accepting what is bitter there can be no cure.
Such a word lands upon the heart with weight. It does not flatter our natural instincts or offer comforting sentiment. It is a summons to a death of self that cannot be faked and cannot be delayed without consequence. But if these stories demand much they give even more. The elder who kissed the hands of the thief died with the joy of one who knew the road to the Kingdom was paved by the mercy he showed to others. The patriarch who ransomed the man who robbed him knew the sweetness of compassion that does not remember wrongs. The elder who visited his accuser in prison tasted the freedom of one whose heart was no longer governed by injury.
There is joy here not the fleeting spark of vindication but the deep quiet illumination that comes when the soul sees that nothing done to us can keep us from the Kingdom if we allow grace to transfigure it. To forgive is not merely to release another. It is to be released. To bless those who curse us is to breathe a different air. To see those who injure us as agents of healing is to discover that the road into God is not guarded by our enemies but escorted by them.
The Evergetinos does not give us a map but it reveals the terrain of the heart. It shows that the spiritual life depends less on what happens to us than on how we respond. And in doing so it opens before us not just a path but a promise. Mercy is not only an obligation but a liberation. Love is not only commanded but possible. And the wounds we receive if we accept them in Christ become the very places where the Kingdom dawns.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:01:17 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 321
00:01:23 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Number 2
00:04:20 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:09:55 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 321 section E, # 2
00:12:45 Catherine Opie: Apologies for being late where are we?
00:12:53 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 321 section E, # 2
00:21:21 John Burmeister: are we talking money or a material item
00:25:16 Forrest: The Greek words in the passage for what to give is is μικρὰν εὐλογίαν, which is a literally "small good word."  that, is, a small good blessing.
00:25:49 Una’s iPhone: Simone Weil?
00:26:02 John Burmeister: Reacted to "The Greek words in t..." with 👍
00:26:14 Una’s iPhone: Reacted to "Edith Stein?" with 😁
00:29:18 Maureen Cunningham: Not speaking negative
00:34:51 Maureen Cunningham: The person who oppresses you can be the hammer and chisel to form you into Christ.
00:37:30 Maureen Cunningham: Hanna & Penna
00:38:59 Jerimy Spencer: “The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbour’s glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken.”-C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
00:38:59 Fr Martin, AZ 480-292-3381: This is a struggle, one of my struggles, to see an offense as Jesus shining a light on my weaknesses or illnesses that He wants me to confess before Him so that He can apply the appropriate medicine. Sometimes I have this insight, sometimes I'm defensive or offended. I remember St.
00:39:20 Fr Martin, AZ 480-292-3381: Anthony said, The truly blessed are the ones who can see their own sins.”
00:58:08 Catherine Opie: Dry bread
01:00:59 Forrest: Rusk (Παξιμάδι) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusk
01:04:19 Fr Martin, AZ 480-292-3381: It seems when people sin against us, they find themselves in a prison of shame, embarrassment, anger, and so on. Is that what we should do, to pray and strategize how to be as kind or dismissive as we can so that they can focus on their healing and not on how we are feeling about them?
01:05:36 John Burmeister: after coming to class for a couple of months and reading with, there seems to be a lot of thievery between monks.
01:06:15 Forrest: Replying to "after coming to clas..."
Well. they made the news, so to speak.
01:06:47 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "after coming to clas..." with 😅
01:08:19 Myles Davidson: Replying to "after coming to clas..."
It was not uncommon for people in those early days to enter monasticism to escape problems back home. Perhaps a criminal past
01:09:00 Myles Davidson: Replying to "after coming to clas..."
Not all had pure motives
01:09:04 Catherine Opie: Its not thievery its relieving their brothers of materialistic tendencies
01:09:49 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Its not thievery its..." with 😁
01:10:01 John Burmeister: Reacted to "Its not thievery its..." with 😂
01:11:18 Catherine Opie: This was really good for me to read since my mother just passed away and the covetousness is starting to creep in as we sort things out. I will remember to graciously allow a sibling to be first in line
01:11:33 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "This was really good..." with 👍
01:11:47 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing.
01:12:01 Jessica McHale: I love the novice conferences!
01:12:04 mstef: Reacted to "This was really good..." with 👍
01:12:06 Forrest: Reacted to "This was really good..." with 👍
01:12:32 Janine: Thank you Father!
01:12:38 Catherine Opie: We cannot hear background noise you end
01:13:17 Bob Čihák, AZ: Thank you and bless you, Father.
01:13:28 Catherine Opie: Thank you God bless
01:13:29 Joan Chakonas: Thank you !!
01:13:32 Jessica McHale: Many prayers!
01:13:40 Catherine Opie: 🙏🏻

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XL, II

There is a single thread running through these lives and sayings, like a hidden vein of gold through rough stone. It is the fierce and terrifying command of Christ to love those who wrong us, to turn every injury into an open door to the Kingdom, and to see in every enemy the physician of our soul.
In Saint Longinos we see what it means when love has completely displaced fear. He receives the men sent to kill him as honored guests. He feeds them, questions them gently, and when he learns they are to be his executioners, his heart does not recoil. He does not expose them, does not flee, does not calculate how to save his life. He rejoices. He calls them bearers of good things. He sees their swords as the keys that will unlock the true homeland, the Jerusalem on high. The hospitality he offers them becomes the doorway to his martyrdom, and his martyrdom becomes the consummation of that hospitality. He has so fully handed his life to Christ that those who come to destroy him are welcomed as friends.
In Saint Theodora, there is a quieter, but no less burning, heroism. Those who envy her virtue set a trap for her and quietly send her into danger at night, hoping she will be devoured by beasts. God turns the malice back on itself. A wild animal guides her like a gentle servant and later nearly kills the doorkeeper, whom she then rescues, heals, and restores. When the superior asks who sent her into such danger, she protects her brothers and hides their sin. She will not expose them, even when the truth would justify her and reveal their cruelty. She bears their malice in silence and lets grace fall on those who had wished her dead. Her humility is as great a wonder as the miracle.
Abba Motios shows us what reconciliation looks like in a heart that has allowed grace to ripen over time. He has been opposed, wounded, and driven away. Yet when he hears that the very brother who grieved him has come, he does not hesitate. He breaks down the door of his own hermitage in his eagerness to meet him. He prostrates, embraces, entertains, and rejoices in the one who had been the cause of his exile. The one who injured him becomes the occasion of his elevation to the episcopacy. The doorway to deeper sanctity is opened not by separation, but by reconciliation freely embraced.
The conclusion is inescapable and sobering. To keep a grudge is to consent to spiritual death. To hold tightly to injury is to loosen our hold on Christ. Rancor darkens the mind, gives demons room to rest, and drives true spiritual knowledge away, like smoke driving out bees.
Yet the same stories also breathe hope. Every wrong remembered can be turned into prayer. Every face that stirs distress can become the face for whom I beg mercy. Every memory of injury can be transformed into an occasion for thanksgiving, if I accept it as medicine from the hand of Christ. The elders tell me to send a gift to the one who insults me, to pray fervently for the one who harms me, to keep my countenance joyful when meeting those who speak against me, to refuse even the secret delight when misfortune falls on someone who has hurt me.
This is not softness. It is crucifixion. It is the slow, deliberate choice to let Christ’s mind and heart take shape in me, until I can look at those who betray me and say with truth: you are the cause of blessings for me.
If I want to belong to Christ, then I must learn to see every enemy as a hidden benefactor, every wound as a gate, every slight as a purifying fire. The saints do not simply tell me to let go of resentment. They show me how far love can go, and how much is at stake. Between Longinos and those who killed him, between Theodora and her envious brothers, I am being asked to choose which heart will become my own.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:02:49 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Volume II Page 317 Section C
00:03:37 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:08:36 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Volume II Page 317 Section C
00:10:26 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Volume II Page 317 Section C
00:11:21 Myles Davidson: Pope Leo visiting St. Charbel’s tomb in Lebanon recently
00:11:29 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Pope Leo visiting St…" with 😇
00:11:40 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Screenshot 2025-12-02 at 8.35.12 AM.png" with ❤️‍🔥
00:11:49 Janine: The orthodox bible
00:12:20 Janine: Page 534
00:12:39 Janine: It’s the same as our Ukrainian church on weekdays
00:13:15 Janine: That’s tomorrow
00:13:27 Janine: Yes….sundays may be different
00:13:40 Janine: Look in appendix 2
00:16:36 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 317 section C
00:25:15 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 318 last paragraph, bottom of page
00:30:04 Anthony: But it gets worse! Pagans believed a divine punishment awaited people who broke the rules of hospitality.
00:30:40 Bob Čihák, AZ: Replying to "But it gets worse! P..."
Thanks.
00:35:20 Catherine Opie: His faith is such a strong witness to the passion and resurrection of Our Lord.
00:36:24 Maureen Cunningham: How many years was he a Christian
00:36:29 Bob Čihák, AZ: Replying to "His faith is such a ..."
Amen, amen. Thank you
00:36:36 John Burmeister: do we know how long after Jesus death that this took place
00:37:22 Myles Davidson: It must have been extraordinary to have been in the presence of these martyrs in the lead up to their death. No wonder the Church grew in their wake
00:38:18 Catherine Opie: It seems Pontious Pilate ruled from 26-36 AD
00:38:49 John Burmeister: how many of us would, whne our friend said come on over so we could be martyered
00:39:48 Bob Čihák, AZ: p. 320 section D
00:43:28 Maureen Cunningham: Demons had obey, the authority of Christ in her
01:03:43 Jerimy Spencer: Aloha father, I was two courses from getting ordained as an elder in the Nazarene Church but corruption and heresy here in Hawai'i stopped me in my already reluctant tracks. Now as a catechumen in the Greek Orthodox Church some ask me about priesthood, and I still feel air of holiness is too attractive to me. And while the ‘uniform’ is supposed to cause and evoke humility, I would be entirely too tempted to even think and feel it looked ‘cool.’
01:05:50 Anthony: I was thinking lately that maybe part of the scandal of priesthood was the laity expecting priests not to be sinners. But, priests are sinners...as are laymen who might use the scandal to vent feelings or sinful attitude they are keeping pent up. I say this as one who was scandalized and see now how I incorrectly processed the news of the scandal.  I see how scandal was used to prop up other people's longstanding grudges against the Church.  The scandalized helped contribute to the awful situation.
01:06:31 Jerimy Spencer: I can also see a flip side; like wearing an officer’s uniform causes one to stand upright, and likewise could be transformative, like an icon that keeps one looking in the right direction?
01:08:43 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "I was thinking latel..." with 👍
01:09:10 Bob Čihák, AZ: A story in the news was about a man who wore four different disguises in public, one was as a priest. He was humbled, I would guess from the story, by the trusting response some people gave to him.
01:13:52 Catherine Opie: As a therapist for 30 years dealing with many people who had a background of child abuse or sexual abuse perpetrated upon them I can absolutely say that its definitely not just a Catholic priest problem, it is more prevalent in the secular world. I think that it was important to deal with it but the press about it was out of balance in that there are many politicians ets who are heinous pedophiles and there is no press about that. What about child trafficking rings like Epstein? Nothing to see there apparently.
01:16:12 Anthony: Replying to "As a therapist for 3..." 
 Exactly. It is "inconvenient" to really get to the root of the problem.
01:16:21 Catherine Opie: I salute the way the Catholic Church has dealth with this scandal. A friend of mine who was abused in foster care by Catholic priests here in NZ just received an apology and a payout of 100,000 NZD. It was well investigated and they took it very seriously
01:22:39 Bob Čihák, AZ: I'm not at all sorry you got stirred up!!
01:22:41 Janine: Thank you Father
01:22:52 Catherine Opie: Always Fr.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXIX, Part II and XL, I

The Evergetinos gathers these stories around a single, unsettling truth:those who endure injustice with gratitude and refuse to avenge themselves become truly rich, and God Himself becomes their defender.
Abba Mark says it simply and without comfort: “He who is wronged by someone, and does not seek redress, truly believes in Christ, and receives a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the age to come.” The measure is not whether we suffer wrong, but what we do with it. Injustice is assumed. The question is whether we turn it into a weapon or an altar.
Gelasios endures theft and humiliation at the hands of Vacatos. He stands his ground about the monastic cell for God’s sake, but he does not pursue his abuser, does not drag him to court, does not stir up others to defend him. He lets God see. And God does see. Symeon unveils Vacatos’ hidden intent, and the man’s own journey to prosecute the “man of God” becomes the road of his judgment. The Elder does nothing, yet everything is revealed. His stillness becomes the place where the truth about both men is made manifest.
Pior works three years without wages. Each time he labors, each time he is sent away empty-handed, and each time he returns quietly to his monastery. His silence is not cowardice; it is poverty of spirit. The employer’s house, not Pior’s heart, collapses under injustice. Only when calamity has broken him does he go searching for the monk, wages in hand, begging forgiveness and confessing, “The Lord paid me back.” Pior will not even reclaim what is his. He allows it to be given to the Church, because his life is no longer measured by what he is owed. He has stepped out of the economy of recompense into the freedom of God.
The Elder whose cell is robbed twice endures in an even more piercing way. First he leaves a note: “Leave me half for my needs.” Then, when all is taken, he still does not accuse. Only when the thief lies dying, tortured in soul and unable to depart, does he confess and call for the Elder. As soon as the Elder prays, his soul is released. The one who was wronged becomes the priest at the threshold of death. The one who stole cannot die in peace until he passes under the mercy of the man he robbed. Here judgment is revealed as truth entering the heart, and God’s “avenging” consists in turning the wound of the innocent into medicine for the guilty.
In Menas, this same mystery ripens into martyrdom. Menas stands literally on bones, his flesh cut away, and chants, “My foot hath stood in uprightness.” His body is mutilated, but his praise is whole. The attempt to silence him only reveals where his life truly rests. In the end even his persecutor becomes a believer and shares his martyrdom. In Menas, injustice is not merely endured; it becomes the final gift by which God crowns His friends.
Peter’s discourse with Clement names the inner logic of all this. Those who wrong others, he says, actually wrong themselves most deeply, while those who are wronged, if they endure with love, gain purification and forgiveness. Possessions become occasions of sin; their unjust loss, when borne rightly, becomes the removal of sins. Enemies, for a brief time, maltreat those they hate—but in God’s providence they become the cause of their victims’ deliverance from eternal punishment. Seen this way, those who harm us are, in a hidden manner, our benefactors. Only the one who loves God greatly can bear to see this and respond with love instead of resentment.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:03:52 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 310 Volume II - Section B
00:08:56 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 310 Volume II - Section B
00:10:20 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:18:09 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 310 Volume II - Section B
00:18:15 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: http://Philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:21:46 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 310 section B
00:32:59 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 312 # 2
00:34:19 Anthony: Witholding wages is one of the few sins that cry out to heaven for vengeance.
00:36:12 Forrest: Perhaps in 3 years, God may have given the monk 100 fold already for those lost wages. So when wages were offered, the wages would have been due back to God, not the monk.
00:49:52 Anthony: I believe St Minas was a soldier, no? I think if yes that adds a layer of poetry to the story, he was an athlete greater than his former profession.
00:53:45 Anthony: Synaxarion?
00:55:37 Myles Davidson: Father, can you recommend a good bio of St Philip Neri?
01:06:40 Sheila Applegate: There is a fine line between Christian counsel and judgement of others.
01:09:44 Maureen Cunningham: Your enemy is hammer and chisel t form you to Christ
01:14:31 Erick Chastain: How can one benefit via Christ's medicine of edification those that persecute you if they do not know they are doing so, instead believing that they are doing the good?
01:16:30 Jerimy Spencer: Aloha Father, a Protestant author John Eldredge, described one of the spirits of this age as the age of the offended self, and I think there is something to this, whether solely cultural or also of diabolical, the temptations I find often is to take anything personal or be reminded of some offense and thereby be seduced by the passion of anger, instead of praying for them.
01:33:03 Jerimy Spencer: C.S. Lewis I think, uses the language of “the hammering process”
01:34:18 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you  Blessing to  all
01:34:19 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:34:35 Janine: Thank you Father

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVIII, Part IV & XXXIX, Part I

There are moments when the Evergetinos confronts us with a vision so stark and so luminous that it seems almost uninhabitable. It is not a juridical vision of justice. It is not a measured discourse about the protection of innocents. It does not weigh competing moral claims or concerns about equity or rights. What it reveals is something else entirely. It opens before us the divine ethos, the mode of being that belongs to those who have been seized by God, transformed by grace, and re-shaped through hesychia into a likeness of Christ that defies all earthly logic. It is the unvarnished gospel in its rawest form.
When the philosophers insult the monk from the Libyan desert, and he rushes toward them with eagerness, offering his cheek to their hands, it is not a lesson in social ethics. It is not a prescription for how a parent is to protect a child or how a citizen must respond to injustice. It is a revelation of the interior world of a man who watches over his mind and hopes only in the grace of God. The philosophers fast. The philosophers keep vigil. They practice disciplines that appear nearly identical. What they cannot do—what they admit they cannot do—is guard the mind in purity and allow insults to pass through the heart without stirring anger. In this they recognize the divine in the monk. They bow to him because a man who can endure injustice without disturbance is living from a realm they cannot inhabit.
The Evergetinos offers no apologies for this. It does not soften its witness. When the elder watches his garden destroyed and asks only to keep a single root so he might cook for the one who has wrecked the rest, he is not giving us a moral theory. He is revealing what the human heart becomes when it rests in the Spirit. The elder who lights a lamp for thieves and joyfully hands them his last coins is not attempting to reform criminal behavior, nor is he calculating social consequences. His joy is not naivete. It is the fire of Christ’s own meekness living in him.
And yet we must be honest. These stories do not address the complexities of the world in which most people live. They do not speak directly to the father protecting his family, the mother guarding her children, the priest shepherding a wounded community, or the layperson navigating systems of injustice. The Evergetinos does not pause to balance competing goods. It does not acknowledge the dangers that arise when evil is left unchecked. It is not a handbook for civil society. It is something far more dangerous. It presents us with the highest vision of a human heart purified by grace, a life transfigured to such a degree that it can absorb wrongs as Christ absorbed them. The gospel is not diluted. In fact, it becomes unbearable in its purity.
The elder who prays for the grace to respond to thieves with joy receives exactly what he asks for. God answers him not with consolation but with thieves at his door. He lights a lamp, welcomes them, opens his coffers, and blesses them as they leave with everything he owns. He asks for nothing in return, not even their repentance. When asked whether they came back like the thieves in the story, he laughs and says he preferred that they did not. He was not following a legal principle. He was walking the path he had begged God to let him walk. The suffering he endured was not a loss. It was the fruit of a longing for likeness with Christ.
And then there are the stories of divine recompense, e.g., St. John the Merciful and the miraculous jars of honey that turn to gold, the injustices endured by monks which become occasions for God to act as avenger. These are not examples of magical thinking. They are testimonies that God sees everything, that the meek are not abandoned, that those who refuse to avenge themselves have placed their trust in the only One capable of true judgment. The elders are not naïve about injustice. They simply refuse to litigate their own wounds. They trust that God Himself will set things right in a manner beyond human calculation.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:01:57 Sam: Hi Fr Charbel. Greetings from Australia :-)
00:04:05 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Welcome Sam.  Good to have you here!
00:10:47 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 306 # 10
00:13:13 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ
00:20:08 Janine: Oh poor Bob…i will pray for you!
00:21:45 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ
00:21:59 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 306 # 10
00:25:46 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ
00:34:04 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 307 # 11
00:46:14 Joan Chakonas: these stories create mental standards and illustrate aspirational rewards for me, a grateful listener (with very little patience)- if I try to be better God will give me these rewards someday.  I live these stories
00:46:36 Joan Chakonas: Love these stories
00:57:13 Vanessa: My property was broken into twice the last 6 months. It made me paranoid and feeling unsafe for a long time. Checking and double-checking windows and doors. I totally get the coffee scenario!
00:57:59 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "My property was brok..." with 😮
00:58:37 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ
00:59:23 Forrest: Since the monks in these stories have vanquished the passion of anger and desire to resist, how do they not have any charitable desire (or even obligation) to attempt to converse with the thieves and start separating the robbers from the demons and passions which rule their lives?
00:59:28 Catherine: I guess that if we are so covetous of material things that we would attack someone else over possession of these we are no less covetous than the theif
01:02:24 Joan Chakonas: I figure God handles these thieves.
01:03:41 Forrest: Reacted to "I guess that if we a..." with 👍
01:04:39 Bob Čihák, AZ: Replying to "I figure God handles..."
Yes! In the next Hypothesis.
01:04:53 Vanessa: Reacted to "I figure God handles..." with 👍
01:05:35 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 309 section A
01:17:14 Maureen Cunningham: Maybe we do not see Him
01:23:00 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ
01:25:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father
01:25:59 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:26:08 Forrest: Thank you!!
01:26:20 Jessica McHale: Thank you! Prayers for you!!!
01:26:24 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:26:29 Joan Chakonas: Thank you Father

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVIII, Part III

The Evergetinos sets the bar of freedom in a surprising place: anger without cause is not when we flare up over trifles, but whenever we react to any ill-treatment aimed at us. Abba Poimen sharpens the point: even if a brother were to gouge out an eye or cut off a hand, anger would still be without cause—unless he were separating us from God. In other words, the only justified “anger” is zeal for communion with God; all other indignation binds us to the injury and darkens the nous.
From this first edge, the text moves to the Christ-likeness of suffering injustice. One who willingly bears wrongs and forgives becomes “like Jesus”; one who neither wrongs nor suffers wrong is merely “like Adam”; one who wrongs is “like the Devil.” The goal is not moral equilibrium but kenosis: to descend into the humility of Christ who “was reviled and did not revile in return.”
The Evergetinos then baptizes our imagination with stories. Abba Gelasios’ costly book is stolen; he neither exposes the thief nor reclaims it, but quietly commends the buyer to purchase it. His silence pricks the thief’s conscience more effectively than accusation; repentance follows, and the thief remains to be formed by the elder’s life. Abba Evprepios helps thieves carry his goods; noticing a robber’s staff left behind, he runs after them to return it. Abba John the Persian offers to wash the feet of intruders; shame breaks their hardness more swiftly than punishment. Abba Makarios not only helps a thief load a camel with his own belongings; when the animal refuses to rise, he adds the missing tool and blesses the thief’s going—only then does the camel sit again, until everything is returned. These vignettes train the heart to a habitual non-resistance that is anything but passivity; it is a deliberate, creative meekness that seeks the other’s salvation.
Not all the stories end with goods restored. Sometimes the elder simply rejoices to have been counted worthy to lose. One monk prays to be given the chance to imitate such forbearance; when thieves finally come, he lights a lamp, shows them everything, even discloses the hidden coins. He does not wish them to bring anything back. Here dispossession becomes doxology. “We brought nothing into the world” and “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away” are not verses to be quoted at funerals only; they are the grammar of freedom in the face of loss.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:05:09 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 304 Letter E
00:05:25 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: www.philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:10:42 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 304 Letter E
00:14:35 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:16:03 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 304, letter E, # 1
00:26:24 Forrest: I am really feeling a great challenge of these writings. Can you help integrate what is in the daily mass readings today: Luke 17:3 "Be on your guard!* If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."  The paragraphs that we are reading here do not even counsel rebuke.
00:33:05 Kate : Would you say that this habitual non-resistance is necessary for the practice of repentance, the continual turning of the mind and heart to God?  That without this non-resistance, then our repentance is not yet where it needs to be.
00:34:04 Joan Chakonas: Its been my experience that suffering injustice is actually easier than attempting correction or pushing back.
00:34:34 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Its been my experien..." with ❤️
00:36:54 Joan Chakonas: My worst qualities arise when I engage in conflict or corrective confrontation.  I’m working on this
00:38:36 Joan Chakonas: I’m pretty old so I got this perspective from experience
00:39:00 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I’m pretty old so I ..." with 😃
00:39:59 Forrest: Reacted to "I’m pretty old so I ..." with 👍
00:40:04 Anthony: I wish we had available St Francis relationship with his family after his traumatic break. There is an account of a story with his brother, but did they all ever reconcile?
00:46:46 Joan Chakonas: The thiefs repentance and sorrow was huge
00:47:28 Joan Chakonas: It came about by the mercy of the elder
01:09:23 Joan Chakonas: God permitted these crimes and the holy mens acceptance are illustrative of His great mercy- no psychic pain in their acceptance.  What great gifts
01:13:02 Forrest: Yes, I am comfortable getting angry at thieves. I have to do hard work to fix that.
01:13:23 Anthony: Your soliloquiy reminds me of St Rocco and St Joseph Laboure
01:16:39 Myles Davidson: St Damien of Molokai living and dying with lepers
01:19:33 Larry Ruggiero: Can you cover next week about someone breaking into your home and doing harm to your wife or children?
01:24:44 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:24:46 John Burmeister: thanks father
01:24:51 Janine: Thank you Father
01:24:55 Catherine Opie: Thank you god bless
01:25:01 Joan Chakonas: Goes too fast!!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVIII, Part II

The Evergetinos continues to unveil through the lives of the saints the beauty and power of a heart freed from anger and the desire for vengeance. In the story of Saint Spyridon and the deceitful shipowner we see how divine simplicity disarms deceit. The Saint entrusted his gold to another with pure confidence and without suspicion, and when that trust was betrayed he did not rage or demand justice. Instead he allowed truth to reveal itself in silence. The emptiness of the box became the mirror of the man’s soul, and the words of the Saint, spoken without bitterness, pierced him more deeply than any accusation. You are defrauding yourself, not me, he said. The gentleness of the holy man became the instrument of repentance. By leaving judgment to God and refusing anger, he brought a sinner back to truth and left a testimony of meekness that is stronger than any earthly power.
Saint Evthymios the New of Madytos embodied the same spirit. When thieves broke into his church and desecrated what was sacred, he prevented others from punishing them and instead took them into his home. He fed them, freed them, and sent them away forgiven. The wrath of men would have destroyed them, but his mercy broke their hearts and restored them to life. Later when he found other men stealing wheat during a famine he did not rebuke them but joined in their labor, taking the place of the accomplice who had fled. The thief, seeing later who had helped him, was overcome with fear and awe. For Evthymios, compassion was the only response to human need. His heart was so formed by divine love that he no longer regarded anything as his own. He had been freed from the possessiveness that feeds anger and from the blindness that makes us see others as enemies.
All these holy ones teach that freedom is born of meekness. Anger enslaves the heart to the one who offends it, while forgiveness releases the soul into the hands of God. To bear injustice without vengeance is not weakness but participation in the strength of Christ who on the cross asked forgiveness for His murderers. To the eyes of the world these men seem defeated, yet they are the victors in the only battle that matters, the struggle against the passions.
O Lord, grant me this peace of the saints. When I am wronged, let me remember Saint Spyridon’s quiet mercy, Saint Evthymios’ compassion, and the Elders’ serene acceptance. Let me not defend myself with anger or words but entrust all things to You who judge with truth. Let me see in every loss the chance to become poor in spirit, in every insult the seed of humility, in every theft the call to freedom. Teach me to bless those who wrong me and to keep my hope unshaken, for You alone are my refuge and my portion. May my only vengeance be love, my only wealth contentment, and my only victory the peace that comes from Your presence.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:03:12 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:03:34 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 301, # 3
00:05:35 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:07:52 iPhone (6): Just letting you know new participant Joan Chakonas has joined the group.
00:09:21 iPhone (6): I’ll try to figure out how to change my id from “iphone6” if you see what I see
00:11:21 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:13:09 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 301 section 3
00:16:13 Janine: Sensus fidelium has been around for a long time
00:16:26 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/blog
00:16:38 Janine: It started with FSSP priests
00:16:57 jonathan: Reacted to "https://www.philokal..." with ❤️
00:17:01 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "It started with FSSP..." with 👍
00:31:17 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 302,  D
00:55:19 Jerimy Spencer: Aloha Father, I’ve often wrestled with the idea of stewardship vs ownership as a multi-instrumentalist, I guard these gifts (and instruments) very carefully, but also feel when I can play, they belong to everyone
01:04:05 Sheila Applegate: It is interesting, because in my heart and intellectual mind, these words are truth and sensible and though challenging, make sense for people to follow. Yet following them can make me seem to others as naive and silly but I know these teachings are wise. The world does not see them the same way.
01:04:35 Sheila Applegate: I was made to feel foolish just today. :)
01:05:24 John Burmeister: I think i would have  a hard time with someone coming into my house and taking food that was for  my family or drive my car, because its a material good, like the saint, said its everyones. the evil in a lot of people today it would seem like they would just steal from me again, because there is no recourse for their actions. When they stand in front of me im just another person, not a Monk or regiolius in their eyes. easy prey.
01:05:53 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I was made to feel f..." with ☺️
01:07:06 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I think i would have..." with 👍
01:09:22 Sheila Applegate: Haha
01:09:40 Myles Davidson: The lack of fear and grace shown towards a thief would impact them no matter who one was, religious or layperson. Any thief with a conscience would be unlikely to come back
01:10:25 Janine: Reacted to "I think i would have…" with 👍
01:10:40 Sheila Applegate: Reacted to I think i would have... with "👍"
01:18:41 Janine: Yes…every night!
01:18:45 iPhone (6): Please do!
01:19:16 iPhone (6): Joan still here!
01:19:58 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:20:12 iPhone (6): ❤️
01:20:20 Lee Graham: Thank you!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVIII, Part I

The stories from the Evergetinos draw us into a vision of holiness that reaches far beyond passive endurance. The saints do not simply bear injustice with patience; they transform it by the power of divine love. Their silence is not weakness, nor their gentleness naivety. It is the strength of souls utterly freed from the tyranny of self, who see in those who wrong them not enemies but brothers blinded by ignorance or fear.
Saint Libertinus, robbed and humiliated, offers even the whip that might strike the animal taken from him. His response reveals the freedom of one who has already renounced everything. Possession and loss have become meaningless to him in the light of Christ. His forbearance becomes the instrument through which God corrects the offenders, not by wrath but by wonder. The earth itself bears witness, as the frightened horses refuse to cross the river until restitution is made. The entire creation responds to the humility of a righteous man.
Saint Marcian allows himself to be defrauded repeatedly, not because he is unaware, but because his heart sees deeper than the transaction. The fraud of the banker becomes a moment of salvation. The silent goodness of the saint pierces the conscience of the wrongdoer far more deeply than accusation could have done. His hidden act of mercy becomes a living sermon, spoken not with words but with grace. When the banker’s eyes are opened, the saint’s only concern is to avoid vainglory, not to claim vindication. He would rather lose money than lose humility.
Saint Spyridon, guileless and compassionate, meets deceit and theft not with censure but with patient truth. His words to the dishonest buyer, “Perhaps you forgot to pay for it,” reveal the tenderness of one who seeks not to shame but to heal. Even to thieves caught in the act, he offers kindness, releasing them from invisible bonds and sending them away with a gift. He teaches by generosity, not severity. The thief’s heart is not crushed but awakened.
These lives reveal that true correction flows not from moral superiority but from love purified by humility. The saints’ compassion does not end with forgiveness; it embraces those who harm them, holding them within the prayer of mercy. They see the image of God even in the one who steals or lies. They refuse to reduce a sinner to his sin.
For us, these examples uncover how easily we mistake indignation for righteousness. We defend ourselves with words, cling to our sense of justice, and separate ourselves from those whose actions wound us. The Fathers remind us that this self-defense closes the heart. The saint’s freedom lies in entrusting all judgment to God. To suffer wrong with love is not resignation but participation in the meekness of Christ. It is the hidden victory of grace over pride.
The Evergetinos teaches that one good deed done in silence can awaken repentance more surely than a thousand admonitions. The holy do not impose virtue; they unveil it through gentleness. They correct not by exposing others’ shame but by bearing their wrongs with dignity. Such love, born of prayer, makes the conscience tremble and the heart turn toward the light.
May we learn from them the art of divine tenderness.May we bear injury without bitterness,speak truth without anger,and hold every soul, even the one who wrongs us,in the compassion of Christ who forgave from the Cross.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:08:19 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
00:09:09 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 297
00:13:16 Sheila Applegate: It was the most perfect homily!
00:14:26 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 297, A
00:25:34 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 298, B
00:34:37 Fr Martin, AZ 480-292-3381: These passages seems authentic and fruitful. The common practice I encounter in our culture of defending one's rights seems to disturb people's way of being and thinking, maybe even making their thinking obtuse in regard to their theosis or healing. I have difficulty in knowing how to gently communicate to even fellow Christians, how to be vigilant of their interior or nous, and that this is more valuable to their peace, joy, and spiritual as well as emotional well-being than defending their rights. Forgiveness and humility seem to be divine attributes that can fill our hearts amd mind with a sense of God's love. Like you said, not only for our sake, but it can impact others.
00:43:06 Jerimy Spencer: Aloha from Hawai'i, I have often had to reflect a lot on the reality that arrogance is not the only opposite of humility, but also self-hatred too. Mahalo Father, peace and Aloha of Christ be with you 🤙🏼🙏☦️
00:47:05 Anthony: It's the job of the Holy Spirit to convince one of sin. It's not your job to convince you if your sin
00:48:18 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 299, C
00:50:26 Rick Visser: Saint Spyridon Orthodox Church
00:52:45 Jerimy Spencer: Reacted to "It's the job of the …" with ❤️
01:01:11 Rick Visser: Offer to drive them to their destination
01:02:58 Myles Davidson: Replying to "Offer to drive them ..."
That may expose them in a lie which may be uncharitable?
01:03:04 Jessica McHale: When things like fraud happen to me, which they have a few times, as it happening, I usually hear a line from Scripture in my head ("turn the other cheek" or "walk two mile" etc) and that's when I know to let go of the material loss and let God work on the person.
01:04:38 Anthony: Listen to them, aid them, AND refer them to the unemployment office, with all encouragement, and coach them in thinking of their job skills
01:06:36 Anthony: I work for a state unemployment office. We are there to help
01:07:23 Fr Martin, AZ 480-292-3381: I began a practice more out of my desperation a few years back of asking panhandlers I gave money to, to pray for my son who was in dire straits. I was pleasantly surprise to see their humanity engage, and almost everyone agreed, many praying heartfelt prayers for my son in the moment. So homeless throughout the US have prayed for my son. I look forward to panhandlers now rather than the cringe I used to feel at seeing them. Even when I didn't have money, many panhandlers still graciously prayed.
01:08:01 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "I began a practice..." with ❤️
01:08:01 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "I began a practice m..." with 🙏
01:08:21 shang yang: Reacted to "I began a practice m..." with ❤️
01:10:19 Andrew Adams: Reacted to "I began a practice m..." with ❤️
01:11:51 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I began a practice m..." with ❤️
01:12:31 Ambrose Little: St. Maximos the Confessor: “He who gives alms in imitation of God does not discriminate between the wicked and the virtuous, the just and the unjust, when providing for men’s bodily needs.”
01:12:58 Myles Davidson: As someone who spent some time as an addict and homeless when I was younger, I can say that any act of kindness, no matter how small, can make such a persons day
01:13:08 Jacqulyn Dudasko: Reacted to "St. Maximos the Conf..." with ❤️
01:13:10 Rick Visser: Reacted to "As someone who spent..." with ❤️
01:13:22 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "As someone who spe..." with ❤️
01:14:14 Rick Visser: Reacted to "St. Maximos the Conf..." with ❤️
01:14:35 Ambrose Little: Reacted to "As someone who spent…" with ❤️
01:15:31 Jerimy Spencer: Reacted to "St. Maximos the Conf…" with ❤️
01:15:47 Janine: Wow..great class
01:16:14 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
01:16:26 Jessica McHale: Many prayers for you all!!!
01:16:27 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVII, Part V

This section of The Evergetinos is among the most luminous and convicting in its entire corpus. It speaks with the voice of a Father who has entered deeply into the mind of Christ; where justice is transfigured by mercy, where the love of neighbor becomes inseparable from the love of God, and where even material loss becomes a gate to eternal life.
The Elder’s teaching exposes the great inversion of values that defines our time. In an age obsessed with self-preservation, power, and vengeance, the Christian is called not simply to resist these tendencies, but to live from an entirely different center. His measure of life is no longer self-interest or fear, but the eternal horizon of the Kingdom.
The Elder begins with a piercing truth: God’s commandments are light. It is only our attachment to self-will that makes them seem heavy. In modern terms, we could say that the weight we feel in forgiving enemies, in relinquishing possessions, or in enduring wrongs, comes not from the Gospel itself, but from our clinging to the illusion of control and possession. The commandment of Christ is light because it is love; and love is only heavy to one still bound by pride.
The parable of the gem-engraver is a mirror for us. The man, faced with imminent danger, discards all his treasure to preserve a fleeting life. We, knowing the eternal stakes, cannot part with even trifles to save our souls. The Elder’s irony cuts deeply: a worldly merchant becomes a philosopher in action, while we who claim the Kingdom behave as fools. Has the Christian fallen below the moral and spiritual clarity of the pagans who could endure insult or misfortune with composure? The Elder’s words imply as much, for true wisdom is to value what endures, and to let go of all that perishes.
We live amid a civilization that sanctifies vengeance, calls anger justice, and worships material gain. The Christian, if he is truly of Christ, stands as a contradiction to this world. His meekness will appear as weakness; his patience as passivity. Yet the Elder shows that it is precisely this self-emptying love that manifests divine power. To endure injury without resentment is to share in the Cross. To pray for the one who wrongs us is to participate in the compassion of the Crucified.
The image of the Body, so carefully developed by the Elder, destroys the illusion of separateness that fuels violence. To harm my brother is to wound Christ Himself; to harbor anger is to cut myself off from the Body’s life. The Christian is thus called to a supernatural realism: to perceive the unity of all in Christ and to respond to injury with the same tenderness one shows a diseased limb of one’s own body. One does not amputate a member in anger; one tends it with healing concern. So must we treat the sinner who has harmed us.
In the closing examples, the Elder incarnates this teaching. The monk who relinquishes his books rather than quarrel over them, the ascetic who frees the brigands who attacked him — these are not tales of naiveté but of divine wisdom. They show that peace of heart and fidelity to Christ outweigh any claim to justice or property. The true betrayal, as Abba Poimen tells the frightened hermit, is not the crime of the brigands but the monk’s own fear and loss of faith. The victory of Christ is not in punishing evil but in overcoming fear through love.
St. Ephraim’s brief counsel at the end grounds this lofty teaching in ordinary charity. Justice begins in the smallest acts; in returning what is borrowed, in honesty, in remembering that we “owe no man anything, but to love one another.” The ascetical heroism of forgiveness begins with these humble fidelities.
In an age of terror, noise, and material excess, the distinctive mark of the Christian is not moral superiority or rhetorical witness, but peace that disarms the world. The Evergetinos reminds us that the Gospel’s revolution lies in meekness; in the refusal to let hatred dictate our actions or possessions define our worth. If we have not yet attained even the calm of the pagan sage or the detachment of the shipwrecked merchant, then our first step is repentance: to rediscover the lightness of the commandments and to trust that the Cross, embraced without vengeance, is still the truest power in the world.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:02:23 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 291, G
00:08:34 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: www.philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
00:10:48 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 291 G 2
00:10:57 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: http://www.philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
00:19:21 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 292, # 2, 2nd paragraph
00:21:44 Rick Visser: We think we can have both, temporal and eternal.
00:24:02 Anthony: Prosperity gospel also came from sectarians reading the Hebrew Scriptures in a carnal manner.
00:27:45 Janine: Blessed are you poor
00:28:00 Adam Paige: Happy Are You Poor: the simple life and spiritual freedom (Thomas Dubay)
00:28:27 Rick Visser: All of us here in the class are in the top 10% of the wealthiest people in the world.
00:36:26 Jessica McHale: I got rid of just about everything. I have two boxes, one clothes, one religious items. I have never felt free-er.
00:36:44 Rick Visser: Reacted to "I got rid of just ab..." with ❤️
00:37:56 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "I got rid of just ab..." with 👍
00:43:18 Anthony: Didn't God make beautiful raw materials partly so we can be co-creators?
00:49:51 Maureen Cunningham: Jesus had 12 your halfway there
00:53:22 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 294, first paragraph
00:53:27 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "P. 294, first paragr..." with 👍
01:01:39 Catherine Opie: 🤯 We are silly things for sure
01:06:34 Anthony: And I try to apply this reasoning to public policy .... And how I talk about policy. It's really difficult.
01:12:13 Catherine Opie: St Catherine of Siena even gave away the belongings of the other members of her family as well as her own, much to their annoyance.
01:12:37 Rick Visser: Even Socrates on his death bed asked if there was anything he owed anyone--yes there was: a rooster. So, he made sure it was taken care of before taking the hemlock.
01:13:01 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "St Catherine of Si..." with ❤️
01:13:05 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "Even Socrates on h..." with ❤️
01:15:03 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing
01:15:31 Jessica McHale: Thank YOU! Prayers for you all!
01:15:33 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:15:46 Bob Čihák, AZ: Bless you, Father.
01:15:46 Catherine Opie: 🙏🏻
01:15:49 Rick Visser: I pray for you.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVII, Part IV

The teaching of the Fathers on vengeance and anger does not allow us to linger in the comfortable ambiguities of human justice. It tears at the fabric of self-justification. Their words bring us face to face with the scandal of divine love—the Cross as the only standard by which we are to measure our dealings with others. The heart that desires retribution, or even to “set things right,” cannot bear the full light of that Cross without trembling.
St. Diadochus unmasks the subtle ways we clothe self-interest in piety. We say we fear becoming “a cause of sin” for those who wrong us, but in truth we simply wish to protect our possessions, our security, our image of control. Once we let go of blessing and guarding the heart, we begin to move toward the vestibules of the law courts; our concern for righteousness becomes indistinguishable from the world’s hunger for vindication. To stand before such courts is already to have abandoned the tribunal of mercy. The law of God cannot be kept by means of the laws of men, because mercy does not seek the restoration of things but of persons. The one who endures injustice praying for his oppressor becomes an image of the Crucified, who desired not the return of what was taken from Him but the return of those who took it.
Abba Isaac pushes the wound even deeper: to fight over what gives comfort after renouncing the world is blindness. The one for whom the world has died accepts insults with joy, not because they are pleasant, but because they reveal how little of the old self remains to defend. It is not the act of being wronged that kills the soul, but the refusal to see in it a call to die before death. Only those who have lost every hope of worldly consolation can bear this pain without resentment. Such poverty of spirit is rare, but in it the mind shines with tranquil radiance.
The Gerontikon illustrates the same wisdom through living examples. Blessed Zosimas warns the generous Dionysia that zeal to avenge an insult can destroy every virtue she possesses. Her almsgiving, though abundant, is nothing if it is not shaped by meekness. To lose composure over a trifling thing is to become a slave of that thing; even a needle or a book can master the heart that has not been freed. The true servant of God has one Master alone.
All these sayings converge on the Cross. There, vengeance dies and love is revealed in its purest form. Christ prays for His murderers, not from sentiment but from truth; He alone sees that their real torment is not what they do to Him, but what they do to themselves. The disciple who bears wrongs without retaliation participates in this same divine sight. He no longer divides the world into victims and oppressors, but into the healed and the unhealed. To forgive is to choose the side of healing.
To live by this ethos is to live cruciformly. It is to judge nothing and no one, to accept every wound as a summons to prayer, and to see in every thief a brother whose salvation God has entrusted to our mercy. The Cross does not destroy reason; it stretches it until it becomes translucent with grace. In that light, vengeance appears not only impossible but absurd. Only love remains—terrible, meek, and eternal.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:02:23 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
00:10:43 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 289 Hypothesis XXXVII
00:11:44 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
00:14:16 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
00:18:17 Anthony: THEY SHOULD TEACH THIS IN LAW SCHOOL.
00:18:40 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "THEY SHOULD TEACH TH..." with 😁00:26:43 Rick Visser: So there a positive way of stopping others in order to reduce their sin and move toward repentence.
00:27:55 Anthony: Orthodox canon law, such as it is, is a collection called The Rudder, so I'm told.
00:28:47 Rick Visser: So there is a positive way of stopping others in order to reduce their sin and move toward repentence.
00:34:55 Rick Visser: How about agitation and grief for the state of our world today?
00:35:36 Jessica McHale: I love that line, but it is hard to do.
00:36:15 Rick Visser: How about agitation and grief for the state of our world today? Perhaps these are  a function of compassion.
00:40:26 Anthony: In the last few days, I read a Psalm that said multiple times words to the effect: "do not fret over evil." I took it as not ignoring evil, but recognizing it and referring it to God.
00:43:06 Anthony: Psalm 37
00:46:40 Sharon: There is much division within families, sometimes, over inheritance. When these troubles arise, it seems like the response should be passivity. Turning to God and allow the person desiring everything for oneself to take it, to have it?
00:50:07 Jessica McHale: I've experienced in a few different capacities. I have given what others wanted, without question, thnking "if your brother asks you to walk a mile, walk two" in a way. But some people call me a door mat for it. Is there a balance?
00:53:06 Jessica McHale: that gives me great peace, thank you
00:55:02 Rick Visser: Reacted to "that gives me great ..." with ❤️
00:57:20 Rick Visser: Supernatural virtue.
01:01:22 Jessica McHale: that IS beautiful!
01:03:44 Rick Visser: Christ's doormat is right below the cross.
01:03:58 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "Christ's doormat i..." with ❤️
01:13:23 Jessica McHale: It might be worse with women, lol!
01:14:28 Rick Visser: Humility is the reservoir of all the virtues.
01:14:28 Catherine Opie: I had somethinghappen to me. My father gave me a piece of land we used to camp on during holidays which I love and was planning to share with one of my brothers who lives overseas as a holiday retreat place. He became very jealous and demanded my father also give it to him even though he had never been there before and had no attachment to it. I decided I did not want to fight with my brother over this land and told my Dad  to let my brother have it and I would not. Eventually my brother decided that actually he did not want it and my Dad contacted me again to see if I did. So now it is mine to look after anyway. And I have not fallen out with my brother over it. This took over a decade to play out. It made me realise we do not know what gifts will be given upon letting go.
01:15:41 Rick Visser: Reacted to "I had somethinghappe..." with ❤️
01:15:43 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "I had somethinghap..." with ❤️
01:15:44 carolnypaver: Reacted to "I had somethinghappe..." with ❤️
01:15:54 Sharon: Reacted to "I had somethinghappe..." with ❤️
01:16:52 Rick Visser: My prayers are with you everyday.
01:16:58 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://philokaliaministries.blogspot.com
01:17:40 carolnypaver: It works!
01:17:48 Catherine Opie: 🙏🏻
01:18:20 Jessica McHale: Many prayers for you!  ...and thank you again!
01:18:27 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:18:36 Janine: Praying for you Father..thank you
01:18:40 cameron: Great. Thank you.
01:18:42 Sharon: Thank you! So nice to be here again
01:18:46 Julie: God bless

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVII, Part III

Abba Mark’s teaching pierces the heart because it strips away our worldly sense of “justice” and places us before the wisdom of the Cross. The lawyer’s questions are not unlike our own: What do we do when wronged? What about fairness? What about the law? But the Elder directs him beyond human reasoning toward the spiritual law of Christ.
For the world, the offense is external, and the “solution” is measured by punishment and recompense. For the ascetic, the wound of injustice exposes what is hidden in the heart. If resentment rises, then the wrong is ours as much as the other’s. To forgive is not indulgence or naiveté—it is participation in the very judgment of God, who alone knows how to weigh every soul. Vengeance, on the other hand, is a kind of blasphemy: it accuses God of judging wrongly, and so it becomes a heavier sin than the original injury.
Here the Evergetinos reveals the paradox of the Gospel: to suffer wrong with gratitude is not weakness but true knowledge. To pray for those who wrong us confounds the demons and makes us sons of the Crucified. The magistrate may punish, but the monk endures; the court may balance debts, but love “endures all things.”
The Elder’s words burn away excuses. To forgive is not optional—it is the very condition of our own forgiveness. To harbor vengeance is to live in fantasy, enslaved to illusions of fairness. But to embrace affliction as one’s own and to entrust judgment to God is to step into the reality of mercy, where the only true justice is love.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:06:42 Adam Paige: Philokalia combined volume 1 to 5 by Nun Christina is indeed 825 pages long
00:06:54 Anna: I'm looking for The Philokalia St. Peter of Damascus
00:07:57 Bob Čihák, AZ: One of our current books is “The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian, revised 2nd Edition” 2011, published by Holy Transfiguration Monastery, https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/635 . This hard-covered book is on the expensive side but of very high quality.
00:09:53 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 287, D
00:17:59 jonathan: st nick
00:18:02 Adam Paige: Jolly ol St Nick
00:18:30 Una: Santa Clause!
00:25:56 Nina and Sparky: It is a hard teaching, but it matches 1 Cor 6:7 Now indeed [then] it is, in any case, a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another. Why not rather put up with injustice? Why not rather let yourselves be cheated?
00:26:19 Nina and Sparky: Sorry, It is Forrest!
00:31:35 Rick Visser: Should we not protest injustice?
00:37:44 Anthony: The decision of the Opus Dei Priest in the movie There Be Dragons has been one of my examples
00:38:21 Maureen Cunningham: What happens if you do not like them . How can you love them ??
00:41:08 Bob Čihák, AZ: Yet Christ threw over the tables of the money changers in the Temple, and maybe did even more?
00:43:35 Maureen Cunningham: Nelson Mandela  when went prisons. They were so hateful
00:44:57 Catherine Opie: I used to be an avid protestor and activist until one day at an anti nuclear protest outside the French Embassy in London I realised I was getting angry with people and pointing the finger at others when I lacked a great deal myself and am far from perfect. So who am I to rage at others?  After my conversion to Catholicism I have realised its not up to me, I certainly am not to participate in evil or condone it and can stand firm in my principles and do positive things to help others. But that it is simply necessary to pray for those who commit evil and injustice to others just as I would pray for those suffering injustice. I find I am less angry and wound up when I know I can offer these things up to God and that its way above my job description to save the world. Activism is such a distraction. And we can be manipulated by the agendas of man through our emotions.
00:46:10 Rick Visser: Simone Weil said: "The greatest and most efficacious vehicle for social and political change is sacrificial love."
00:46:22 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Simone Weil said: "T..." with ❤️
00:47:18 jonathan: A Priest once told me, once you have the heart of Christ, then you can go flip tables, until then, be quite, be gentle and be peaceful. Blessed are those persecuted for my sake. Blessed are the meek, and poor in spirit.
00:47:37 Bob Čihák, AZ: Reacted to "A Priest once told m..." with 👍
00:48:03 Jacqulyn: Reacted to "Simone Weil said: "T..." with ❤️
00:49:14 Rick Visser: Her view was that sacrificial love is the very structure of divine reality and the only path to justice.
00:52:51 Anthony: The message of Peace after 9/11 from Pope St John Paul 2 and Bishop Michael of the Romanian Catholics helped bring me back to the Church.
01:08:18 Maureen Cunningham: Many women have died by staying with an abuser. God would never want that
01:09:47 Larry Ruggiero: The landowner gave from his abundance and in doing so he secured workers for tomorrow.
01:09:59 Rick Visser: Radical
01:11:33 Janine: Thank you Father!
01:12:10 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:12:30 Catherine Opie: God bless

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Chapter XXXVII, Part II

The Gospel Without Varnish
The Desert Fathers present the Gospel in its rawest form. Their words strike the heart not because they soften Christ’s commands but because they echo them without compromise: do not resist the one who is evil, forgive seventy times seven, love your enemies, bless those who curse you. To modern ears, this sounds offensive—even impossible. How can one not seek justice, especially when faced with cruelty, violence, or grave injustice?
Yet the Fathers insist: freedom in Christ means clinging to nothing but His love as the one thing necessary. When we are wronged, our sorrow should not be for what has been taken from us, but for the soul of the one who has inflicted harm. Their sin is their true wound. Our calling is not to avenge but to forgive, not to condemn but to pray.
Hypothesis XXXVII presses this home with piercing clarity. A struggler carrying a corpse is told: “Bear the living instead.” To shoulder the weakness of our neighbor, to endure his sins and insults, is the harder burden—but also the one that unites us to Christ.
The examples unfold like a mirror before us. The elder who restrains himself when boys blaspheme outside his cell reminds his heart: If I cannot bear this small vexation, how will I endure a greater trial? Another, who endures the disobedience of his companion without protest, embraces a hidden martyrdom. Still another teaches: To put up with your neighbor in a difficult moment is equal to the martyrdom of the Three Youths in the furnace.
The lesson is relentless: daily forbearance is our Golgotha. To return angry words, to demand repayment, to run to courts for vindication—these reveal hearts still bound to the world. But to endure injustice with patience, to forgive without condition, to pray for those who wrong us—this is to share in Christ’s meekness on the Cross.
Abba Isaiah pierces deeper: how can we beg God’s mercy for our sins while refusing mercy to our neighbor? To repay evil for evil is to declare, in effect, that God does not judge rightly. The Fathers show us how far we fall short: Christ bore poverty, betrayal, insult, and death without retaliation—yet we cannot endure even a word of offense without bitterness.
Modern sensibilities stumble here. We demand rights, recompense, recognition. But the Fathers summon us to something purer and more terrifyingly beautiful: to love as Christ loves, even when it crucifies us. When wronged, our grief must be for our brother’s soul, not our own loss. His sin wounds him unto death; our response must be prayer for his healing.
This is no easy path. It is a crucifixion of the will, a death to self. It cannot be done without grace. Yet in enduring wrong with gentleness, in forgiving when wounded, in praying for those who hurt us, we enter the very marrow of the Gospel.
The Desert Fathers offer no compromise. The way of Christ is the way of the Cross. To bear wrongs patiently is to drink His chalice. To forgive without measure is to wear His likeness. And to weep not for what we have lost but for the one who has harmed us—this is the freedom of those who live only in His love.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:15:19 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 284 number five: forbearing those who offend us and not taking vengeance
00:15:29 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 284, 5
00:21:21 Rick Visser: Has this any bearing on social media? A million small vexations......which we very often feel compelled to tell them off?
00:49:55 Catherine Opie: What does one say to someone who justifies anger by pointing to the righteous anger of Jesus driving people out of the temple? This is a common thing that I hear from people who wish to justify their own anger, including myself here.
00:55:34 Anthony: Jesus had already proved Himself to be Lord of the Sabbath, correct?  He demonstrated authority.  Plus they Knew Him from the prophecy of His birth and the disputation in the Temple at age 12/13
01:01:59 Rick Visser: What is the best book on the life of each of the saints?
01:03:24 Adam Paige: Replying to "What is the best boo…"The Golden Legend, the Roman Martyrology
01:04:19 Rick Visser: Replying to "What is the best boo..."
👍
01:09:22 John Burmeister: nowhere in the scriptures does it say Jesus was angry. It just says he drove them out. We just assume that he is angry. my Dad wasn't angry with me when he spanked me, he was correcting me and disciplining me
01:11:47 Rick Visser: Mark 3:1-6
01:12:09 Myles Davidson: Mark 3:5: "He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored."
01:12:47 John Burmeister: i stand corrected then. thanks
01:13:03 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "i stand corrected th..." with 🙏
01:14:23 Forrest Cavalier: This was a topic of a recent homily that I heard. The occurrence in Mark 3:5 was the only place where Jesus was angry. The Strong's concordance is at  https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_3709.htm
01:15:44 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Everyone Blessing
01:15:56 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:16:00 Catherine Opie: god bless
01:16:12 Elizabeth - VT: Thanks!🙏🏻

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXVI, Part II and XXXVII, Part I

The Fathers in the Evergetinos remind us that the measure of our discipleship is often revealed in how we respond to insult and injury. The world teaches us to defend ourselves, to demand justice, to take vengeance so as not to appear weak. But the Gospel calls us to something altogether different, something that cuts against every instinct of pride: to bear wrongs patiently, to forgive from the heart, and to entrust judgment to God.
Abba Cassian tells us that meekness is not merely restraining the tongue, but cleansing the heart itself from the remembrance of wrongs. Outward silence while inwardly replaying offenses is no victory. Unless the root of anger is excised, hatred and envy grow unseen. I know this in myself — how quickly I replay words spoken against me, how easily I justify my resentment. Yet God sees these thoughts, hidden to others, as clearly as if they were deeds.
The elders of the desert show us another way. Abba Sisoes shocks a brother out of his thirst for revenge by praying that, since the man insists on avenging himself, God need no longer care for him. Abba Silouan alters the Lord’s Prayer to expose the truth of the brother’s heart: “forgive us not our debts, as we forgive not our debtors.” Their teaching is sharp, but it leaves no room for illusion. If I ask God for mercy, I must extend mercy to my brother, or else my prayer condemns me.
The Fathers press us to look at Christ Himself. He endured insult without anger, was silent under reviling, forgave those who crucified Him, and laid down His life for those who sinned against Him. When I see how easily I take offense, how quickly I lash out or withdraw, I realize how little I resemble Him. And yet the call is clear: to follow Christ is to walk His path of forbearance, not simply to admire it from a distance.
This is where the path of the Fathers collides with the way of the world. To the secular mind, insult must be answered, wrong must be repaid, and forgiveness is weakness. But in Christ’s kingdom, insult becomes an opportunity to share in His meekness, wrongs become the occasion to enter His patience, and forgiveness becomes our share in His Cross.
And so I am left with a choice, not abstract but daily, often in small things: Will I bear insult with humility, or will I cling to pride? Will I entrust myself to God’s justice, or will I grasp for my own? The Fathers tell me plainly: if I cannot endure the smallest slights, how will I endure greater trials? If I cannot forgive the neighbor who wounds me in words, how can I hope to be known by Christ, who forgave even His executioners?
The divine ethos is stark. To love those who hate me. To pray for those who grieve me. To forbear without resentment. To entrust vengeance to God. This is not optional; it is the very mark of one who has died and risen with Christ.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:12:59 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 281 B
00:14:30 Forrest Cavalier: https://biblehub.com/greek/3954.htm  Translated as Familiarity in Hypothesis 34 book 2, p266
00:19:11 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 281 B
00:40:05 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 283 A
00:50:41 Andrew Zakhari: It is amazing how what we would say to each other changes dramatically when we consider directing those same words to God. Prayer exposes our sin and converts us.
01:04:55 Kate : Would the Fathers take a pacifist position?  And would they not accept the Catholic just-war theory?
01:06:37 Catherine Opie: I am always amazed at how apt these readings are. I always get exactly what I need for whatever the inner struggle or circumstance is that is current for me or around me generally as a societal or news event. I have been attacked physically and, to my surprise, my instinct was to fight back like a wild animal. How do we learn to obstruct that survival instinct we have?
01:15:00 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you Blessing
01:15:19 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:15:21 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:15:27 Jennifer Dantchev: Thank you!
01:15:35 Catherine Opie: God bless

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXV, Part V and XXXVI, Part I

The Evergetinos gives us stories that cut to the heart of Christian life: how do we respond when insulted, wronged, or treated unjustly? The world would have us defend our honor, insist on our rights, repay injury with injury. But the Fathers reveal another way — the way of Christ — in which anger is cut out at the root, vengeance rejected, and the heart freed from the tyranny of retaliation.
The Example of St. Pachomios
When insulted by his own brother, St. Pachomios felt the sting of anger rise within him. Yet instead of defending himself, he went into the night to weep before God. He confessed not his brother’s fault, but his own weakness. This is the paradox: the saint sees not an occasion to justify himself but to deepen his repentance. The world teaches us to stand tall when wronged; Pachomios bowed low, stretching out his hands like Christ crucified, begging mercy and was healed.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:08:19 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 278, #7
00:13:45 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 278, #7
00:14:28 Lilly: I have it too
00:21:51 Myles Davidson: I heard someone describe a debate between a Catholic and Orthodox recently as a “blood sport”
00:38:38 Lilly: A response could be “I'll pray for you.”
00:48:40 Andrew Zakhari: I find that in counseling when there is over eagerness on my part to try to help, it almost creates a controlling temperament and often leads to frustration for me and the counselee.
00:58:36 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 280, A
01:00:47 Bob Čihák, AZ: or Book by P G Wodehouse, "Aunts Aren't Gentlemen"
01:14:58 Kate : I have often heard that it is not sinful to feel anger so long as we do not act on that anger.  But St. Pachomios is weeping because he even feels anger.
01:16:00 Quinn Larnach-Jones: Thank you, Fr.!
01:16:02 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:16:09 Catherine Opie: Many thanks once again for a thought provoking talk.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXV, Part IV

The Fathers teach that anger is a form of idolatry. Just as the pagans once bowed before false gods, so too does the man who gives himself to wrath bow before the idol of rage, making himself a slave rather than a disciple of Christ. To renounce anger is to trample down idols and become a bloodless martyr, confessing Christ not with words but with meekness.
 
The first step in overcoming anger is silence — not speaking when provoked. From this small beginning, grace can bring the soul to tranquility. Abba Moses, once insulted, at first bore it in silence, and later even welcomed humiliation, reproaching himself instead of others. Anger, the elders say, is like a fire that lives on fuel: self-will, pride, contention, the need to be right. If these causes are cut off, the fire goes out; if they are fed, it consumes the heart with remembrance of wrongs and bitterness until the soul is destroyed.
 
The devil seizes every chance to inflame anger — sometimes over trifles, sometimes under the guise of justice. Yet the one who follows Christ must become a stranger to wrath. The Fathers themselves struggled long: some spent years begging God for freedom from this passion, knowing that controlling the tongue is the doorway to purifying the heart. Outward restraint is not enough; even hidden hatred makes a man a murderer before God. For the Lord searches not only deeds but thoughts, and will judge the secrets of the heart.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:04:58 Catherine Opie: Good evening/morning what page are we currently on?
00:07:04 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 276, G
00:07:46 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "P 276, G" with ❤️
00:09:28 Anna: He participated in Byzantine Liturgy. In the records there's details on it.
00:10:39 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Evergetinos Volume II page 276
00:11:09 Anna: My daughter is doing a college paper on consecrated life that will bring in desert fathers thanks to these meetings.
00:12:28 Catherine Opie: NZ
00:12:42 Anna: Starting with historical aspects initially which brings in desert fathers and ending in women consecrated life because she feels called to Byzantine monasticism
00:26:48 Anthony: The demons say "what have you to do with us" as if Jesus is the interloper. But they are the outsiders and usurpers.
00:29:44 Maureen Cunningham: Thinking of Saint Padre Pio
00:31:03 Fr. C Mase: There is something to be said for keeping ones mind fixed on ones own repentance. I think that is what Abba-Moses did here. He could have focused on the hurt inflicted on Him but rather focuses on God and on His own repentance. Often it is easy to, when we are wronged, focus on the evil another has done to us. We can especially nowadays with so much evil in the world spend all our time railing about others and turning our eye away from our own vocation. Repentance.
00:32:33 Julie: Reacted to "There is something t…" with 🙏
00:32:44 Andrew Adams: Reacted to "There is something t..." with 🙏
00:33:02 wayne: Reacted to "There is something t..." with 🙏
00:33:08 Janine: Reacted to "There is something t…" with 🙏
00:37:50 Rick Visser: "the causes of anger are giving and taking." I don't understand. What is "giving and taking?"
00:42:17 Anthony: What are the causes due to the passions that if we give them, they go away?
00:44:33 Anthony: So we see it , recognize it and there is no sin if we desire to cut it off?
00:45:42 Forrest Cavalier: The literal greek for "their due" is προῖκα = dowry.
00:53:37 Anthony: Am I correct I can loathe ideas but at the same time wish goodness for people who lived out those ideas?
00:57:52 Maureen Cunningham: Divine Mercy Saint
01:15:54 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing
01:16:09 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father! Great discussion tonight!
01:16:14 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:16:18 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr. This was so perfect for me today. God bless. See you Thursday
01:16:22 Jonathan Grobler: Thank you father, love you lots ! Bye
01:16:26 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
01:16:37 Janine: Thank you  Father
01:16:50 Bob Čihák, AZ: Thank you & bless you

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXV, Part III

The fathers speak with one voice concerning the passion of anger: it blinds the eyes of the soul and expels the grace of the Spirit. St. Cassian tells us that even a “just cause” for anger blinds no less than an unjust one; whether gold or lead is pressed over the eyes, sight is equally obstructed. So too when anger burns, whether cloaked in righteousness or openly irrational, the light of the Sun of Righteousness is veiled from us.
The words cut to the quick: we are not to excuse or harbor even a trace of anger. For Christ Himself declared that “whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of judgment” (Mt. 5:22). St. John Chrysostom tells us that scribes added the phrase “without a cause” to soften the command, but the Lord’s intention was uncompromising: to root out the seed entirely, lest it grow into the frenzy that enslaves the heart.
For the hesychast this teaching is clear: isolation is no refuge from anger. Cassian admits to raging at sticks of wood or the stubbornness of flint that would not spark quickly enough. The desert does not strip away anger; rather, it exposes it. If we think that by fleeing from brothers we escape the trial of forbearance, we deceive ourselves. Without the correction of life in common, passions grow unchecked, and even inanimate things can draw forth our wrath. Thus, for both monk and layman, anger must be confronted at its root.
What, then, of those living in the world, immersed in the irritations and burdens of ordinary life? The fathers offer no easier path for them. Anger in the household, in work, in traffic, in all the frictions of daily existence—these, too, are occasions for forbearance, the training ground of meekness. The same Christ who commands the desert hermit commands also the parent, the spouse, the worker: “Be angry, and sin not” (Ps. 4:4). Turn anger not against neighbor or circumstance, but against the thoughts that seek to enslave.
St. Maximos is clear: fasting and vigils restrain bodily desires, but anger is cured only by kindness, charity, love, and mercy. This is the practical labor of every Christian, monk or lay: to return insult with silence, to meet disturbance with meekness, to smother wrath with prayer. 
The fathers remind us soberly that chastity, poverty, vigils, and every hardship will avail nothing if anger reigns in the soul on the Day of Judgment. For anger drives out the Spirit; where wrath abides, peace cannot dwell. And he who is without peace is also without joy. 
Thus the path is narrow. Anger is a pit, and blessed is he who jumps over it, pulling the gentle yoke of Christ to the end with meekness. This is no less true for those in the city than for those in the desert. Whether at the dinner table, in the workplace, or in the monastery, each moment of provocation is an invitation to humility, to accuse oneself rather than another, to seize the opportunity for compunction rather than resentment.
If we endure, grace will come. What seems at first an impossible command—to eradicate anger entirely—becomes, by the Spirit, an easy yoke. For the fathers remind us: all things are possible to the one who bends low in humility, entrusting his passions to Christ who alone can heal the soul.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:13:39 Tracey Fredman: I miss seeing Lori. I hope she's doing well.
00:16:52 Adam Paige: It’s Greek, he writes in Greek
00:18:54 Adam Paige: Some of his books are available digitally, but not Flying over the Abyss
00:19:41 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 272 St. John Cassian
00:20:30 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 272 E
00:44:26 Jacqulyn: Living on a ranch, I totally understand that feeling!
00:45:02 Erick Chastain: Is the worsening of the logismoi in the wilderness as opposed to when you are out in the world dependent on whether one is an introvert/extrovert?
00:45:13 Jacqulyn: Yes, I do! But the sheep keep me focused!
00:45:37 Bob Čihák, AZ: I get angry at myself, but not for long.
00:52:17 Anthony: Lately I've been encouraged by St Francis, who instead of getting wrathful with himself called his erring self "Brother Ass."
00:56:35 Hey Oh! : Augustine said that  anger is like an unwanted guest. Once we let it in we don’t know how long it will stay or what it will do in our home (hearts).
00:57:39 Rick Visser: It seems that in contemporary psychology there is a strong tendency not to deny the anger that exists in us. We must allow it, not repress it.
00:58:12 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "It seems that in con..." with 😢
00:59:14 Anthony: Perhaps, then, a sense of false or overbearing shame is a form of anger directed against the self, even, when we remember things we did wrong and have repented of.
01:08:28 Myles Davidson: That was super insightful from St Maximos
01:09:25 Catherine Opie: What are your thoughts on using intense physical exercise like, running for example, to get rid of anger? Or should we simply develop the self control to not even become angry to that level?
01:11:35 Myles Davidson: Replying to "That was super insig..."
Both the result of anger and the cure
01:12:01 Julie: Reacted to "That was super insig…" with 🙏
01:14:24 Catherine Opie: So probably genuflections with prayer then...
01:16:38 Catherine Opie: Perfect subject for me this week. Thank you Fr. God bless.
01:16:43 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:16:48 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing thank you
01:16:51 Janine: Thank you Father

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXV, Part II

The Fathers are unyielding in their teaching: anger must never be given room in the heart. It is a passion rooted in pride, and when indulged, it blinds the soul, drives away the Holy Spirit, and turns one into a worshipper of rage as if it were an idol. Abba Poimen reminds us that it is not enough to endure the turmoil anger creates—we must learn to drive it out entirely. Left unchecked, anger deceives us with excuses and pretexts, but humility demolishes the very foundation of its power.
Abba Isaiah gives us the chief remedy: to keep ever before our eyes the humility of Christ—He who endured dishonor, insults, scourging, and even the Cross without anger. When we recall His long-suffering love, the pride that fuels our own wrath is dissolved, and our hearts are humbled into contrition. Later, St. Cassian will also warn us that even a “just cause” cannot justify anger, for once the heart is disturbed, its vision of God is darkened. Instead, we must redirect the sharpness of anger toward our own sinful thoughts, never toward our brothers.
In our life in the world, anger manifests daily—in families, at work, in traffic, in countless irritations. But here, too, the Fathers’ counsel applies: anger is overcome not by isolation but by forbearance, meekness, kindness, and mercy. The remembrance of death, too, helps us put aside wrath, for what profit is there in clinging to resentment when eternity presses upon us? Anger makes us idolaters; love makes us free. To conquer anger is to begin living even now in the peace of the Kingdom.
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Text of chat during the group: 
00:15:22 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 270, A, 6
00:37:25 Anthony: Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered is the fundamental approach. We want order. But let us keep in mind the Spanish Civil War, illustrated in the movie There Be Dragons to show the destruction done in the name of righteousness by mankind based on anger.
00:46:52 Julie: Is it the Jesus prayer the cuts through those thoughts
00:53:10 Hey Oh! : The idea that when we are calm we are better able to perceive what the mind is experiencing makes it so that we have a chance not to be reactive and instead can take in God’s goodness in the moment. This is Andrew. My friend from NJ changed my name title and I can’t fix it…
00:53:51 carolnypaver: Reacted to "The idea that when w..." with 😂
00:54:18 Jeff U: Reacted to "The idea that when w..." with 😂
00:55:17 Una: Who are you, Hey Oh!?
00:59:22 Anthony: When I want to pray, even before meals, I often have terrible thoughts 2. Are these opportunities to exercise humility, and so gifts, not sins on our part?
01:02:29 Julie: Sometimes the thoughts are so many that I find I need to keep active. Like gardening or helping someone to diffuse them
01:05:22 Myles Davidson: I’ve found praying the Jesus Prayer for a decent length of time (say half an hour to an hour at a time) can be effective at slowing down the thoughts. Particularly if done regularly
01:05:54 Bob Čihák, AZ: Replying to "Sometimes the though..."
Thanks, Myles.
01:09:52 Anthony: The devil's, I suppose, encourage us to be gnostic, which is contrary to our crested and transfigured nature
01:19:32 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:19:38 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing to everyone
01:19:40 Hey Oh! : Thank you! God bless!
01:19:49 Jeff U: Thank you! God Bless

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXV, Part I

Synopsis Of Tonight’s Group on The Evergetinos Volume II Hypothesis XXXV Section A paragraphs 1-5:
“One should never become angry or shout at anyone. An irascible man, even if he should raise the dead is not acceptable before God!” Such thoughts from the fathers already set the tone of this hypothesis and begin to challenge our sensibilities; the way that we deal with annoyances, direct attacks against ourselves or the faith or in a broader way the way the way we deal with violence in the world. What is the role, the place, of the Christian in an age of such vindictiveness and hostility to the other? How can we not only avoid being drawn into the passion of anger and move to the defensive position but also love as Christ loves? How does Christ’s meekness and gentleness shape the way that we engage others?
So often our ego leads us to hold onto things with a tight grip. This includes our opinions and judgments as well as material goods. Have our hearts been formed with such humility that we can drop our position when a discussion tends towards anger or can we leave behind the work of our own hands the circumstances are such that if we do not abandon it we will be drawn into conflict? In other words, do we place the things of this world or our own dignity and sense of self-respect above the love and the gentleness of Christ? 
It is only in the silence of prayer, prolonged and unmeasured, that the grace of God frees us from our own ego. Only by experiencing the profound love, compassion, mercy, and understanding that we have received from God will a spirit of gratitude well up within us. It is then that we are compelled to love. What could we possibly lose that we would not gain back a hundredfold in Christ? If we have been made sons and daughters of God and if we live in the Spirit that has been given to us and we should fear nothing. And where there is no fear - there is only love!
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Text of chat during the group:
00:09:17 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 269 New Hypothesis
00:13:21 Andrew Adams: Yes, you can shut off things like whiteboard in Zoom.
00:13:35 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 269 New Hypothesis 35
00:13:39 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Yes, you can shut of…" with 👍
00:26:44 Andrew Zakhari: I think of individuals who continue to engage in a work culture despite it deadening people's souls in bitterness.  It is easy to stay for financial reasons, not realizing how such work is damaging.
00:28:37 Jonathan Grobler: If it wasn't for online engagement, I would never have joined the Catholic church. I'm always worried, that by not engaging, it's a missed opportunity to plant a seed of the Gospel.
00:30:59 Bob Čihák, AZ: My work was with 3 partners. Sometimes, after a "warm" 20 min. discussion, I would abruptly say "You've convinced me. I agree. Let's do it the way you suggest." and I meant it. My partners would look like the wind just wend out of their sails.
00:36:12 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "My work was with 3 p..." with ❤️
00:39:25 Catherine Opie: Fr. I have just spent 7 days with my family who relentlessly asked me questions and challenged me on my Catholicism (since I recently converted). Culminating in my brother (who was fuming the whole time) let it rip at me in a really irrational way. How do I handle this? Just say I'm not wiling to talk about it or should I continue to respond, not in like manner but in a rational manner of course? As I seem to be causing him to become angry I'm leaning towards just saying nothing as I'm a hopeless evangeliser anyway being so fresh to this.
00:42:55 Myles Davidson: Order of the Eastern star
00:43:05 Anthony: Order of the Eastern Star
00:44:54 annalalonde: From the desert fathers perspective, how would would break those satanic occult roots from family and generations? Especially gender ideology, yoga, sins of flesh, and masonic…
00:45:23 annalalonde: With one that has anger… what does the desert fathers share how to rid of this?
00:55:16 Maureen Cunningham: Is it not what Jesus says more then what I say ? Jesus said Ect..
00:59:10 Anthony: How do you pray a long time for a person? God knows all.  The evangelical kind of prayer almost sounds like it's wordiness for wordiness sake. Saying multiple rosaries almost sounds like trying to manipulate God.  How DO people adequately pray a long time for someone?
01:10:57 Mark South: Isaac lasted 5 months as Bishop...
01:12:11 Jonathan Grobler: Reminds of how Christ new Judas was stealing from the money purse, her never publicly reprimanded him for it.
01:12:41 Maureen Cunningham: St Francis
01:17:07 Forrest Cavalier: Thank you, Father! Here is my note to today’s paragraph 3: “During a conversation, a monk was bothered by a dog. The monk showed his gentleness and love by resuming the conversation after removing the dog.”
01:17:28 Catherine Opie: Like the nuns who sang all the way to the guillotine during the French revolution offering themselves as a sacrifice to stop the violence and two weeks later Robespierre was executed and it ended
01:18:09 Mark South: See Footnote 19 on pages 57-58 in his Homilies for an account of St Isaac and others return to stillness from Bishophood
01:18:20 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Like the nuns who sa..." with 👍
01:18:41 Andrew Zakhari: Beautiful discussion. God bless you richly! Thank you all.
01:19:19 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "Beautiful discussion..." with 👍
01:19:19 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessings to everyone
01:19:24 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:19:34 Bob Čihák, AZ: Thank you Father.
01:19:40 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr
01:19:40 cameron: Thank you Father.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXIV, Part II

Synopsis of Tonight’s Group on The Evergetinos Volume II Hypothesis XXXIV Sections A6-F Conclusion:
When we come across the high standards of the desert fathers, especially if they are jarring to our own sensibilities, we can tend to not just to read their writings critically but to dismiss them as hyperbolic or extreme.  Yet it is precisely the internal dis-ease that their writings create within us that brings us back to the heart of the gospel and what it means to be a Christian. 
What does it mean to put on the mind of Christ and have our conscience formed and shaped by the grace of God and the gospel? How does it shape the way that we understand what it means to be a human being or the things that we take for granted such as laughter or familiarity in relationships? Upon closer examination, we see that there are many displays of humor that are rooted in a lack of sobriety and sense of reverence for our own dignity and the dignity of others. We rarely think about how our words and actions, our bearing or form of dress, affect those who are around us. 
Are we seeking to protect the dignity and spiritual well-being of those around us? Do we hold their identity as sons and daughters of God as something precious and to be revered?  The simplest realities of day-to-day life and interactions need to be attended to the most; for they are often the means through which we are tempted. The evil one can make use of what is good and pleasing about our lives as a means to draw us into excess. 
In the end, it is Christ and the gospel that must be the lens through which we view our lives and behavior. We see Christ, who, although perfectly innocent and filled with love was stripped of dignity, mocked and pinned to the cross. We hear Him say to us “take up your cross daily and follow me” - calling us to a sober sense of what our life in this world will be like as his disciples. In the beatitudes, we hear Him say “blessed her those who mourn” reminding us not only of our share in his cross but the necessity of morning for our own sins.  Christ has everything to do with what affects or afflicts us.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:06:25 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 267 number 6
00:16:24 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 267 # 6
00:32:33 Catherine Opie: Fr. what are your thoughts on the use of humour to break through things when one sinks into self pity or depression, or when doing arduous tasks or events in life to lighten the situation? Should we simply be contemplating the suffering and be joyful that we are suffering in this life instead of the next?
00:36:02 wayne: When humor tuns to sarcasm, then it can become hurtful.
00:36:13 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "When humor tuns to s..." with 👍🏻
00:36:57 Bob Čihák, AZ: I laugh at myself, A LOT!
00:37:58 Anthony: Replying to "When humor tuns to s..." 
 Yes. I like silly, even buffoonish (like a mime, for example) comical humor since it can be done without hurting anyone.
00:41:12 Ambrose Little: A merry heart does good like a medicine. (Prov 17:22). “For rejoicing in the Lord is our strength!” (Neh 8:10)
St. Thomas Aquinas wrote this great prayer “for ordering a life wisely,” and at one part he says, 
“O Lord my God, make me          submissive without protest,          poor without discouragement,          chaste without regret,          patient without complaint,          humble without posturing,          cheerful without frivolity,          mature without gloom,          and quick-witted without flippancy.”
“Cheerful w/o frivolity” has always struck me as a good way of putting it.
Earlier in the prayer he says: “May I not rejoice in anything          unless it leads me to You;     may I not be saddened by anything          unless it turns me from You.”
Maintaining the fundamental orientation towards God is key.
00:41:36 Anthony: Thanks for clarifying Father. I was hoping you'd comment on what is good and bad buffoonery, for my benefit.
00:42:51 Catherine Opie: Replying to "A merry heart does g..."
Yes there is a diffence between cherr and frivolity. What a beautiful prayer
00:43:42 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Thanks for clarifyin..." with 🤣
00:46:58 Anthony: Ephrem reminds me,  in John Damascene's philosophy chapters of the Fount of Knowledge, the definition of man is (or includes) one who laughs.
01:08:47 Catherine Opie: I think Father simply by being modest and being amongst others. When I first came to Catholicism I was horrifyingly immodest, but simply by being around the trad community I am learning about modesty and slowly changing through immersion. No one has berated me but I'm certain they prayed for me. And I see new converts coming in and slowly changing over time. Nothing changes others more than simple example of reverence.
01:12:12 Kate : Dr. Alice von Hildebrand has written beautifully on the topic of modesty and reverence as a reflection of the dignity of the human person.
01:12:28 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Dr. Alice von Hildeb..." with 🙏🏻
01:16:50 Andrew Zakhari: "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account."--Heb. 4:12.
01:16:58 Erick Chastain: Reacted to "I think Father simpl..." with 👍
01:19:43 Catherine Opie: As always incredibly thought provoking many thanks for your insight and guidance. God bless.
01:19:44 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:19:51 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You  Father Blessing to all
01:20:01 Jeff Ulrich: Thank you Father
01:20:03 Andrew Zakhari: Thank you! Blessings upon you.
01:20:09 Alan Tarantino: Thank you Father
01:20:34 cameron: Thank you
01:20:37 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Part XXXIV, Part I

The desert fathers were incredibly sensitive to the simple things in life that we often take for granted; the ways that we speak with others and treat them. In this sense, they were psychologically astute; realizing that in the warp and woof of day-to-day life, it is often the small things that affect relationships the most and so also a place where we are provoked to sin. We often describe these aspects of our life as normal or natural; that is, being human. Yet, even that which is good must be perfected by the grace of God for it can be corrupted if the heart is impure or lacking in charity.
Thus, without hesitation, the fathers can say “there is no passion, more terrible than familiarity, for it gives rise to all the other passions.“ At first this might seem to be hyperbole. Familiarity seems to be an essential part of relationships and intimacy. What the fathers discovered, however, is that it can break down the reverence, dignity and meekness with which we engage others. The more that we are around a person we begin to think that we can take liberties and dispense with courteousness and tenderness in speech. We can use our intimate knowledge of others to tear them down or to gain a position of emotional power within the relationship. What has been entrusted to us as precious can be used in ways that inflict emotional wounds.
Similarly laughter is seen as a natural part and perhaps one of the best parts of our lives. Humor often is the means through which we are able to cope with a harshness of life. It seems to lighten the spirit. However, it can often devolve into buffoonery; nothing is taken serious at all, and humor is used to mock the others. Such laughter then makes us lose sight of the dignity of the other and more importantly makes us lose sight of their dignity as sons and daughters of God. We feel that we are liberty to make fun of them or to laugh at their misfortune. 
Our consideration of these things shows us how important it is for us to have the mind of Christ. We are to live in Him and it is His grace that must shape all of our actions. There is only one appropriate way for us to relate to another person and that is to love them!
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Text of chat during the group:
00:03:56 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 266
00:06:34 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Hypothesis XXXIV
00:15:52 Adam Paige: I found the groups via a friend who shared a Sensus Fidelium YouTube repost of a podcast
00:16:59 Myles Davidson: Pg 266 Hypothesis XXXIV
00:17:18 Catherine Opie: That's why its important to make sure people who find you on Social Media are funnelled to your website and you get their email addresses so you can contact them direct. Via a download of a free pdf of something like that.
00:23:52 Forrest Cavalier: Wikipedia has a page with the root word in Greek. The Wikipedia page defines it as parrhesia (Greek: παρρησία) is candid speech, speaking freely.[1] It implies not only freedom of speech, but the obligation to speak the truth for the common good, even at personal risk.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parrhesia
00:24:43 Rev. Andrew: Often times in troubled marriages the spouses lose that kind of respect and mindfulness that was there when they were dating.
00:25:12 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Often times in troub..." with 👍🏼
00:29:35 Una: Yeah, this kind of familiarity can lead to abuse, especially verbal/psychological abuse
00:30:36 Anthony: This reminds me of Rocky, the painful scene where Paulie verbally disrespects his sister Adrian at their home during the holidays.
00:32:02 Rick Visser: In familiarity we are no longer able to see the face of Christ in their face. The entire sacred dimension of life is drained of its life.
00:33:29 Una: Is there a good side to familiarity?
00:33:45 Julie: Do you think it is a danger getting too close to others. Is there a limit with what you share or guard.?
00:35:25 Una: Difference between fraternity and familiarity?
00:35:28 Una: Difference between fraternity and familiarity?
00:39:14 Anthony: This self exposure is the culture of evangelicalism.  It was at my alma mater, Liberty University.
00:40:45 Bob Čihák, AZ: I'm finding my most fruitful way to know Christ seems to be seeing and finding Christ in other people, usually male friends. How does or should this sense of respect and comfort with others differ from familiarity?
00:40:51 Rev. Andrew: Reacted to "This self exposure i…" with 👍
00:42:02 Una: Can this familiarity dynamic be different in a male/female relationship or friendship? How to guard against this
00:43:44 Catherine Opie: Psycho drama
00:47:17 Rick Visser: Serve tea to all without familiarity. Some small degree of ceremoniousness in all our interactions.
00:48:33 Una: Special pitfalls in male/female dynamics?
00:48:43 Una: Beyond the obvious (sexual temptation)
00:51:39 Rick Visser: Humility
00:55:23 Una: Reacted to "Serve tea to all w..." with 👍
00:57:12 Forrest Cavalier: One of our children wrote an essay on the use of the Latin words for LAUGH (ridere) in St. Augustine’s confessions for an upper level Latin course in college. In short, there are very few legitimate occasions to laugh that are rightly ordered spiritually. Almost always there is a pride and superiority at root, at the expense of someone.
00:57:38 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "One of our children ..." with 👍🏻
01:00:47 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "One of our children ..." with 👍🏼
01:02:11 Rev. Andrew: In the spiritual life this applies to. We are so familiar with God we miss times of prayer, attendance of worship, etc.
01:02:32 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "In the spiritual lif..." with ❤️
01:02:57 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "In the spiritual lif..." with 😢
01:04:05 Anthony: I'm one of those people who tries way too hard in things.  Can I adopt an attitude of kind simplicity and be ok in the spiritual life?
01:06:01 Rick Visser: Late night TV -- who is the most clever in laughing at others.
01:06:19 Lee Graham: Reacted to "In the spiritual lif…" with ❤️
01:08:45 Myles Davidson: Germans have a word for delight in the downfall of others… schadenfreude
01:10:36 Una: Like this couple that got caught on the camera. We should be praying for their conversaion. Severe mercy that they were caught
01:13:18 Rick Visser: Reverence, dignity, and meekness - Confucius knew how this is tied to ceremoniousness.
01:13:52 Nypaver Clan: Where is the place for fraternal correction?
01:14:24 Forrest Cavalier: The second to last verb in #5 in greek is HUBRIS. ὑβρίζῃ
01:14:40 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "The second to last v..." with 👍🏼
01:17:14 Forrest Cavalier: This was a fascinating hour1
01:17:22 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "This was a fascinati..." with 👍
01:17:42 David Fraley: This gave me a lot to think about. Thank you, Father!
01:18:00 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing
01:18:02 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:18:11 Janine: Thank you Father!
01:18:12 Catherine Opie: Thank you God Bless
01:18:22 Una: Thank you. Great class
01:18:31 Rick Visser: Thank you Father!
01:19:10 Nypaver Clan: You’ll get over it…..
01:19:33 Catherine Opie: If those people really value the material they will look for you
01:19:45 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "If those people real..." with 👍
01:19:53 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "If those people real..." with 👍🏼
01:20:11 Una: Missing those dopamine hits
01:20:27 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Missing those dopami..." with 😂
01:20:27 Maureen Cunningham: Bless REN
01:20:28 Una: It's real and it's touch
01:20:36 Una: tough
01:21:25 Catherine Opie: Time wasting
01:22:05 Catherine Opie: Great move Fr.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part X and XXXIII, Part I

As we completed hypothesis 32 and considering the fathers’ teaching on contrition being a source of spiritual labor and protection, we made a segway into the most beautiful and compelling of stories found in the Evergetinos. The story captures why we must maintain a spirit of humility and contrition to the very end of our lives. Regardless of the depth of our love and mercy or our gratitude toward God and others for their care, the evil one through his relentless provocation can throw us back on our heels to such an extent that we don’t know whether we are going or coming. Thus, from our perspective, we may have sought to be loving, to go the extra mile in the service of others and God and that we have been grateful for the gifts that we have received. However, the oppression of the evil one’s temptations and our own vulnerability and instability of mind and heart can bring us to a point of turning away from God and others in a spirit of hostility. One of the most powerful aspects of the story in hypothesis 34 about Evlogios and the cripple is that it does not allow us to distance ourselves from the trial that they experience. We are not outside observers but we can see ourselves in both characters - sharing each of their vulnerabilities. After 15 years of living in mutual love and charity and in a spirit of gratitude, the relationship between these two men is torn to pieces. Confusion, resentment, hatred, and rejection rise up in a way that is not only unexpected but does not seem to be rooted in any reality that can be fixed or addressed.
It is only the presence and the words of the holy man Saint Anthony the Great that shine a light upon what is happening. His words are like a scalpel and he quickly moves to cut out the disease that threatens them both with spiritual death. The devil‘s actions are fierce and so St.  Anthony’s words must be direct and severe. He rebukes Evlogios for considering casting out a child of God whom God loves and warns him that God will raise someone up with greater love to care for the cripple. With equal severity, Saint Anthony turns to the cripple, warning him that he is unworthy of heaven and of earth given the fact that it is Christ himself who has been caring for him and it is Christ that he, the cripple, has been abusing verbally.  Without being given an opportunity to respond, they are both ordered to return to their home and not to depart from one another for if they do so they will lose the crown that God has prepared for them.
We come to see that the love that we are called to is that of the kingdom. It is not going to be rational. In fact in so many ways, it may push us to what seems to be absurdity; to the other worldly love of the Cross itself. Our ascent to Christ, our hope in his promises and our willingness to allow him to draw us along the path he desires must be absolute. To the world this will seem to be foolishness, but to those who have faith it is the shining light of God‘s glory and wisdom.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:07:16 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: August 9th at 7pm
00:11:21 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 258, # 30
00:11:50 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 258 number 30
00:34:00 Anthony: The difficult thing is to discern the thought & source, briefly, and quickly let it fly away (or chase it away!)
00:37:01 Myles Davidson: Nepsis
00:37:31 Adam Paige: Archimandrite Zacharou’s book Flying Over the Abyss is out of stock.. probably because of Fr Charbel ! The monastery says it’ll be reprinted in August
00:38:58 Julie: Do you think the evil one uses family, to distract us, that this is more important, to make you feel guilty
00:42:00 Andrew Zakhari: I think about the calls Jesus extends in his teaching and parables. "Let the dead bury the dead..." and the parable of the Great Banquet where people are too busy to accept the invitation.
00:43:24 Forrest Cavalier: The priest's homily at mass yesterday made the point that anger opposes meekness and mildness. I think this paragraph points out that even righteous anger can be enlarged which will eliminate the state of contrition.
00:43:45 Una: How about internal chatter than breaks the silence?
00:44:08 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "How about internal c..." with 👍
00:49:18 Julie: Reacted to "How about internal c…" with 👍
00:56:07 Anthony: Sometimes, the internal chatter turns very dark, as it did for me in the days of the sex scandal news, and make a wall of defilement between the soul and God, where reaching for God also brings up the defiling newd
00:56:20 Anthony: News
00:57:56 Una: "The Throne before the phone." Turn to God first
00:58:06 Maureen Cunningham: Internet makes it worst because it always demanding. You do not have time to make schedules .It seems to be a constant nag all mail that's unwanted
00:59:12 Erick Chastain: "Prayerbook not Facebook"
00:59:29 Una: Reacted to ""Prayerbook not Fa..." with ❤️
01:11:38 Anthony: This is sounding like Alzheimer's or dementia
01:11:52 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "This is sounding lik..." with 👍
01:19:24 Anthony: Perhaps Evlogious in his delivery betrayed uncalled for indignation or self-righteousness or vanity?
01:20:47 Jonathan Grobler: Zero sugar coating, straight to the point...
01:28:39 Maureen Cunningham: Much  like Job God allowed  the suffering
01:29:49 Catherine Opie: Profound!
01:29:55 Andrew Zakhari: Thank you! Excellent study today!
01:30:09 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing
01:30:51 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:30:54 Catherine Opie: God Bless Fr. have a blessed week.
01:30:55 Bob Čihák, AZ: Thank you & God bless you.
01:31:04 Rick Visser: thank you
01:31:05 Nino: Thank you Father..goog to be back

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part IX

The Desert Fathers make it very clear that in every element of our faith life we are being drawn into the mystery of God and the kingdom. Therefore, we must become comfortable with living in mystery; of being immersed in a reality that is beyond intellect and reason and comprehended solely through the gift of faith and the light that God bestow upon us. 
We often move very quickly to dissect what has been revealed to us by God, both for ourselves and others. Discussing matters of faith and reading books about dogma, however, can cause a man’s compunction to wither and disappear. We often cling to the notional and the abstract rather than focusing upon our relationship with God and seeking purity of heart. The Fathes tell us it is the lives in the sayings of the elders that enlighten the soul and fill it with spiritual tears.
Our lives then must be shaped by the Gospel and as one elder tells us we must seek to draw Christ into every part of our life. We love and follow a humble and crucified Lord; One who has been afflicted for our sin and who seeks our healing. Thus, our lives should mirror the simplicity of our Lord. We must not pamper the body in such a way that we weaken the spirit of contrition within our hearts. Neither must we fear affliction, but rather embrace it when it comes into our lives; knowing that God and his Providence allows it and through it perfects our virtue. 
To a certain extent, we must be willing separate ourselves from the world and surround ourselves with those who seek and desire the same thing. How else can we maintain the spirit of contrition? The world itself and our culture has become antithetical to the gospel. The cross has been and always will be a stumbling block to those without faith. The more those in the world become focused upon material goods and comforts and a manner of life that is contrary to the teachings of the gospel, we must strive to genuinely and heroically to conform our lives to Christ regardless of the costs.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:09:31 Maureen Cunningham: I think it like a rally good restaurant it always word of mouth
00:10:56 Maureen Cunningham: What is sub stack and how is it different
00:11:10 Maureen Cunningham: You tube is also a big
00:11:38 Bob Čihák, AZ: substack.com in short.
00:11:50 iPad (2): Yes Father I agree with you 100%
00:11:56 Bob Čihák, AZ: Look & see.
00:15:53 Andrew Adams: I vote website, but I don’t do social media anyway. I found you effectively by word of mouth.
00:16:23 Kevin Burke: I agree with Myles.. YouTube channel is the best..
00:16:51 Mark South: I agree youtube is great
00:16:58 Maureen Cunningham: Yes  I agree
00:17:15 Bob Čihák, AZ: Please do let us know when you DO need support!
00:17:21 cameron: Suggest you think of making efforts to avoid being cancelled.
00:17:45 Maureen Cunningham: We love to support you
00:19:35 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 256, # 24
00:24:27 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 256, # 25
00:32:03 Forrest Cavalier: This footnote is on this page: https://archive.org/details/Evergetinos/Euergetinos%20II/page/423/mode/2up?view=theater
00:39:44 Anthony: R. C. Sproul of Ligonier Ministries commented on Martin Luther's long confessions, saying what did he confess? To coveting another's potato salad?   Little did Sproul know what monks face.
00:41:01 Andrew Zakhari: I am currently reading the Minor Prophets, and as messengers of God they seem to get angry at God's people for falling away.  How do you understand this prophetic anger?
00:42:05 Myles Davidson: Replying to "R. C. Sproul of Ligo..."
Calvinists 😁
00:44:34 Anthony: Reacted to Calvinists 😁 with "😂"
00:54:21 Julie: Beautiful
00:55:30 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Beautiful" with 👍
01:08:17 Maureen Cunningham: That Paul said that I may Know in in
01:08:40 Maureen Cunningham: His  suffering
01:15:49 Catherine Opie: On a smaller scale Fr. I'm struggling with the ethics of using social media to advertise my business now I'm Catholic as I had already surmised its an evil thing that addicts people to it like cocaine. And is designed like a pokie machine
01:16:38 Maureen Cunningham: Mull Monastery is very good he good
01:16:41 Anthony: Monasteries and friaries are not really well distributed in USA (or the Anglosphere!).  Neither are the third orders or oblates. We need to develop some kind of more localized groups that are not completely self-directed.
01:18:39 Bob Čihák, AZ: One priest I know has ministries in coffee shops and bars.
01:21:02 Catherine Opie: Post short chunks of content online but direct people to your website for full video. Get them off social media!
01:21:03 Maureen Cunningham: I think it is wonderful to give to the ministry. Bless all
01:21:22 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:21:29 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you father!
01:21:33 Bob Čihák, AZ: Thank you father!
01:21:55 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr. God bless ❤️
01:21:56 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing Thank You
01:21:59 Niño: Thank you Father Charbel...it's been a while 😊🙏

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part VIII

The beauty of the writings of the fathers and in particular the lived experiences of the monks as described in the Evergetinos brings to life the spiritual life in an unparalleled fashion. They show us that there is no part of the spiritual life that can be seen outside the context of our relationship with God. In other words, there is no spiritual practice or discipline, no spiritual fruit or experience that does not begin and end with God and his grace. 
Contrition is love! It is rooted in the growing experience of loss that one has by turning away from God because of one’s attachment to the things of this world or to one’s own judgment. When contrition emerges within the human heart, when the  sword of sorrow that pierced through our Lord‘s heart allows us to taste its metal, and when tears begin to flow without measure, one does not distract oneself from the experience. To do so would be to turn away from God. 
So often we want to control or manage, not only circumstances, but our experience of what is going on internally and in our relationship with God.  It is difficult for us to allow ourselves to be taken by the hand and guided by Christ along the path that leads to our sanctification and intimacy with him. Strangely enough, we often become the focus of our own spiritual life; how well we are doing things, the disciplines that we keep, the sins that we avoid, the regularity of our prayer. However, we are shown that God can bestow upon a soul the gift of contrition and tears in a moment of domestic work. God does this in order that we might have no illusion about where this gift comes from. Whenever we tie contrition to what it is that we are doing, we either take hold of it as if it were our own or we seek to distract ourselves from it. Often it is emotionally hard for us to linger long in such sorrow and humility. Yet the fathers show us that this gift is precious, not to be turned away from quickly, but rather fostered. 
Such teaching becomes a stark reminder that our faith is rooted in a relationship with a God who has come to us to heal us; that humble sorrow and that flood of tears become the very means by which He lifts us up.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:10:54 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 254, 2nd paragraph of # 18
00:11:15 Adam Paige: Reacted to "515714551_18143336329396209_7085918453142515818_n.jpg" with ☦️
00:15:36 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 254, 2nd paragraph of # 18
00:26:16 Una: So don't stop weaving the baskets?
00:31:18 Kathleen: God have mercy on our lack of awareness.
00:38:57 Anthony: When I try to pray the "right" way, my mind usually trips me up.  Prayer is easier when walking, not paying attention to "I have to do this right....oh no, bad thought, distraction.....I have to do this right.....pay attention,  why did you have that distraction....." etc.
00:40:17 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "When I try to pray t..." with 👍
00:45:40 Anthony: Legalism can turn into "magic."
00:46:00 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Legalism can turn in..." with 👍
00:46:34 Myles Davidson: Replying to "Legalism can turn in..."
Magical thinking yes
00:48:00 Forrest Cavalier: My dad got back in the church 2 years before he died. He wondered why it was so much easier for him to cry. I wondered too. From these paragraphs, now I know.
00:56:54 Andrew Zakhari: Psalm 56:8 "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle."  God lingers over our tears long enough to collect them. I don't think we sit with them long enough to even recognize what they are about.
01:03:41 Anthony: India ink or Chinese ink
01:04:55 Forrest Cavalier: Greek is "hot iron"
01:05:09 Forrest Cavalier: πυρωμένον σίδηρον
01:06:30 Anthony: Replying to "πυρωμένον σίδηρον" 
 I apologize for interrupting you Forrest
01:11:23 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father Blessing
01:11:33 Forrest Cavalier: Replying to "πυρωμένον σίδηρον"
My fault.
01:11:35 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:11:46 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
01:11:49 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr. God bless

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part VII

When reading the fathers, it is as if we are swimming in the living waters of their faith and love for God.  In this sense we are in a privileged position: we are able to catch a glimpse of what might otherwise be completely incomprehensible to us. Yet the warmth of the light of their faith is undeniable; for contrition is often understood and experienced as the coldest of realities, expressing only the poverty of our sin and the distance from God that it creates. When reading the fathers, however, we begin to see that contrition is love and rooted, most importantly, in a relationship of love with merciful God. 
God has come among us and take our flesh upon himself and so there is nothing foreign to Him about our experience or the poverty of our sin. He has entered into it all, embracing it, carrying it, and experiencing every subtle impact that it has upon our hearts. Contrition and the tears that often flow because of it is part of God‘s providential care for us. There are many reasons why we might have a punitive vision of God and how he engages us. If we focus only on our sin or if we simply over analyze on an intellectual level who God is and the nature of sin then we are destined for despondency. A faith that is solely moralistic and legalistic can crush the spirit, sometimes permanently.
Once we experienced true contrition, we must allow it to reveal the meaning and the purpose of our tears; or better yet, we must simply allow ourselves to experience the impact of this reality on our hearts and how it can open us up to an unparalleled experience of the love and mercy of God. One period of tears shed for love can preserve virtues that have been hard won over the course of years. These tears are shaped not only by emotion or sorrow but by the grace of God.
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Text of chat during the group: 
00:15:15 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 253, # 12
00:32:45 Kate : If someone has had a very legalistic experience within the Church, does it take a leap of faith to make the shift to even believe in the love of God?  In other words, does one have to bow down in humility and accept the love of God as a matter of faith?
00:52:15 Myles Davidson: More than one Catholic exorcist have said that Nefarious is the best portrayal of demonic possession on film they’ve seen. Great film!
01:05:58 Myles Davidson: That’s just about my favourite desert father teaching thus far. Beautiful image!
01:06:17 Vanessa: Love it too.
01:06:26 Vanessa: Reacted to "That’s just about my..." with ❤️
01:17:09 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing
01:17:37 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:17:40 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:18:00 Bob Čihák, AZ: Bless you!!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part VI

Contrition is love! To many this will seem to be an absurdity, but when we look not only to the writings of the fathers, but to the life of Christ himself something far more beautiful begins to emerge. Contrition, in order for it to be genuine and not to lead to despair, must be tied to a depth of love that does not allow for any other response from the heart than to weep. One of the perfect examples came tonight through the teaching of Abba Poimen. “On one occasion, as he was returning to Egypt, Abba Poimen saw a woman sitting on a tomb and weeping bitterly. He said to himself: ‘If all of the delights of the world were assembled in front of her, they could not comfort her soul, because she is mourning. So, also, should the monk always have contrition in his soul’”. This woman lost her beloved and no one and no thing in this world could prevent her from mourning his loss. For example, when a couple has been married for many years and, as Christ tells us, the two become one, the loss of this love is like the dying of part of oneself. The depth of the love is mirrored by the intensity of the experience of the loss. Similarly, a soul who not only understands that Christ is her Beloved, but has experienced it in the depths of her heart, and lives it on a daily basis, is going to experience the loss or betrayal of this love as something that pierces the heart. 
Contrary to public opinion, love is not blind. In fact, just the opposite. Love, the more that the heart has been purified and freed of selfishness and pride, is going to see things with a perfect clarity such that the individual participates in the experience of the Other. The great example of this is Mary, the Mother of our Lord. It is prophesied by Simeon that her child was destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel and that a sort of sorrow would pierce through her heart as well. Mary was not an outside observer but through her humility and love participated radically in the ministry and suffering of her son. The death of the beloved, of Love, could not help but pierce her heart, transfixing it to her son’s. Such should be our experience of contrition. The deeper our love for the Lord becomes the more we see of our poverty and of His immeasurable compassion, the more our hearts are pierced with sorrow when we turn away from Him. In this sense, nothing is small or inconsequential. We see how our hearts can betray us and betray Christ. This is part of the reality of allowing ourselves to be drawn into the mystery of the Cross; not only to allow ourselves to be stretched out in love for others, but to experience how our own betrayal and neglect adds to the poverty of a world darkened by sin. 
Weep we must because love demands it. This we must understand literally as we see Christ himself weep at the tomb of his friend Lazarus and how shaken he is when he sees the multitude that are like sheep without a shepherd, abandoned, wounded and beyond recognition. May God have mercy on us, and may our faith be such that we allow love to pierce our hearts as Christ allowed it to pierce His own.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:13:36 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 261, # 4
00:29:59 Maureen Cunningham: Page ?
00:34:07 Myles Davidson: Replying to "Page ?"
252 #6
00:36:02 Anthony: In reading Archbishop Raya, The Face of God. He says in Byzantine Rite, forgiveness comes in giving praise to God, in a different way than Sacramental Confession.
00:49:59 Anthony: If it's not tied to faith in God, such superattentiveness will drive you batty trying to sort what thoughts are actually yours, how culpable you are, multiplying thought on thought. Faith has to cut it off and say No more!
00:53:38 Rebecca Thérèse: It seems that the boy chose to be hit with the bowling ball. If you warned him several times, it was selfish of him to obstruct you when it was your turn. He probably never thinks of this event at all.
00:56:09 Kate : Is there a certain fear of contrition in the sense that if we really saw the truth about our sins we wouldn’t be able to bear it?
01:00:15 Anthony: St Gregory of Narek,  Lamentations, is the best book I've found to balance grief and hope. He's a guide on not being overwhelmed.
01:07:19 Rick Visser: "when he calls upon God with discernment" ??
01:09:10 Julie: I don’t know if this is related, but Fr Sophrony was asked,” give me a word for the salvation of my soul”Without hesitation he replied.” Stand at the brink of the abyss of despair, and when you see that you cannot bear it anymore, draw back a little and have a cup of tea “.
01:13:30 Maureen Cunningham: Is your birthday soon
01:14:02 Nypaver Clan: That IS NOT old!!!!
01:15:04 Bob Čihák, AZ: You'll get used to being "old", I bet.
01:15:26 Maureen Cunningham: Both good
01:15:36 Janine: Thank you Father
01:16:15 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part V

One of the amazing things about reading the lives in the teachings of the desert fathers is that we begin to see that we are part of the body of Christ and among the many who have sought to make the spiritual journey over the centuries.  We aren’t Christians in isolation. This means not only that we hold and believe the same truths about the faith that have been revealed to us but also that we seek to embrace in all of its fullness the life and the love of that Christ has made possible for us. We struggle with the same wounds, similar dispositions and mindsets that affect the way that we view the world around us and the way that we practice the faith. The acknowledgment of this communion and the desire to breathe the same air and to travel the same path is a source of great strength for us. Not only are we guided by the teachings of Christ and the gift of His Spirit but also by the many Saints and Martyrs who embody this reality in their lives. 
One of the great fruits of this is Hope. The struggle with the poverty of our sin, the sorrow that it brings can leave us feeling alone and isolated. But as we listen to the stories from the Fathers on contrition and how to shape this habit of mind and virtue, it is as if we are taken by the hand and guided toward Christ. The Scriptures tell us that we are to console others as we ourselves have been consoled. The Fathers console us in so many different ways. They do this most simply by presenting us with the truth of our struggle with sin and also the depth of God‘s mercy and compassion. They struggle so hard to prevent us from falling into despondency and give us the healing balm of their wisdom to keep us moving forward - even if we should make a wreck of our life on a daily basis. 
On the most beautiful things they teach us in the Evergetinos is that contrition is not about self-contempt so much as it is about self-knowledge; of seeing the truth of the wound of sin and our need for the Divine Physician. What is asked of us is not perfection, but rather to live in a spirit of faith and repentance; with humble hearts to turn to the One who loves us and desires to heal us.  These reasons alone are enough to convince a soul to seek constant nourishment and guidance from the fathers.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:06:27 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 249, F. From St. Barsanouphios
00:15:19 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 249, F. From St. Barsanouphios
00:21:41 Myles Davidson: Chat GPT had never heard of the St. Barsonouphous / Buddha connection, for what it’s worth
00:23:36 Myles Davidson: Replying to "Chat GPT had never h..."
…nor an internet search
00:27:31 Rod Castillo: Replying to "Chat GPT had never h…"I think you are referring to the legend of Barlaam and Josaphat.  Barlaam was thought to have been the Buddha in Christian guise.
00:27:55 Lindsey Funair: Is it sinful to cry out of contrition over sins already confessed?
00:28:29 Anthony: I apologize to all: the story of Barlaam and Joseph is connected to Buddha.  New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia mentions the connection.
00:41:11 Kate : I recently read that one of the fathers said that profound and deep sighs are the same as physical tears.
00:42:44 Lindsey Funair: Sometimes it would seem the physical tears are a blessing as the person would otherwise doubt their own sincerity if it weren't for the outward sign. So they can then experience the connection more purely. Because it makes it easier to accept, the reality of the state of the soul, without the distraction of being unworthy to talk to God. But it is very inconvenient when driving and attracts bad attention at church.
00:44:00 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Sometimes it would s..." with 👍🏼
00:44:33 Lindsey Funair: Groans, which have no understandable meaning, have been spoken of that way.
00:47:05 Una: If you want to stop crying during Mass, try inflicting pain on the side of your thumb with the fingernail of the opposite thumb. The pain will distract you as you try to breath through it (as with natural childbirth breathing). No harm will be done your thumb. Cry when you get home.
00:52:49 Adam Paige: “When he went to church on Saturdays and Sundays he walked alone in deep thought, allowing no one to approach him lest his concentration should be interrupted. In church he stood in a comer, keeping his face turned to the ground and shedding streams of tears. For, like the holy fathers, and especially like his great model Arsenios, he was always full of contrition and kept the thought of death continually in his mind.” - Abba Philimon (Philokalia volume 2)
00:54:33 Anthony: How do we distinguish real contrition or trying to be contrite versus grief for not living up to perfection, or a craven approach to God, or emotional instability? Or does this even matter, since you trust God to bring you along to His goodness in the end?
01:00:18 Lindsey Funair: Most of us have a hard enough time staying on the path that it is hard to imagine the temptation to stay on the path, but without walking forward, that becomes its own temptation.
01:14:46 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:15:09 Lindsey Funair: Thank you, Father. Please include me for Saturday's email.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part IV

“Contrition is his very name!” This is how the authors describe a monk who not only is contrite of heart, but who also lives always in this state. What becomes clear in the writings and experience of the desert fathers is that contrition is the source of consolation. The capacity to see one’s sin, though painful, is also the path to healing. It draws us to God and creates a thirst in our heart that only he can satisfy.We might wonder how we, living in the world, can maintain the same state. It is not only by humbly acknowledging our sins before God or remembering our mortality. This certainly contributes to fostering such blessed mourning. Yet what truly shapes the heart is the realization that our soul, which is of greater worth to us than the whole world, has been deadened by sins and lies dying before us. One contemporary elder said that God loves an individual soul more than the entire cosmos!  It is this vision of the beauty of the human soul and the depth of God‘s love that moves the heart the most to the sorrow that draws us back to the Beloved; that gives rise to the tears that become a source of true consolation. May God fill our hearts with such contrition and open our eyes to the depth of his love.
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Text of chat during the group: 
00:13:21 Una: What page are we on in the Nun Christina translation?
00:14:09 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Not sure. I don’t have that translation
00:14:25 Janine: Page 182 nun christina
00:15:44 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 246, first full paragraph
00:18:11 Una: Thank you for the page number
00:21:38 wayne: Is there a difference between contrition and repentance?
00:29:08 Suzanne Romano: I'm hearing a beautiful dichotomy. The sense of being incapable of perfectly conforming to the will of God; and yet a deep consolation.
00:58:58 Rebecca Thérèse: song of Bernadette
00:59:06 Nypaver Clan: Song of Bernadette
01:04:29 Janine: St Gregory of Narak
01:05:08 Janine: From the depths of the heart
01:13:26 Sean Coe: Maintain a spirit of peace and you will save a thousand souls - St Seraphim of Sarov
01:18:19 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:18:27 Suzanne Romano: Pax!
01:18:32 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
01:18:37 Sean Coe: Thank you, Fr Charbel

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part III

The loss of the spirit of contrition can take place whenever our hearts become hardened; when we grow sluggish in the spiritual life or our attention shifts off of our own sin and need for God‘s mercy and is redirected towards the things of the world or to the sins of others. The desert fathers pull back the veil on the human heart and reveal the motivation for our actions and thoughts. We often become very skilled at satisfying our morbid delight for seeing others weaknesses and their natural flaws and defects. Rather than keeping our focus upon contrition for our own sins and seeking purity of heart, we become preoccupied with our neighbor; judging them, becoming frustrated and irritated with them, pushing our opinions upon them, becoming upset when we do not receive what we believe we deserve or when we feel that we have been misjudged and slandered. Rather than having an eye for the needs of the other and instead of being tender and gentle in our attitude, we often see others as an obstacle to our happiness or our freedom. When we could be a source of peace and healing we become rough to the point that our interactions with others is akin to rubbing up against sandpaper. Those closest to us often elude us. Sometimes we do not know what to give and even what we do give may not be helpful or wanted. But we can still love them - we can love them completely. A human being is not someone we are called to fix, correct or judge, but rather one we are called to embrace with the same love and to offer the same consolation as we have received from Christ.
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00:14:14 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 245 first paragraph on this page
00:14:24 Janine: Suzanne..that sounds awful…I will pray for you!
00:14:41 Suzanne Romano: Thank you Janine!!!!
00:37:10 Catherine Opie: This is like being a parent as well
00:56:21 Lindsey Funair: thank you, that helps a lot
00:56:35 Bob Čihák, AZ: An invitation to be nosey? When an acquaintance once said something about a third person like "Yes, I know why he left that job but I'm not going to say why" it sounded like an invitation to get nosey, so I simply didn't respond at all, and went on my way.
00:57:44 Joseph: St. Maximos the Confessor writes, “Cut off the passions, and you will soon silence the senses. Restrain the senses, and you will easily calm the passions.” The goal of ascetic struggle, through repentance and bodily hardship, is not to reject the senses, but to purify them. The senses are not the cause of sin; rather, sin arises from the passionate response to the representations that the senses convey. The desert (silence) is a means of purification, to restore our noetic vision to health, so we can perceive sense data, sight, sound, touch, etc., without passion. This is the what we aim for anyway!
00:58:35 Joseph: From Second Century on Love, 2.15
01:03:34 Myles Davidson: The Litany of Humility springs to mind
From the desire of being approved,Deliver me, O Jesus.From the fear of being humiliated,Deliver me, O Jesus.From the fear of being despised,Deliver me, O Jesus.
et. al
01:06:35 Catherine Opie: St Teresa of Avila would say that anyone who slandered her was probably right. That really struck me when I read it. Because it is really the antithesis of what I was brought up to believe.
01:06:37 Myles Davidson: Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val y Zulueta
01:06:41 Lorraine Green: Marie del  val
01:14:08 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️
01:14:26 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr. God bless.
01:14:31 Julie: God bless
01:14:34 Lindsey Funair: thank you!
01:14:37 Suzanne Romano: Pax!
01:14:37 Lorraine Green: God bless

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXII, Part II

At the end of many of these groups, my only thought is that the beauty of the writings of the fathers is exquisite. Often when reading them one is both pierced to the heart, but also raised up and consoled. This is surprisingly so in this hypothesis on contrition. None of the fathers’ writings appear to be an abstraction, but rather their words reverberate with the pain and the love ofthose who experienced the struggle with sin. 
One comes to know not only the weight and burden of sin, but a kind of otherworldly darkness to which it drags the soul. A soul begins to understand how the demons act as accusers; seeking to cast it down into the depths of despair after having coaxed it into sin.
There are two kinds of contrition with which we must become familiar. The first is rooted in fear; the acknowledgment of the coming judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. The soul becomes painfully aware of what it is to turn away from He who is light and life. The second kind of contrition, however, arises out of desire for the kingdom. Once a soul has tasted the sweetness of God‘s compassion they weep tears over any way that they turn from the depths of that Love. That are hearts would be watered with this kind of contrition is an extraordinary gift!
To see contrition as a gift is admittedly difficult. Yet in reading the fathers one comes to see that it is not only the prerequisite for the spiritual life, but also the path that opens one up to the deepest consolation. To see ourselves as we truly are, to stand in the light of the truth, may be extremely painful, but that light comes from the Physician of souls, who in the very act of revealing our sins removes them.
It is then with freedom that the soul can entrust itself to God to chastise it; knowing that “a broken and contrite heart the Lord will not scorn”.  Every breath becomes a groan; a cry of love that is united to the groan of the Spirit that dwells within the human heart. The humbled soul is then elevated, exalted, to God who embraces his prodigal child and rejoices. This bitter path then is the path to true joy. And taking it, the soul loses interest in anything else around him; most of all the actions of others or their sins. He will judge no man, knowing that he himself will soon stand before the Judge of all.
Imagine hearts that take up the burden of their own sins, that do not say so much as a word on their own behalf and that confess what they have done and accept that whatever comes to them is just and fitting for it comes from the hand of the Lord!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:13:35 Myles Davidson: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/9068317091?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_nz00:18:08 Anthony: I knew it! Jazz music. :)
00:23:24 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 241 A paragraph starting “For many….”
00:23:45 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "P. 241 A paragraph s..." with 🙏🏻
00:38:44 Anthony: The Communion of the Saints.
00:41:19 Anthony: Then it is a blessing to endure the enemies' false accusations now to be vaccinated against them and hope in God at the moment of death.
00:58:10 Suzanne Romano: So important to understand that these lamentations are not hyperbole, but rather the depth of the anguish of self knowledge in this vale of tears.
01:00:41 Anthony: When I would hear about people's great Sins, I would realize the root of every one I could see in myself in small ways and it was terrifying.  I think maybe this realization is also part of Isaiah's grief?
01:05:05 Forrest Cavalier: ps 51:19 My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn. (Much of the previous paragraphs from Ephraim mirror Ps 51, too)
01:05:22 Suzanne Romano: It's interesting to consider whether this depth of the remorse of self knowledge, and the pain and crying out to God that is engendered, becomes the seed of perfect confidence in God as Physician and Helper.
01:05:37 Anthony: Then we should pray for the greatest of sinners as if we are praying for our own souls?
01:09:05 Sr. Mary Clare: I think of St. Mary Magdalene weeping for her sins on the feet of Jesus and how He says to her that her sins are forgiven because she has loved much. Her compunction of heart was seen in it's depths by Jesus Christ
01:09:14 Maureen Cunningham: Jesus prayer
01:11:27 Suzanne Romano: One of the most heartening thoughts for the contrite, is that their suffering is love. It doesn't feel like love, but it is love, and the God of Love recognizes it.
01:12:00 Sr. Mary Clare: Reacted to "One of the most hear..." with ❤️
01:20:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You , Blessing to all
01:21:16 Sr. Mary Clare: St. Peter sees the miracle of Jesus multiplying fish, He says, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." In the confessional we approach the mercy seat of God, and we almost want to say the same as Peter did. God's mercy is so great!
01:21:22 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:21:24 Catherine Opie: Once again thank you Fr. and God bless 🙏🏻❤️

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXXI, and XXXII, Part I

In their discussion of the struggle with the passions and in particular those associated with the bodily appetites and what we experienced through the senses, the fathers do not neglect to show us the effect that our thoughts and our lack of watchfulness can have upon the unconscious. Certain images and ideas will emerge from our dreams and often take on a form that can be agitating or of a subject matter that is disturbing spiritually. The fathers want us to understand that we are not morally culpable for what arises during the night in our dreams nor can the Evil One directly influence what happens because of our dreams such as nocturnal emissions. Yet, are not to ruminate upon the meaning or the content of these dreams during the day. To do so is to open ourselves “daydreaming”, where we openly allow ourselves to think about images thoughts and ideas that came to mind during the night. Such rumination then can be a source of temptation for us. It is best to set such thoughts aside and focus on fostering temperance and love. As long as we are focused upon God then what arises out of the unconscious will eventually be healed as well. However, if we are slothful or worse prideful we become more subject to the effects of such a dreams or their frequency will become more prominent in our life because of our lack of spiritual discipline.
In Hypothesis XXXII, our attention is drawn toward the work of contrition. Saint Gregory tells us that contrition manifest itself in many forms of spiritual beauty. This is striking if only because of the negative connotation that the word contrition sometimes holds. Saint Gregory tells us that ultimately it is a path to beauty, goodness and love. When a soul first seeks after God at the outset it feels contrition out of fear. It is humbled by the depths of its poverty and how contrary this is to that which is good and to our essential dignity. Tears begin to flow and as they do the soul begins to develop a certain courage in the spiritual life and is warmed by a desire for heavenly joy. The soul which shortly before wept from the fear that it might be condemned, eventually weeps bitterly simply because of how far it perceives itself from the kingdom of heaven. As the soul is cleansed, however, it clearly beholds before it what the choirs of angels are and the splendor that belongs to these blessed spirits. Ultimately, the soul begins to behold the vision of God himself. One then weeps for joy as it waits to experience this vision in its fullness. When perfect contrition emerges then the soul’s thirst for God is satiated; tears now turning in to the living waters of the kingdom.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:11:02 Lorraine Green: Fr., can you take a Mass request?  Where would we send that is so?  And the stipend?
00:11:33 Suzanne Romano: Reacted to I've got a (pet) rab... with "😄"
00:14:00 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 238 # A
00:21:21 Anthony: This is also an exercise of faith....if a person is hunted by fear of filth, and filth separates us from God, the fathers recommend the exercise of faith and ignoring false feelings of filth.
00:23:37 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "This is also an exer..." with ❤️
00:23:41 Andrew Adams: Reacted to "This is also an exer..." with ❤️
00:25:25 Suzanne Romano: St. Alphonsus recommends, for holy purity, three Hail Marys before sleep and three upon waking.
00:26:06 Suzanne Romano: TV opens up the portals of the passions.
00:27:32 Catherine Opie: There is nothing more enjoyable to do with kids than to read a book aloud.
00:28:06 Sheila Applegate: Quitting can feel like a drug addiction. It can release the neurotransmitter dopamine and it is so craveable.
00:28:50 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Quitting can feel li..." with 👍🏻
00:28:57 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "St. Alphonsus recomm..." with ❤️
00:29:01 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "This is also an exer..." with 🙏🏻
00:29:02 Marias iphone 14: Reacted to "There is nothing mor…" with ❤️
00:29:33 Bob Čihák, AZ: We gave up TV easily. After we drove 2 cars from WA to AZ and had my laptop brick and the AC in one car break, 7 years ago, we haven't yet bother to get a TV.
00:36:19 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "We gave up TV easily..." with 🤓
00:37:28 Anthony: Fyi....even common technology works against us. I have a program on my new cell phone that I don't know how to get off, and when I swipe to use my phone, I'm getting pornography and other ads that is the first thing I see.
00:38:05 Suzanne Romano: I think porn rewires the brain.
00:40:02 Wayne: Have heard one author say that men who have this issue  want to stop but seem powerless to stop the addiction
00:40:29 Myles Davidson: The book “Your Brain On Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction” looks at the science behind the rewiring process
00:42:17 Suzanne Romano: There's a spiritual warfare aspect to the addiction.
00:43:51 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "There's a spiritual ..." with 👍🏻
00:53:08 Catherine Opie: Replying to "Fyi....even common t..."
Is it a google app for news and advertising? I had that on my new phone. You can go to your apps and remove it. It will usually have some kind of media logo on it. So you can see what app it is. Also you can change the settings on your screen, it may just be a simple case of turning off the advertising notifications
01:06:12 Lindsey Funair: Maybe hardest part for me in recognizing the beauty and wanting of the divine is how it folds back on the weak spirit in the form of idolatry and covetousness of that which is so supremely beautiful simply because it reflects God's Love.
01:06:15 Anthony: Reacted to Is it a google app f... with "👍"
01:08:23 Forrest Cavalier: Life-giving repentance is in today's readings. “God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.” Acts 11:18 from today's mass readings (western church.)
01:10:20 Anthony: You also have to love yourself "through" feelings of deficiency, and convince yourself "God hates nothing He has made."
01:17:58 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:18:01 Sr. Mary Clare: thank you!
01:18:04 Lindsey Funair: thank you
01:18:04 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:18:07 Suzanne Romano: Pax!!
01:18:07 Marias iphone 14: Thank you
01:18:14 Catherine Opie: Deo Gratias Fr. Thank you and may God bless you
01:18:15 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
01:18:27 Sr. Charista Maria: Thank you Fr. :)

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part IX and XXX

The more that I read the fathers’ writings and about their spiritual struggles, the more I understand that what we need to see is the desire that is the foundation their life and driving force behind their behaviors.  Our life is to be an urgent longing for God who has given everything to us and revealed his desire to draw us into his life. Our spiritual life cannot be an abstraction; something that exist in the mind alone. Nor can it be a kind of rigorous moralism where one is driven by fear or an intense scrupulosity; rooted in the doubt of God’s compassion and mercy. 
We have had to read the Evergetinos very closely and with a critical eye; for the stories capture for us the fathers’ struggle to hold on to the one thing necessary while maintaining a balanced understanding of what it is to be a human being. This is a difficult thing for people to do in general and for the fathers we find that there withdrawal from society intensified and complicated this struggle. We have noted in past discussions the tendency to project the struggle within the human heart onto others as the cause of their anger, lust, etc. In reality, the battle lies within.
Having said this, we must understand that desire is the heart of the spiritual life. It is the one thing that we should be seeking to inflame from moment to moment and day to day. This the fathers understood; especially those who had experienced a radical intimacy with God and purity of heart. When one has tasted the sweetness of the kingdom, the life and love of the living God, then the urgency of one’s desire for God and holding on to what is precious becomes the goal of life. When one’s heart has been touched by the Beloved one can think of nothing else. And when one has lost that intimacy through ingratitude or sloth, the depths of pain in the heart is equally great.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:01:43 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: This is the best reflection I’ve read on Climacus’ description of the prison in The Ladder of the Divine Ascent:The visitation of the uncreated Light generates the most intense desire which does not allow man any rest on earth. When speaking to his monastic community, Father Sophrony indicated that the prisoners in The Ladder of Saint John Climacus were not ordinary people. They were not people to be despised as sinners who were expelled to be punished. They were people of unrestrainable desire for God, who had known the uncreated Light and then lost it after having sinned in one way or another. They voluntarily went to that prison, determined to die rather than to betray the covenant they had made with God in the beginning. As we read, some of them were so totally consumed by the pain of their desire and repentance, that they passed to the other life even before they had reached the tenth day of their abode in that prison.00:01:49 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: There is a verse from the Psalms which truly describes the state of those prisoners: ‘Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.’ In my humble opinion, there is not a more perfect expression of the gift of longing for the living God than this verse of prophet David. Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou “Monasticism”
00:12:35 Suzanne Romano: Nothing in chat
00:12:36 Maureen Cunningham: Nope
00:12:41 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: This is the best reflection I’ve read on Climacus’ description of the prison in The Ladder of the Divine Ascent:The visitation of the uncreated Light generates the most intense desire which does not allow man any rest on earth. When speaking to his monastic community, Father Sophrony indicated that the prisoners in The Ladder of Saint John Climacus were not ordinary people. They were not people to be despised as sinners who were expelled to be punished. They were people of unrestrainable desire for God, who had known the uncreated Light and then lost it after having sinned in one way or another. They voluntarily went to that prison, determined to die rather than to betray the covenant they had made with God in the beginning. As we read, some of them were so totally consumed by the pain of their desire and repentance, that they passed to the other life even before they had reached the tenth day of their abode in that prison.
00:12:49 Suzanne Romano: Yes
00:12:50 Julie: Yes
00:12:50 Maureen Cunningham: Yes
00:12:55 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: There is a verse from the Psalms which truly describes the state of those prisoners: ‘Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.’ In my humble opinion, there is not a more perfect expression of the gift of longing for the living God than this verse of prophet David. Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou “Monasticism”
00:12:59 Troy Amaro: Reacted to "This is the best ref…" with 👍
00:23:47 Adam Paige: Reacted to "This is the best ref..." with 👍
00:23:55 Julie: Beautiful
00:26:46 Bob Čihák, AZ: Reacted to "Beautiful" with 👍
00:52:14 Catherine Opie: Fr. with priests who are in the world they are working with young boys all the time mentoring them as servers and during the mass there is a lot of close contact holding vestments etc. I had never really considered this situation in this way. And we are told these days that human touch is necessary for good mental health as well.
00:52:15 Sr. Charista Maria: Fr. are you familiar with Aelred of Rievaulx, Saint of Holy Friendship? Some of what he shares is different than this. Yes it is scary out there though.
00:52:55 Sr. Charista Maria: St. Aelred is very personable though prudent.
00:56:35 Forrest Cavalier: Like most acolytes, nothing inappropriate happened as I served as an acolyte under many priests for 10 years. Nothing inappropriate. The number of abusers is a small percentage. Too many, but a small percentage. That means that this requirement is not difficult.
00:56:52 Sr. Mary Clare: Concerning priests with altar boys, It takes prayer and discernment to lead the boys to Jesus rather than to themselves. A holy reserve can go a long way. Loving others without any possessive love.
00:57:37 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Like most acolytes, ..." with 👍🏻
00:57:44 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Concerning priests w..." with 👍🏻
00:58:22 Lori Hatala: Do you think a lack of reverence contributes?
00:59:02 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "Concerning priests w..." with 👍🏻
00:59:13 Dennis M: Reacted to "Concerning priests w..." with 👍🏻
00:59:24 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "Do you think a lack ..." with 👍
01:13:54 Maureen Cunningham: Yes loud
01:15:44 Suzanne Romano: Isaac speaks about the senses being the conduits of a darkening of the soul. I think he says we have to starve them.
01:15:55 Maureen Cunningham: Desert Fathers went to desert fight the evil.
01:20:54 Sr. Mary Clare: Your beautiful explanations are very balanced. Thank you!
01:21:46 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
01:21:47 Catherine Opie: It becomes clearer all the time how
01:21:51 Sr. Charista Maria: very good Fr.
01:22:06 Janine: It was great Father! Thank you!
01:22:28 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:22:35 Suzanne Romano: God bless!
01:22:36 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:22:44 Catherine Opie: God bless
01:22:48 Bob Čihák, AZ: You're always on target, Father. The targets change, thank God!
01:22:48 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
01:23:05 Maureen Cunningham: We're do you listen

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part VIII

What is the limit of our desire for God?  What conditions do we set on our pursuit of virtue, constancy of prayer and the avoidance of sin? What emerges from the writings of the fathers is their willingness to sacrifice themselves and comfort in ways that are unimaginable to the modern mind. Beyond that their actions seem to be absurd and extreme to the point of falling to the criticism of masochism or self hatred. It is very difficult for many to grasp the nature of such thirst and desire for God and to please Him. Equally, it is hard to imagine going to the lengths that these ascetic did in avoiding sin or overcoming temptation in the heat of the battle. They often treated the body harshly to prevent themselves from pursuing natural or disordered desires. Rarely do we consider the pretext that the Evil One is willing to use to draw us into sin. Therefore, we often will put ourselves to the test or engage in futile warfare that bears witness to pride within our hearts. Thus, even in our critical reading of the fathers we have to be wary of allowing our modern sensibilities to convince us that we see things with greater clarity psychologically and spiritually. If we are wrapped in the illusion of faith and comfortable with mediocrity, our sensibilities are going to be dulled and the Cross will remain for us as it has often been in every generation – a stumbling block rather than the revelation of selfless love.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:01:26 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 231 number 9
01:01:12 Suzanne Romano: This is the reason  why people should dress modestly.
01:02:40 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "This is the reason  ..." with 👍
01:03:02 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "This is the reason  ..." with ❤️
01:07:45 Kate : When children are formed in truth, goodness, and beauty from a young age, they are able to see the falsehood in secular culture.
01:08:37 Suzanne Romano: Reacted to When children are fo... with "❤️"
01:12:15 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "When children are fo..." with ❤️
01:12:28 Anthony: I often think: if these things against innocence are wrong, why does God let it happen? And I have to fight rising anger.
01:16:36 Suzanne Romano: That is a truly consoling answer!
01:16:58 Sr. Charista Maria: Wow, great response Father :).I
01:21:57 Tracey Fredman: I have tasted it - what Fr. is saying is so right - so true, transformative - and then He sends us -
01:22:18 Anthony: Reacted to I have tasted it - w... with "❤️"
01:22:27 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "I have tasted it - w..." with ❤️
01:23:02 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "When children are fo..." with ❤️
01:23:49 Suzanne Romano: Your soul is always young!
01:24:31 Laura: Reacted to "Your soul is always ..." with 👍🏼
01:24:51 Suzanne Romano: 😆
01:25:05 Lee Graham: What is your address
01:25:11 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:25:30 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing
01:25:57 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:25:58 Catherine Opie: Deo Gratias
01:26:10 Julie: God bless
01:26:24 Catherine Opie: My dog has awoken

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part VII

We see clearly within the struggles of the desert fathers how difficult it can be to avoid extremes in thought and action. We see in them those filled with desire for God and striving for purity of heart; maintaining watchfulness and fostering a hatred of sin. Yet, how is one form and develop a sensitive conscience and awareness of the power of our own appetites and desires as human beings, concern with demonic provocation, and yet to hold on to a true view of the beauty of creation and the dignity of the human person? As fully invested as the desert fathers were, and as psychologically and spiritually astute as they could be, this was no small task. We find in their language at times a tendency to project their fear of sin or temptation onto others. This can be uniquely the struggle of religious people; rather than humbly acknowledging the truth within our own hearts and the power of our own desires we will blame temptation upon others – on the things they say or do. Saint Philip Neri once said: “Man is often the carpenter of his own crosses”. We do not like to acknowledge the truth of that fact; that we are the source of our own temptation or that it arises out of our own imagination and memory.
Despite this, however, they did see very clearly that the Evil One can use every pretext to provoke a person into sin. The devil can appear as an angel of light, and the desert fathers would have us never forget this. Even that which is good - those bonds of love and familial affection, nostalgia for those relationships that have been so powerful - all of these things, the evil one will work on to distract us or pull us in a particular direction. One might argue, somewhat convincingly, that such a concern is extreme or neurotic. In this we do not want to defend the indefensible. However, we want to understand the changeableness of the human heart and mind, its fickleness and treachery. Demonic provocation can turn the mind and the heart toward things that we never imagined we would ever consider or do. May God have mercy on us and guide us.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:19:49 Wayne: page  again
00:20:09 Myles Davidson: Pg 230 L 4
00:20:30 Wayne: thnx
00:28:58 Anthony: This actually makes a lot of sense if we consider pagan myth. Monks strove to be like the descriptions of angels. But that desire to be "heavenly" can be perverted if we let the pagan myths distort our minds of the heavenly since sex was so often part of myth: like the relationship of Uranos and Gaiea, or the Olympians. We need a right view of God and creation and created things if we will truly strive to the true God.
00:52:05 Anthony: I saw it. Very good.  Also has scenes of temptation to love a woman who was attracted to him when they were young.
00:57:34 Catherine Opie: Being a new convert and coming from a non Catholic, mostly atheist family, and having a friend base who are not Christian I can relate in a small way how that might feel. I have had both friends and family become vitriolic over my change in belief. It can be challenging because I am no longer their ally in viewpoint.
01:03:01 Ashton L: I’d say a lot of people get fanatic and someone with genuine zeal confused
01:04:11 Anthony: Honest, not being a fanatic is a serious concern because some kinds of fundamentalism and truly nuts and malformed.  I don't want to be that guy.  I don't want to blow out of proportion stories of demons or private visions.  Then you're almost a solupsist, and insufferable.
01:07:29 Kate : There are a number of Western saints, men and women, who were great friends.  For example, Sts. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, Sts. Francis and Clare, Sts. Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal, among others.  I wonder if you could comment on how to understand these great spiritual friendships in light of these writings.
01:08:02 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "There are a number o..." with 👍
01:08:11 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "There are a number o..." with ❤️
01:08:56 Vanessa: Replying to "There are a number o..."
Jesus also had female friends. Martha and Mary.
01:09:18 Nypaver Clan: St. John of the Cross
01:11:16 Myles Davidson: The Spanish Teresa of Avila mini serieshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBgLeqw6lxe_51ysMXFjR54sQf9LCl6j
01:11:30 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "The Spanish Teresa o..." with 🙏🏻
01:11:46 Ashton L: Reacted to "The Spanish Teresa o…" with 🙏🏻
01:13:58 Rebecca Thérèse: Therese asked that the sisters not put poisonous things within her reach lest she should take it in a moment of weakness
01:14:22 Anthony: Reacted to Therese asked that t... with "❤️"
01:15:01 Andrew Adams: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:15:03 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr. God Bless
01:15:24 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you. Happy Easter everyone🙂
01:15:39 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Thank you. Happy Eas..." with 🥰
01:16:07 Ashton L: Reacted to "Thank you. Happy Eas…" with ❤️
01:17:04 Catherine Opie: Happy Easter!!!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part VI

Tonight‘s group consisted mostly of a monologue (out of necessity) about how it is that we are to read the Fathers. We have learned over these few years that one must read in a discerning and discriminating fashion, as well as prayerfully. There is great wisdom to be found within the ascetical writings, however, we must understand that the spiritual life and the personal struggle of each of the desert monks was unique. Furthermore, the desert itself was a laboratory like no other. In the deep solitude, the fathers saw with great clarity the workings of the human mind and heart as well as temptations that came from within and through demonic provocation. 
If there is one point that I wanted to make clear in pressing through this with the group is that our love of virtue, of God and our desire to be free of the passions can lead us not only into extremes of discipline but also into a kind of psychological violence. The sorrow over our own poverty and sin can lead us to repress certain parts of our personality and aspects of our life as human beings that are a source vitality and the capacity to love. We have often spoken about desire being at the heart of the spiritual life; we seek He  alone who can fill what is lacking within us.  Yet when the ascetic life is treated like a defense mechanism, we can project our struggles and responsibility for ourselves onto others or, in the intensity of the struggle, repress that which is essential to being fully human. This is not an ancient phenomenon. Those who engage in the spiritual battle today can be tempted in similar ways. Each generation is unique in regards to the nature of the battle but the same pitfalls remain.
It is for this reason that the ascetical life cannot be seen as an end in itself. It must begin with Christ, our relationship with him and our trust in his mercy and grace. Devoid of this relationship, the ascetic life can draw us into self focus that is destructive to us both emotionally and spiritually. Thus, our reading of the fathers places upon us a responsibility to be striving at the same time to draw close to Christ. Otherwise, the spiritual life can become a tragic distortion of the truth rather than the source of healing that it is meant to be. The current state of affairs within the life of the Church and the disconnect with this greater spiritual tradition points to such a distortion. When Christianity becomes a cultural phenomenon and whenever even its deepest and most beautiful forms of prayer become habitual and automatic, it becomes lifeless. Let us take heed then of this great responsibility and entrust ourselves to the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All things are possible with God, but without him there is  only darkness or a sad simulation of faith.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:13:17 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 230, K
00:23:29 Rachel: Is the connection instable for anyone else?
00:23:42 Rachel: unstable*
00:24:21 Monk Maximos: Replying to "unstable*"
Mine is fine
00:24:44 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Mine is fine" with 👍🏼
00:24:50 Bob Čihák, AZ: Reacted to "Mine is fine" with 👍🏼
00:25:38 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Mine is fine" with 👍🏼
00:27:02 Anthony: Would it be psychology healthier for people to be ordained or vowed religious as older people? St Paul suggests this, but the stories of saints romanticized young vocations (like St. Agnes).
00:27:55 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Would it be psycholo..." with 🤔
00:30:39 Sr. Charista Maria: Very important thoughts you are sharing Father. Holiness and Wholeness. Human/Spiritual integration.
00:31:30 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Very important thoug..." with ❤️‍🔥
00:32:10 Rachel: Reacted to "Mine is fine" with 🙏
00:33:19 Anthony: Right. Even St Symeon the New Theologian cracked mentally or emotionally as a young man.
00:35:58 Sr. Charista Maria: Pope Leo 13th spoke of the 100 years of satan which we have been in, hence such deep wound today and the need for longer formation for most.
00:38:48 Monk Maximos: The Servants of the Paraclete had a similar experience.
00:41:33 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Very important thoug..." with ❤️
00:44:42 Monk Maximos: Not only secular universities… some “catholic” ones are too.
00:44:54 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "Not only secular uni..." with 👍
00:45:57 Maureen Cunningham: We need the Holy Spirit an lots of joy
00:46:03 Rachel: I wonder if we are not still reeling from that but have only just begun to see the havoc modern psychology relied upon as if gospel truth has wrought upon civilization. The eye when not purified by a life in Christ views the world skewed through modern psychology no matter how good the intentions of those pursuing help though these means. How much though, do we see through this lens? How much doe it affect how we see ourselves, others and Christ Himself? How do we relate to each other?
00:46:18 Forrest Cavalier: Before going to secular college (CMU, late 1980s), I promised myself to always meet my Sunday obligation. I know without a doubt it saved my faith.
00:49:56 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "Before going to secu..." with 🙏🏻
00:57:56 Kate : It seems we have to look at these stories not through a moralistic lens, otherwise we will end up thinking of this in terms or right vs wrong.  Rather, they we seeking healing of the soul and healing from the passions.
00:58:14 Sr. Charista Maria: I believe reading the desert Fathers and also being open to the graces that God is pouring out in our times. There is a great movement within the Church to encourage healing of the deeper heart, opening up the deep struggle or disorder, being so real with Jesus about the longing, and invite Jesus in to redeem, heal; Jesus then reveals the truth that it is really longing for union with Him (the God-sized void) underlying such disorders. Then the disorder becomes a portal to invite God in. Oh happy fault. and St. John of the Cross spirituality. Many are ashamed to invite God into such disordered longing, and they repress and thus close off the deeper heart to God.
00:58:54 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "It seems we have to ..." with 👍
01:02:10 Adam Paige: I see this in a positive light, that we should create spaces for men to be with one another in the church. I went to a men's retreat in Ontario in January and their homework for us was to start a men's group in our parishes if one doesn't already exist. At our last local men's group, we prayed Compline together and we've had Orthodox and Protestant men join us from time to time.
01:08:17 Maureen Cunningham: Monks had mothers I do not understand if Jesus was very close women when did all start
01:11:04 Anthony: In my opinion, some of the issues may be ethnic issues, not fully conformed to the Gospel. Norman's profoundly shaped the  Latin Catholic culture, but they had issues. The Greeks had issues (read the Alexiad...wow!). We all have probematic ethnic issues we are not fully recognizing.
01:13:50 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father
01:13:51 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr. very thought provoking as always.
01:14:32 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:14:38 Sheila Applegate: Reacted to In my opinion, some ... with "👍"
01:14:57 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
01:15:25 Nypaver Clan: Please pray for the soul of Cindy Moran, a member of this group.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part V

In our ongoing discussions of the Desert Fathers’ writings, especially upon sexual desire and sensuality as a whole, one comes to the realization that we have to read in a discerning fashion. In other words, we cannot be lazy while sitting at the feet of the elders. Their wisdom grew out of experience. However, it was the experience of the desert and of monks. What they discovered and understood is unparalleled in its value for the life of the Church and our understanding of spirituality.  Yet, although they saw so very much it does not mean they saw everything or that they articulated it in a way that is going to speak to every generation in the same fashion. Every generation, every person, must embrace and embody the fullness of the gospel through striving to enter by the narrow way. The ascetic life is our exercise of that faith and every generation will have particular struggles and battles that are unique to it. In a time like our own, when so many aspects of the culture have been hyper-sexualized, living a life of purity of heart can seem to be not only a difficult but impossible pursuit. While we can see that the dignity of human sexuality and women change radically with Christianity, those changes were not immediate or complete and we see lingering vestiges where women are seen as the cause of sin.
This implants in the spirituality of purity of heart and the struggle with temptation a kind of misogyny, a temptation to the hatred of the self and of sexuality. Inevitably this leaves a void in our understanding and practice of the faith that can be disastrous. Rather than seeing the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God and our destiny in Christ to participate in the Divine life, we can drift into a lifeless moralism. Christianity must speak to the deepest part of a person‘s religiosity; capturing what it means to be a human being, fully alive and transformed by the grace of God.
Even as we sit at the feet of the Fathers, we must keep our eyes upon Christ; for it is in Him alone, that we can plumb the depths of mysteries of God and the kingdom, but also the mystery of what it is to be a human being. Purity of heart is much more about what we can see having removed the impediment of the ego or of disorder desires. Far from being restrictive, it gives us a greater capacity to love and be loved. What is needed in our day are saints who embody this reality so fully that their lives reveal to us the deepest truths about ourselves and God. Only saints stand transparent to the fullness of truth revealed to us in Christ.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:12:51 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 227, I
00:14:06 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 227, I
00:24:18 Una: Let the past stay in the past, in other words
00:24:32 Diana Sciuto: Reacted to "Let the past stay in…" with ❤️
00:24:49 Mary Clare Wax: This is why it is so important to live in the present moment. The past is dead, the future yet unborn. God is the God of "I Am", not "I Was," or "I Will Be."
00:25:05 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "This is why it is so..." with 👍
00:25:23 Diana Sciuto: Reacted to "This is why it is so…" with 👍
00:26:08 Una: The movie and book "Sophie's Choice" really illustrates the danger
00:26:44 Una: Her memories of trauma
00:34:19 Sr. Mary Clare: Very interesting that the First Reading at Mass today was about Susanna and the Elders lusting after her.
00:34:46 Una: Reacted to "Very interesting t..." with 👍
00:35:27 Sr. Charista Maria: It seems this was the issue with the Pharisees who confronted Jesus for being too close to women, such as the one who washed His feet with her tears. They were projecting their impurity of their hearts onto Him, whose heart is so pure.
00:36:17 Sr. Mary Clare: Reacted to "It seems this was th..." with 👍
00:37:56 Anthony: "Purity Culture"?
00:39:27 Nypaver Clan: Chastity ring or Promise ring almost like a pre-engagement ring
00:43:48 Sr. Charista Maria: Great point Fr.
00:52:51 Sr. Charista Maria: I think of the issue the Pharisees had who confronted Jesus for being too close to women, such as the one who washed His feet with her tears. They were projecting the impurity of their hearts onto Him, whose heart is so pure.
00:53:27 Sr. Mary Clare: Reacted to "I think of the issue..." with ❤️
00:59:27 Anthony: I wonder if any of the women here can enlighten us whether in a woman's general spiritual outlook, there can be a "negative anthropology" about men when they pursue purity? Or are the women in a different dimension in this regard?
00:59:40 Julie: I think it starts with our watchfulness of thoughts.
01:01:02 Julie: I taught my sons to see women as someone’s mother, sister or a daughter with that respect and love in their beauty
01:02:59 Sr. Charista Maria: Agreed Fr. Women bring the heart, such as Mary.
01:04:20 Sr. Mary Clare: It this day and age, it seems to be more of a Jezebel spirit among us.
01:07:45 Anthony: "You will be just like my horse, my dog and my falcon, only I will love you more and trust you less." Pharoah Ramses in The Ten Commandments
01:08:04 Bob Čihák, AZ: “Men and Marriage” by George Gilder is an excellent book for our  current times. He strips off the lies of radical feminist ideologies.
01:08:39 Sr. Charista Maria: Agree with you regarding the Theology of the Body needing more commentary on the transcending aspect of our sexuality.
01:19:04 Sr. Mary Clare: Well said, Father, you are so right concerning this.
01:20:08 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "Well said, Father, y..." with 👍
01:26:11 Sr. Mary Clare: We are called not to be possessive in our love
01:27:26 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:27:27 Forrest Cavalier: Thank you so much!
01:27:42 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part IV

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ENCOUNTERED TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AUDIO IN THE RECORDING OF THIS EPISODE. AS A RESULT, IT DOES SOUND GLITCHY. WE APOLOGIZE.
What is unique and distinctive about the Christian identity, perception of reality, and our experience of what it is to be a human being? How do we experience human sexuality and understand how it is shaped by the grace of God or how it can be distorted by sin or demonic provocation? 
If we are honest, we would have to say that it is the popular culture, modern psychology, and politics that shape our understanding of these things rather than an encounter with the living God. It is Christ who reveals to us what it is to be a human being made in the image and  likeness of God. Beyond this, it is the Grace that comes to us through baptism, the Eucharist, and the gift of the Holy Spirit that shapes are perception of reality most fully. The ascetic life, driven by our desire for God, seeks to remove the impediments to our understanding what it is to be a human being and “fully alive.” We are not simply seeking psychological peace of mind or self understanding. Rather, we are seeking to understand the mystery of our existence and our dignity and destiny in Christ. 
These realities should sharpen and intensify our sensibilities and how we engage in our day-to-day life and relationships. The writings and actions of the desert fathers may seem distorted, masochistic or misogynistic.  Yet, upon deeper reflection we discover they had a fuller experience and understanding of life. One Saint said: “HE who ceases to pray is no longer a human being.” In other words, when we turn away from God, we lose sight of ourselves and the truth. Our focus and our vision is turned downward, like animals, only seeing what is before us and what can be consumed or used to satisfy our own desires. The life and the writings of the fathers cry out to us saying: “See your dignity, O man. See your glory in Christ your Redeemer and embrace your true identity in Him.”
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Text of chat during the group:
00:11:32 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 220, paragraph starting "After these words...."
00:27:32 Sr. Charista Maria: So true Fr. Thank you for your vulnerable sharing regarding social media even if it's ministry; how important it is to be ever vigilant and conscienceous
00:36:27 Anthony: There are some special considerations regarding Arsenius. He fled imperial Rome to enter the Desert. And, he might have in mind the role women played in puffing up Arius.
00:44:39 Julie: This can be both ways.
00:44:55 Julie: For a women
00:49:09 Maureen Cunningham: Was this because it  is the early church. And it would have never lasted all these years.
00:49:18 Maureen Cunningham: Had they compromised
00:52:46 Kate : I don’t know if this is the proper use of the word “gluttony”, but curiosity seems to lead to a certain kind of gluttony for information.
00:53:22 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I don’t know if this..." with 👍🏼
00:55:43 Forrest Cavalier: Fr. de Souza in his March 29 2025 column warns against the 3 "digital P's" online that often lead young men  away from Jesus: Porn, Pious conflict, Politics. Most are aware of the danger of the first, not the other two.
01:06:10 Sr. Charista Maria: It is interesting how some Bible passages, such as Isaiah
10:66, can seem so free in sharing images of bonding between Mother and Child "Oh that you may suck fully... nurse at her breasts", or even espousal union with God, such as Song of Songs, where there is such an underlying purity, which can be so beautiful and meaningful; but still how cautious one must be as spoken of in these writings.
01:10:37 Sr. Charista Maria: Isaiah 66:10 (oops)
01:11:35 Una: Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how does same sex attraction figure with these young boys?
01:12:43 Mary Clare Wax: Reacted to "Isaiah 66:10 (oops)" with 👍
01:12:56 Mary Clare Wax: Reacted to "It is interesting ho..." with ❤️
01:13:06 Mary Clare Wax: Reacted to "Sorry if this is a s..." with 👍
01:14:28 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "Sorry if this is a s..." with 👍
01:17:21 Joseph Muir: The editors note, that immediately follows the last reading, from Ephrem, addresses some of the cultural contexts
01:17:27 Rebecca Thérèse: I heard an expert say that homosexuality used to be something people did now it's something they are which makes it seem immutable.
01:17:28 Sr. Charista Maria: yes, there can be a danger with an emotional bond between a mentor and other.
01:17:49 Sr. Charista Maria: I've heard it said our bonding area is near the genital area.
01:20:11 Mary Clare Wax: The evil one is quite an expert in drawing spiritual friendships into something other.
01:20:52 Sr. Charista Maria: I already posted
01:25:24 Anthony: The Church has been continually berated for its conduct in regard to so many different groups - which is exaggerated  - and that hammers at the resolve to BE Christian.
01:26:33 Una: Thanks for spelling this subject out in detail. I know we'll probably be revisiting it as we go along.
01:27:19 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You  ! Blessing
01:27:35 Sr. Charista Maria: Fr. Charbel, thank you for your classes. They are a wealth of blessings in delving more deeply into the early Church desert Fathers.
01:27:44 Mary Clare Wax: Reacted to "Fr. Charbel, thank y..." with 👍
01:28:14 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:28:16 ANDREW ADAMS: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:28:27 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
01:28:42 Sheila Applegate: Thanks Father!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part III

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.“  As we read through the stories of the desert fathers and the trials and temptations they experienced in relation to their passions, we began to see with greater clarity how we must cling to God and rely on His grace. No matter how disciplined or virtuous an individual may be the wiles of the devil are always going to be relentless and fierce. If the Evil One can appear as an “angel of light”, then he most assuredly can present a thought to the mind that leads one to assent to sin or present himself as the very object of temptation. In the stories of the fathers tonight, the object of temptation was women or thoughts about them that arise through direct contact, conversation or imagination. 
It would be very easy for us and it is often a danger when the Fathers are read out of context to have our thoughts devolve into a negative anthropology - a negative image of what it is to be a human being as well as a sexual being. In hearing some of the stories, one might think that the monks simply sought to destroy this part of themselves or to bury it whether consciously or unconsciously. Perhaps it was simply a manifestation of masochistic repression.
Thus, we must read these stories in a discerning fashion. Yet, even more so, we must read them in context; not only in the context of the larger corpus of the writings we are considering, but in the context of our spiritual lives. For it is only within our own hearts that we begin to understand the nature of human desire as part of our identity and experience of the world. It is also only within our hearts that we understand that desire gives us the capacity to love and give ourselves in love. The ascetic life must reveal that we understand that we are created in the image and likeness of God and that with which He has endowed us is good. It only becomes destructive when it is distorted by sin and selfishness. We must also understand that these desires are very powerful – capable of leading us to great good or, outside of the grace of God, to become something that brings us unending grief.
We must read the Fathers writings, then, within the context of interiorizing the worldview rooted in faith that they put forward. Do we desire what they desired? Are longing for God and the desire to please him the reality that drives us forward in our day-to-day lives? Do we understand that it is only by living in the grace of God, living in Christ, that we become fully human?
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Text of chat during the group:
00:19:21 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 221 # D
00:28:08 Rebecca Thérèse: Do you think that lack of asceticism is a cause of clergy or monks perpetrating abuse or could it  an indicator that perhaps abusers have entered these vocations/occupations with nefarious motives hence they would not be committed to the more challenging aspects of these ways of life?
01:01:49 Forrest Cavalier: Father, I expected to see the mention that desire for sexual relations outside of matrimony is irrational selfishness (especially victimizing women and offspring), and use the contemplation of that realization to dissuade the passions. But I haven’t noticed that in any of these stories so far, which combat the temptation with physical activity (fasting, fleeing, burning) only. Am I missing it? It seems the intellect is ignored.
01:06:47 Mary Clare Wax: The tender love of a perfect Mother, the Mother of God, and consecrating ourselves to her Immaculate Heart is very powerful in this day and age. When we do this, it is like riding the waves of grace rather than being tumbled underneath them.
01:07:11 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "The tender love of a..." with 👍
01:09:09 Sr. Charista Maria: It seems that the more one grows in purity of heart and human/spiritual integration, the less one has such intense struggle or temptation when with a beautiful young woman or a young boy. I believe Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body is a great aid to this. And, yes, I believe our Holy Mother and the Rosary are a GREAT aid!
01:09:47 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "The tender love of a..." with ❤️
01:13:37 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "It seems that the mo..." with 🙏🏼
01:15:03 Adam Paige: Reacted to "It seems that the mo..." with 📿
01:15:22 Adam Paige: Reacted to "The tender love of a..." with 🧕
01:15:42 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Father, I expected t..." with 🧠
01:15:44 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "It seems that the mo..." with 🙏🏻
01:20:34 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing
01:21:08 Mary Clare Wax: Reacted to "It seems that the mo..." with ❤️
01:21:11 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:21:12 Catherine Opie: Thank you Fr.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXIX, Part I

As we are drawn more deeply into the spiritual warfare of the Desert fathers and learn from their stories of how the demons will provoke a soul and lure it into sin, we begin to see how important it is to put on the mind of Christ; that is, to embrace fully the mindset of the person of faith and the life that we are meant to embody. One of the beautiful aspects of the Evergetinos is that it does not simply present us with teachings but also with the concrete struggle of the fathers and the nature and subtlely of demonic provocation. 
We begin to understand that there is no room for pride in the spiritual life. In particular with the passion of fornication, it is the coward who is the victor; that is, he who flees. Our strength is found only in the Lord and clinging to him. We must have no illusion about the strength of our virtue, no matter how long we have engaged in the spiritual life or how virtuous we may seem to be. “Pride rideth before the fall”. 
We also see in these stories how the demons sing out to the soul in order to present the temptation as the most attractive and beautiful of things. They can draw even the most seasoned of ascetics into a kind of crazed frenzy or mania. Therefore, we are taught that we must turn immediately to the Lord, raising our hands to the heavens and falling on our knees, begging for his protection. 
The demons will show no mercy. In fact, their goal is not simply to draw an individual into sin, but also to draw them into despair where repentance is stymied. After a fall, they become the soul’s accuser and will even use scripture to mock her in such a way as to drive her into greater darkness. Their desire is to make us lose confidence in the mercy and compassion of God.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:05:21 Bob Cihak: P. 212 # 8
00:13:45 Bob Cihak: P. 212 # 8
00:20:40 Wayne: What page?
00:20:53 Nypaver Clan: 213
00:21:00 Nypaver Clan: top
00:21:05 Wayne: thanks
00:28:27 Fr Marty, AZ 480-292-3381: It's interesting to consider that we can till the soil for this temptation by giving into other passions. Just reminds me to be vigilant, especially in how I consider others. And in fleeing too. Valuable insight to help me realize that I'm not as blindsided as I thought but I'd been opening doors to weaken me in temptation.
00:32:14 Anthony: Sometimes it takes getting sick and tired of the situation to develop a contempt for it.
00:35:04 Fr Marty, AZ 480-292-3381: Did you say the mindset is called phronema?
00:35:48 Kate : The mindset you describe is like nothing I have ever heard or experienced being a Latin Rite Catholic.
00:39:49 Anthony: The West co.es by it honestly...having to know by size, weight a day number, which medieval texts extrapolate I think from Sirach.  I prefer St Ephrem's poem on the Hidden Pearl taken as a unity.
00:40:12 Anthony: Comes
00:42:19 Nina and Sparky: Phil 2:2 πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαρὰν ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε     "fill up my cup of happiness by thinking with the same mind"  See the last greek word phronete. In modern writing, I have heard the phrase "according to the mind of the church"
00:42:25 Myles Davidson: The word “re-enchantment” is being used more amongst some Catholic circles. The need to return to a more poetic pre-Cartesian worldview
00:44:00 Anthony: Reacted to The word “re-enchant... with "👍"
00:44:11 Nina and Sparky: Sorry, it is me, Forrest Cavalier.
00:51:36 Myles Davidson: The Jesus Prayer is the fastest way to shake off unwanted thoughts, in my experience.
01:04:33 Anthony: But if we can trust what demons say (something I really don't like) their mockery gave a clue of the problem....Exaltation by arrogance.  So, do the opposite.
01:08:20 Fr Marty, AZ 480-292-3381: This seems to reveal that the devil's plan is more than just sin, from which we can again stand and receive forgiveness, but the devil, through sin stirred by pride, attempts  to poison our mind into despair or to forget God and his love for us and our vocation.
01:09:56 Anthony: The devil made himself a bastard in relation to the Creator and wants to bastardize and neuter us.
01:14:26 ANDREW ADAMS: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:14:28 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:14:34 Bob Cihak: Bless you, Father.
01:14:55 Bob Cihak: I forgive you.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXVIII, Part VI

Once again, we are blessed by the practical counsel of the fathers in regard to the struggle with the passion of lust and fornication. What becomes evident is that the struggle is primarily with the thoughts and how we address them in our lives. The origin of such thoughts may be from ourselves and our own memories, what we experience with our senses in the present moment or from demonic provocation. Whatever their origin, our asceticism must be such that we are willing to lay all such thoughts aside in preference for remaining in stillness with our focus set upon Christ. 
It is always best not to engage the thoughts that rush upon us understanding that we will be overwhelmed, especially if their origin is from the demons. We are not to argue or wrestle with the thoughts but rather call upon the holy name of our Lord and to plead for his help and strength. 
This is the source of our healing, even in ways that we do not comprehend. The more we call upon the Lord, the deeper the healing becomes and the more free we become from our attachment to the things of this world. The Jesus Prayer in particular can be used as a gentle weapon to cut away the thoughts as they come upon us. When we are able, it is beneficial to say the prayer in an audible fashion making use of multiple senses. Having a chotki in hand as we say the Prayer and making prostrations repeatedly involves the whole self in the spiritual battle. When we humble ourselves in mind and body before God, He rushes to our aid. 
Thus, humility, vigilance and constancy of prayer must be the foundation of our ascetic practice. Furthermore, we must be simple and not count ourselves as clever in this battle. The wiles of the evil one can turn even our conversations about piety into instruments that agitate and stir up the heart. Let us examine our hearts well as we approach the Great Fast and ask the Lord to be our strength.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:11:46 Niño: Have a nice day everybody 💞 it's 830 am Feb 25 Tuesday here Philippine time
00:15:10 Bob Cihak: P. 210, # G
00:15:46 Kathleen: What is the name of teh beginner’s book?
00:16:07 Kathleen: Thank you
00:16:28 Myles Davidson: https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Introduction-Philokalia-2016/dp/1880971798
00:16:39 Kathleen: Thank you Myles
00:17:05 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Thank you Myles" with 🙏
00:20:50 Josh: Can anyone tell me what page we are on tonight? Thanks.
00:21:03 Bob Cihak: P. 210, # G
00:21:10 Josh: Thank you
00:28:40 Maureen Cunningham: Maybe it was to protect women. It seems that women were used like property and could be cast away and killed.
00:39:46 Myles Davidson: This advice at the end of this saying reminds me of this quote you posted today Fr.“Unceasing calling upon the name of God cures one not only of passions, but also of actions; and as a medicine affects a sick man without his comprehension, similarly the invocation of the name of God destroys passions in a manner beyond our comprehension."
00:40:25 Adam Paige: We have to choose: the news or the nous ! ;)
00:40:30 Maureen Cunningham: Beautiful movie free
00:40:48 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "We have to choose: t..." with 😊
00:40:49 Bob Cihak: When I decided, a long time ago, to let passionate thoughts just go by me, and ignore them, it lightened me a lot. I call this my toreodor defense.
00:40:49 Forrest Cavalier: Reacted to "We have to choose: t..." with 👍
00:40:55 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Beautiful movie free" with 👍
00:43:27 Niño: Is there a prayer before and after doing a prostration? I used to do prostrations 33 times while meditating on the passion of Christ ...
00:46:08 Niño: Reacted to We have to choose: t... with "❤️"
00:47:08 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Beautiful movie free" with 🎞️
00:47:24 Niño: The power of the name of Christ is calming the storms within and without ...
00:48:13 Maureen Cunningham: What is the nous
00:48:32 Nypaver Clan: Replying to "What is the nous"
The eye of the soul
00:48:39 sr charista: As well, regarding main stream news it is said that 6 people own all the stations, it is the deceptive mockingbird media with an nefarious agenda it seems.
00:50:03 Niño: Yperagia Theotoke Soson Imas
00:50:41 Suzanne Romano: Reacted to We have to choose: t... with "😊"
00:54:05 Adam Paige: Replying to "Yperagia Theotoke So..."
Yperagia Theotoke Soson Imas  ΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΣΩΣΟΝ ΗΜΑΣ// Most Holy Mother of God save us
01:01:17 Niño: Thus having an icon that would remind us of our goal and skull to remind us of death would help our imagination to focus on the things that are eternally true
01:02:05 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thus having an icon ..." with 💀
01:07:20 Kathleen: You mentioned earlier about conversations that go in an unholy direction…it’s awkward at best finding ways to change the subject or exit or be silent without any body language or gestures that may indicate approval of the conversation.  i find myself in these situations so looking for ways to handle
01:07:38 Niño: Reacted to You mentioned earlie... with "❤️"
01:08:06 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "pic-a711b3ac-351b-4294-8af5-576d965386f4.jpg" with 👍
01:09:31 Josh: Reacted to "You mentioned earlie..." with ❤️
01:09:40 Josh: Reacted to "pic-a711b3ac-351b-4294-8af5-576d965386f4.jpg" with 👍
01:12:02 Adam Paige: Replying to "You mentioned earlie..."
"7. Do not regard the feelings of a person who speaks to you about his neighbour disparagingly, but rather say to him: ‘Stop, brother! I fall into graver sins every day, so how can I criticize him?’ In this way you will achieve two things: you will heal yourself and your neighbour with one plaster. This is one of the shortest ways to the forgiveness of sins; I mean, not to judge. ‘Judge not, that you be not judged.’" - THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT, St. John Climacus, Step 10 - On slander or calumny
01:13:35 Kathleen: Haha
01:14:27 Maureen Cunningham: Praying for you when do we start fast
01:15:30 Niño: Grateful always to be part of this group 🙏 thank you Padre For making this platform public(what I mean free)
01:15:40 ANDREW ADAMS: Thanks be to God! Thank you, Father!
01:15:41 Bob Cihak: Thank you, father.
01:15:42 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:15:50 Adam Paige: Replying to "Praying for you when..."
Praying for you when do we start fast depends on your rite !
01:16:06 Kathleen: I have no books yet. Is this info on your website?
01:16:15 Niño: Pls pray for me ..I'm planning to go back to the sacrament of penance after a long time of being away 🥹
01:16:22 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Pls pray for me ..I'..." with 😇
01:16:26 Josh: Reacted to "Pls pray for me ..I'..." with ❤️
01:16:26 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Pls pray for me ..I'..." with 🙏🏼
01:16:29 Suzanne Romano: Reacted to Pls pray for me ..I'... with "🙏🏼"
01:16:39 Kathleen: Hahaha
01:16:44 Niño: Reacted to Hahaha with "😂"
01:17:05 Francisco Ingham: Thank you father! Let’s all offer our prayers and fasts for the Pope this week 🙏
01:17:14 sr charista: what is the name again
01:17:45 Adam Paige: I have no books yet. Is this info on your website? https://www.ctosonline.org/patristic/EvCT.html
01:18:10 Anthony: Reacted to When I decided, a lo... with "👍"
01:18:26 Adam Paige: I have no books yet. Is this info on your website? https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/635/?srsltid=AfmBOooAjdCUbwFztCJTIdrREtqfZwwp9RRgofV0q8U344Uov_z8_8q5
01:18:28 sr charista: Replying to "I have no books yet...."
thank you much :)
01:18:46 sr charista: BEAUTIFUL
01:18:46 Nypaver Clan: zacharias zacharou

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXVIII, Part V

Tonight we follow the thought of Saint Isaiah, the Solitary and St. John Cassian on the struggle with the passion of lust and fornication. One things stands out clearly: we must be fully engaged in the formation of the mind and the heart in virtue - for the devil is fully engaged in seeking to provoke us to sin. Therefore, we must guard all of the senses with great attentiveness. With this particular passion, we must engage in the battle both physically and spiritually. Thus, we must be attentive to both prayer and fasting; that is, humbling the mind and the body in such a way that we turn to God for our nourishment and strength. In shaping the habit of virtue, we must study the scriptures, engage in fervent prayer, and labor with our hands; in other words, we must keep our focus simple in order that we might be aware of what is going on within the heart. 
Cassian makes it clear that the heart is the place where the disease is hidden – the depths of the soul. Yet, it is also here that the remedy is found. We must open our heart fully to God by guarding the senses and directing all of our energies towards the formation of virtue and the love of the things of the kingdom. 
Humility is the foundation of all of these pursuits. In it, we recognize our poverty and so cling to God. As we cling to him, we experienced that he alone can bring not only healing where there has only been sin but also fill the heart with the love that he alone can satisfy.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:02:12 Anna Lalonde: Hello! We missed last week due to sickness. Glad to hear Father Charbel you've gained 11 new brothers in the monastery!
00:20:51 Joseph Muir: What page are we on?
00:21:07 Bob Cihak: P. 207 E
00:22:00 Joseph Muir: Reacted to "P. 207 E" with 👍
00:27:58 Joseph Muir: After a period of my life of living in rampant sin, upon my reversion, returning to the sacramental life of prayer and repentance, I really struggled with talking about my past without ultimately devolving into my bragging about my past. This was something that I took to confession probably every week for a period, until the priest, whom I personally knew, eventually asked me, “Are these people asking to hear about your past? Or are you shoehorning it into conversation?” It was obviously the latter, stemming from a misplaced sense of zeal for my return to God, though the priest exhorted me to practice biting my tongue instead, and that it would afford me the silence so as to healthily discern when and whom to share certain bits regarding my past, if at all
00:30:59 Joseph Muir: 😂
00:31:56 Anthony: I recommend "Hope," Pope Francis ' memoiore released this year.
00:32:16 Anthony: He deals with his own shame
00:35:25 Anthony: Ossuary
00:36:08 Myles Davidson: There’s a great scene in a Mt. Athos doco of a monk moving a wheelbarrow full of skulls to a new home they were building for them
00:37:48 Joseph Muir: “Keep your eyes on your own plate”, as an old monastic maxim goes
00:49:14 Adam Paige: https://philokalia.podbean.com/e/to-love-fasting/
00:49:33 Anthony: There's a related issue: I was working with a church youth group, and so, wanting to relate to their culture as other adults could, I watched a lot of movies like the Marvel Universe.  That was a bad idea.  That just uploads other people's malformed imagination into mine.
00:50:57 Myles Davidson: Replying to "There's a related is..."
Hollywood in general is very toxic
01:05:54 Niño: It's really hard to practice these disciplines especially if someone experimented with living a life of sin out of curiosity... I'd been away from the sacraments for 2 months to satisfy my lower appetite...but now I regret everything ...it's a foolish thing to give a chance to the devil in the name of "choosing" between evil and good ... Now, I'm beginning from zero again 😔 it's good thing to find this meeting.thanks Fr.
01:06:22 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "It's really hard to ..." with 🙏
01:08:09 Myles Davidson: Oscar Wilde said the best way to get rid of temptation was to give in to it
01:08:16 Forrest Cavalier: Welcome back to the fold, N!
01:08:26 Joseph Muir: “[E]ach person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.”—James 1:14-15
01:09:05 Adam Paige: Oscar Wilde also said the only feast of the church he kept was Septuagesima haha
01:09:18 Anthony: Mayne Wilde meant that temptation is a part of life, don't just roll over to temptation and play dead
01:09:41 Julie: Like Eve who had a dialogue with the devil
01:10:13 Cameron Jackson: Oscar Wilde is a contrary indicator.
01:15:23 Cameron Jackson: Thank you Fr Charbel!
01:15:31 Niño: Replying to "Welcome back to the ..." 
 I don't know...but, deep within me and every event that took place these past few days is like a deep calling from God to return ..I don't know and I'm not sure
It seems to be overreacting for me ..but, the events really are clear to me that God is calling me back
I know how to return..but I don't know if I am really sincere in my conversion 
How will I know that I am really sincere ...one of my concerns is that I only have the feeling to return because of guilt but really deep inside me I am not repentant ...I cannot abuse the Mercy of God 
I am sure of the Mercy of God but not sure about myself ..pls pray for me
01:15:42 sr charista: Blessings to you Fr.! Thank you :).
01:15:55 Jacqulyn: Pray for me! Tomorrow is my birthday! 🎉
01:16:07 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
01:16:11 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:16:15 Aric B: Thank you Father!
01:16:16 Forrest Cavalier: Replying to "Welcome back to the ..."
Go to confession!
01:16:20 Laura: Replying to "Welcome back to the ..."
👍🏼
01:16:22 Bob Cihak: God be with you.
01:16:27 Laura: Reacted to "I don't know...but, ..." with 👍🏼

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXVIII, Part IV

The spiritual life is not lived out in the abstract. Among the fathers, we find a distinct emphasis on praxis; that is, the practice of the faith. We come to know God and to love virtue not through reading but rather through experience. 
As a defense, often used to hold onto attachments, we make our faith into something that is purely intellectual or notional. Yet in this hypothesis, hearing tonight in particular from Saint Ephraim, the Syrian, we are presented with the experience of those tempted by the demons to minimize the effects of the embrace of sin and the loss of grace. Rather than holding onto our virtue as precious and maintaining a clear vision of our identity as temples of the Holy Spirit, we cast it all aside thoughtlessly for a moment of pleasure.
The struggle with sensuality in particular is challenging because of how it is experienced. We covet what we see and when something is seen it is held within the imagination and the memory. It remains with us even if for a moment we are drawn away from it. When we indiscriminately expose ourselves to what stimulates the passions, we make ourselves more vulnerable. Once the demons have been successful in leading us to embrace such thoughts and actions, then the images seep into the unconscious and emerge later in our dreams.
The loss that comes to us is immeasurable, and it is only by the grace of God that healing can come. Saint Ephraim counsels us to keep our eyes downward in their focus and not allow our vision to rove around indiscriminately. On the other hand, we must keep the eyes of our soul constantly turned upward toward God. Only when He fills us with his grace when we turned to him in a spirit of repentance can the imagination, memory and unconscious be healed. The more we fill our hearts with the love of virtue and the things of the kingdom the more we are transformed and begin to experience, once again, the freedom of those who have been made sons and daughters of God.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:12:48 Suzanne Romano: It's certainly been a bad flu season for the chickens... 🥴
00:15:35 paul g.: Whoa. Great !
00:31:28 Forrest Cavalier: Priests can be more firm at setting limits. My wife was confirmed in the 1980's only because Fr. Vanyo at the cathedral refused to baptize her youngest sibling unless all were in catechism. I pray for him often.
00:32:11 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Priests can be more ..." with 👍🏼
00:41:59 Mary and Al: Yes scary!
00:55:13 Forrest Cavalier: That reference to wax in this paragraph sounds like a reference to Ps 68:3 "As wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God"
01:03:23 Sheila: I find this holds the same when people tell you gossip about others. It changes how you see the person whether you wanted tonor not.
01:03:29 Sheila: Or not
01:05:13 Sheila: These images, can they be purged? Or are they truly as you say permamently there to be used against yourr charity and thoughts?
01:17:06 Lee Graham: The many “good” things we could do are enemy of the “best”.
01:22:45 paul g.: Yes
01:23:00 Forrest Cavalier: everge Teen o's
01:23:08 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "everge Teen o's" with 😂
01:23:10 paul g.: Reacted to "everge Teen o's" with ❤️
01:23:56 Bob Cihak, AZ: Preach it, Father!! Please! and Thank you!!!
01:23:59 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:24:14 Sheila: Thanks Father!
01:24:16 Forrest Cavalier: No fasting this week, though!
01:24:23 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXVIII, Part III

The struggle with impurity and fornication in our day is so fierce - as well as accepted and embraced by most of the secular culture - that those seeking purity of heart not only have to engage in the ascetic life deeply but also have to embrace a living martyrdom. 
The fathers understood how powerful our natural desires can be; in particular our sensuality. They also understood the devil‘s machinations and the relentless nature of temptations that also come to us  from our own imagination and memory. What is captured for us in the writings of this hypothesis is the necessity of engaging in the spiritual battle. We must of course cling to the grace of God and engage in constant prayer. Yet knowing the devil‘s actions, we must embrace many different remedies; such as doing violence to the self and depriving ourselves of the things that the culture freely embraces.  
What we heard tonight from multiple writers is the need to remember our own mortality. What we behold as beautiful and covet with the eyes quickly turns to dust. With salvation in the balance, the devil can often tempt us to give ourselves over to satisfying a passion “just once” - as if that would resolve our need. We have to understand that desire does not work in that fashion. The more that it is fed the more its longings increase. 
If we could only understand this in light of our desire for God! The more that we desire him in love, the more that we pursue him through prayer, the greater our longing becomes. Soon our attachment to lesser things begins to diminish and we are freer to pursue the Beloved. 
Finally, we are encouraged to look to the heroes of our faith; in particular those who wage war against this particular passion or who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their purity. In them, we see those whose hearts belong to the Lord and to Him alone. May God give us the grace to imitate them.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:03:25 Tracey Fredman: I apologize if I'm in and out this evening. I'm on call for work and may need to in/out.
00:13:39 Anthony: Well, some of the women were looking for a female take on 6th commandment concerns...here is a lead...
00:13:56 Bob Cihak: P. 202, top of page
00:24:32 Lee Graham: Brother Sun and Sister Moon
00:24:46 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Brother Sun and Sist..." with 👍🏼
00:26:50 Anthony: This reminds me of an apocryphal story that after Adam and Eve sinned, they withdrew from each other for the sake of doing penance. They had the right to each other, but living a time of repentance is withdrawing from comfort - which is what vowed religious have chosen. 
00:31:26 Forrest Cavalier: Father, I am wondering how to see this advice to control the imagination to see horrible things as being honest and pure of heart. I understand how it can be effective, but it seems to be contrary to reality and second, to rely on willpower, which is less admirable than a more excellent submission to grace, (as previous warnings we have read recently here.)
00:41:07 Una: The Buddhists have a meditation on rotting corpses too.
00:48:51 Kathleen: Interestingly Sirach 11:27-28 speaks about how death brings full understanding of one’s life
00:53:57 Anthony: Thomas Sowell wrote about the violent, irreverent character of the Scots and English Colonists in the South during the time of the American colonies.  They have left their mark on American character and culture.  There's an audiobook version of his book on YouTube where I heard it.
00:54:19 paul g.: Reacted to "Thomas Sowell wrote …" with ✔️
00:56:53 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Thomas Sowell wrote ..." with 🥰
00:57:35 Nypaver Clan: Replying to "Thomas Sowell wrote ..."
Thomas Sowell is so gifted!
00:58:03 Bob Cihak: Replying to "Thomas Sowell wrote ..."
Amen.
00:58:03 Anthony: Replying to "Thomas Sowell wrote ..." 
 I should clarify Sowell was talking about places like the Ozarks, that prioritized excessive pride and vendettas.
00:58:24 Jacqulyn: Reacted to "Thomas Sowell is so ..." with 👍
00:59:17 Nypaver Clan: Replying to "Thomas Sowell wrote ..."
👍🏼
01:09:58 iPhone (61): Thank You Father Blessings
01:10:27 Sr. Charista Maria: Thank you dear Fr. Abernethy!
01:10:39 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
01:10:41 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:10:46 Kathleen: Thank you
01:11:02 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
01:13:03 Kathleen: Hahaha
01:14:04 iPhone (61): Beautiful Icon
01:15:22 iPhone (61): Who is Saint Catherine
01:16:38 Suzanne Romano: Replying to "Who is Saint Catheri..." 
 https://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Catherine%20of%20Alexandria.html
01:16:47 Anthony: Replying to "Who is Saint Catheri..." 
 An Egyptian philosopher whi also found Christ, decided to be a consecrated virgin.  Virginity angered pagans and they tortured her on a wheel, to death.
01:16:51 Forrest Cavalier: Great story! Thank you!
01:17:07 Suzanne Romano: Replying to "Who is Saint Catheri..." 
 She's beyond the pale awesome!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - XXVIII, Part II

We have continued our discussion of the farhers’ writing on fornication and the effects that it has upon the soul. Purity of heart is the foundation of the spiritual life and the immediate goal. We are called to remove every impediment that prevents us from not only receiving the grace of God but from offering him our hearts and our love fully. 
In fact, our hearts can be divided, and this is exactly what the demons seek to accomplish. They know they have a strong bodily appetite and desire that they can stir up through our thoughts and images, words and the actions, and the presence of others. Even memories of conversations and the images of people from the past can be used against us in more vulnerable moments to lead us astray.
Holiness and purity is not something that one can judge from external realities. Even the most holy individual who seems to be most endowed with gifts from God can have a heart that is radically divided and even wholly given over to the spirit of fornication. To lack watchfulness in this regard opens one up to the experience of obsession. It does not take more than one instance of infidelity to open the door to taking another step in that direction where obsession can become oppression. Fornication can take hold of the mind and the heart with a fierce grip. Finally oppression can give way to possession where the demon of fornication takes hold of one’s life and darkens their heart completely. 
Disconnected from the wisdom of the father’s we find the counsel of our day much akin to self-help.  Such counsel sad leads a person more deeply into the obsession that wounds them. Under the false guise of prudence and wisdom there’s often deep foolishness that leads an individual to put himself and God to the test. The discipline and watchfulness the father‘s put forward would often be dismissed in our day as scrupulosity or unhealthy. Yet the Saints knew and understood what is precious and what must be protected. Unless one loves virtue and has tasted the sweetness that it brings to one’s life one will easily walk away from it.
I might hazard to say that very few of our generation know the kind of purity of heart of which the fathers speak and to which we are called. Our culture has become so permeated with disordered sensuality that our love for the virtue of purity has been compromised as well as our capacity to pursue it. Only radical humility and clinging to the grace of God can aid us.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:04:28 Sr. Charista Maria: Fr. what community?
00:05:24 ANDREW ADAMS: Replying to "Fr. what community?"
https://www.monksofmttabor.com
00:41:37 Rachel: I think this is very important. fwiw not scrupulous at all
00:42:23 Myles Davidson: Replying to "I think this is very..."
I agree
00:44:16 Mary Clare Wax: Very well said! Thank you!
00:44:33 Forrest Cavalier: Attributed to St Alphonsus: “To avoid the sight of dangerous objects, the saints were accustomed to keep their eyes almost continually fixed on the earth, and to abstain even from looking at innocent objects,” says St. Alphonsus de Liguori.
00:45:35 Forrest Cavalier: There are many times I need to do this, in Sheetz. Or Walmart. Or wherever
00:53:34 Una: What exactly does she mean by prudent? Is there another word?
00:55:21 Forrest Cavalier: Greek is σωφροσύνην
00:55:37 Forrest Cavalier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophrosyne
00:58:16 Una: What would the nuns have been leaving the convent for? Shopping? Visiting?
01:00:42 Una: One priest told me that in seminary he was advised to visit his family regularly to protect temptations against chastity
01:00:56 Una: To avoid too much lonliness
01:01:31 Sr. Charista Maria: Father I would like your thoughts if you are familiar with the story of Bishop Nonnis in the book: Harlots of the Desert, by Benedicta Ward? She shares of the beauty of the Harlot Pelagia, and Bishop Nonnis was so struck by her beauty that it led him to pray for her, and she converted. I happened to just read this on the Feast of St. Anthony.
01:03:07 Mary Clare Wax: Reacted to "Father I would like ..." with 👍
01:03:43 Una: I'm reading Harlots of the Desert too!
01:03:52 Una: One potato chip, yeah
01:04:25 Sr. Charista Maria: Reacted to "I'm reading Harlots ..." with 👏
01:05:01 Una: Today's gospel was about not dividing the Kingdom. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand
01:06:19 Mary Clare Wax: The other clergy turned their eyes away from Pelagia, but Bishop Nonnis looked at her with love.
01:07:24 Anna Lalonde: Seeking prayers... Incense is gravely affecting my health after BioLab chemical fire exposure in September.
01:13:09 Sr. Charista Maria: Father I love your sharing on "oh I just want to watch a movie" or the like. It is so important to recognize the weaknesses of the flesh in order to be on guard against them when they surface.
01:14:46 Una: Or going to movies often
01:14:58 Sr. Charista Maria: Agreed regarding not escaping into family visits. It is such a grace to invite Jesus into the loneliness
01:15:43 Mary Clare Wax: Such jewels from the desert Fathers!
01:15:49 santiagobua: Thank you Father!!
01:15:51 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
01:15:52 Rachel: Thank you
01:15:52 Josh: Thanks father
01:16:16 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXVII and XXVIII, Part I

Once again, my first thought at the end of this group is “Revolution“.  When read in the context of all that we have considered from The Evergetinos to date and from St. John Climacus, our entire way of viewing reality is being challenged, overthrown, or illuminated. One begins to see that our capacity as Christians to read and hear the Gospel, let alone the writings of the fathers, has been compromised. We have been formed in and by an atheistic secular culture.  That culture has permeated the Church in modern times in ways that we cannot even comprehend. 
God has revealed himself to us; not only the depth of his love and compassion, but also the reality of sin and the struggle that remains for us within this world.  We cannot understand the danger of fornication and lust to our salvation unless we come to understand the importance of purity of heart. God has created us for Himself, in His image and likeness, and our desire must be directed toward Him if we are to experience the fulfillment of the deepest longings of the human heart - let alone the right ordering of our bodily desires. Thus, our lust or fornication is not simply a moral infraction or a negative view of human sexuality but evidence of an idolatry of the self and so adultery in regard to our relationship with God - infidelity in regard to the Heavenly Bridegroom who has given Himself to us completely.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:22:39 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 195, # A
00:31:49 Myles Davidson: There’s a book called Your Brain On Porn about the brain changes that happen
00:35:05 Myles Davidson: Yes, its a book… Your Brain on Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00N2AH8NW?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_nz
00:43:58 Myles Davidson: John Cassian does a good job of outlining the difference between abstinence and chastity (Conference 12)
00:49:41 Forrest Cavalier: If they are unrepentant in a state of mortal sin, the attempt to be married will fail.
00:55:26 Anna Lalonde: Yes! I don't wear makeup because I feel the same way.
00:57:28 Anthony: Someone on substance wrote an article that dressing to be titillating is a way to exert power over others and is socially worse than pornography which often is in red light areas.
00:57:48 Anthony: Substance. Sorry. :)
00:57:56 Anthony: Substack
00:57:58 Myles Davidson: Substack?
01:07:32 Anna Lalonde: When is a thought a sin? My child asks.
01:12:21 Anthony: There's got to be an "easier" way to approach this. God wouldn't make us to be so easily manipulated without help ready at hand; God wouldn't make us so that we understand the value of chastity only after experiencing sin in thought word and deed.
01:17:17 Anthony: I wasn't being facetious.
01:20:53 Cameron Jackson: Evil is real. Warfare is not really a metaphor.
01:27:15 Myles Davidson: Replying to "202501131635300000.jpg"
That’s a beautiful book! Where did you get that?
01:27:39 Nikki: Wonderful teaching
01:30:59 Anna Lalonde: Replying to "[Full message cannot be displayed on this version]" 
 What's the book link? I got kicked out
01:32:37 Lilly: Sorry I didnt hear. No class Wed?
01:32:40 MOME hermits: Thank you dear Father :)!
01:32:44 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You it always a Blessing every time we gather
01:32:48 Cameron Jackson: Thank you Father!
01:33:25 Suzanne Romano: Pax!
01:33:27 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:33:33 Dave Warner | AL: Thank you Father!
01:33:47 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
01:33:48 Simon Greener: Thank you for my first session from down under.

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXVI, Part IV

The human appetites and desires are ever so powerful. This we know from experience.  Reflecting upon them through the lens of the ascetic life of the desert fathers shows us the scope and the depth of these realities and how they affect our lives. 
The spiritual and psychological astuteness of the desert fathers is unparalleled, but we must read their writings in a discerning fashion. We do not want to overgeneralize certain aspects of their teaching and so develop a negative anthropology; a kind of hatred for the body and its’ natural desires. Indeed there are many stories where certain desert fathers fell into great extremes; making themselves ill or placing themselves in grave danger.
The desert fathers had to learn as we do through experience how to approach these desires and to be clear about what they were truly seeking. The goal is purity of heart; a capacity to love and to give ourselves in love freely and without objectifying the other. Understood in this fashion, purity of heart and chastity should increase our capacity to love. It is not a restriction of our freedom but rather a state of being unfettered by our own desire for satisfaction and pleasure. The human heart can be a treacherous thing and at times can lead us along a path of self-destruction even when that path seems to promise the satisfaction of our hearts’ deepest longing. What the fathers came to understand through experience is that Grace alone can bring the healing that we desire and that Divine Eros is what overcomes disordered Eros. The Love of God dwelling within us opens up a path to the fulfillment of life. It is not control that we seek in the ascetic life but transformation; specifically transformation “in Christ.”
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Text of chat during the group:
00:09:34 Forrest Cavalier: Snowfall in inches in Pittsburgh by season.
00:10:09 Forrest Cavalier: Data from https://www.weather.gov/media/pbz/records/hissnow.pdf
00:10:44 Una: Why do we live in these environs?
00:20:05 Lilly: What page number?
00:20:36 Lori Hatala: 192
00:20:37 Wayne: 192
00:21:03 Lilly: Reacted to "192" with 👍
00:21:06 Lilly: Reacted to "192" with 👍
00:21:37 Una: At last, a woman's experience!
00:36:01 Una: When I'm deep in stillnes, I can see (to some degree) but when I engage with the world, I find it easy to doubt what I've seen
00:36:13 Una: and believed
00:36:16 Personal phone: I often find when I’m trying to exercise discipline (like fasting) on far too many occasions I find myself getting “hangry” and thus an certain I’d be far better to break my fast less than giving into my hanger and exposing that to others
00:36:47 Nikki: What would he have changed to continue clinging to God if it were suggested he lessen his prayer life, fasting, etc?
00:36:54 Una: I suspect this is part of the spiritual battle too and that transitions are important to be guarded
00:38:27 Anthony: As an FYI incase someone distrusts the heart too much:  I've run into the opposite error regarding the human heart....the error that says it is so untrustworthy and "totally depraved" that you can't trust anything in your self.  I learned it at a formative age, and it's hard to get rid of that error.
00:40:16 Personal phone: Reacted to "I often find when I’…" with ❤️
00:45:34 Una: That comment was a continuation of a previous comment from me
00:46:39 Una: Reacted to "As an FYI incase s..." with ❤️
00:54:10 Nikki: It is natural that the human body has these feelings of arousal, in order for humans to reproduce. What is it the monks here are wanting to achieve? Being able to shut down these hormonal responses in the body? I ask also because this occurs without demonic influence.
00:54:12 Anthony: On this topic of purity, I learned from "The Cave of Treasures" attributed to St Ephrem that the Flood came due to massive fornication.
01:01:02 Lilly: Other than Theology of the Body, are there other sources we can read about this topic?
01:02:13 Lilly: I find it a bit too confusing and romanticized
01:02:26 Judith: Reacted to "I find it a bit too ..." with 👍
01:05:13 Lilly: Like this young monk who didn't have knowledge of his normal bodily functions, how are future-parents supposed to teach their children properly? I don't see myself using Theology of the body as a main source
01:05:48 Anthony: Reacted to Like this young monk... with "👍"
01:08:49 Anthony: Then it looks like the primary teaching should be on the Will: it's formation, inclination,  weaknesses and deliberation to do bad or good.
01:09:50 Anthony: Ok. Thank you.
01:14:11 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You   Blessing
01:14:19 Personal phone: 6 days! I’d super hangry!
01:15:03 Nikki: Thank you
01:15:09 Suzanne Romano: God bless everyone!
01:15:12 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:15:21 Aric B: Thank you Father!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXVI, Part III

After many weeks of reading the hypotheses on fornication and the pursuit of purity of heart, what finally comes into focus is the fruit of the fathers’ experience in the struggle. What they discovered is that discipline, fasting, vigils, etc. are absolutely necessary. Yet these practices are not ends in themselves. They are to be a reflection of our desire for God and our seeking in love our soul’s Beloved. 
Desire is what gives us the capacity to love and give ourselves in love. In it we sense a lack that only God can satisfy. Ascetic practice is not meant to be an act of contempt for our human nature, but rather an acknowledgment of the strength and the power of our natural desires. What is good can become disordered whenever there is an imbalance or lack of measure. Our natural desire, Eros, can only be transformed by Divine Eros. Therefore, it is only by grace that the passions can be overcome.  Our hearts must be filled with an urgent longing for God. 
Outside of the acknowledgment of the necessity of Grace, we become the most pitiable of all creatures. So long as we hold onto the illusion of overcoming the passions by raw grit, we will find ourselves returning to our sin or sinking into a much darker place of anger and pride. St. John Cassian tells us we must “base our courage not on our own power or on our asceticism, but in the aid of God, our Master”. When this takes place, even the deepest recesses of the unconscious can be healed and transformed. Likewise, the  countenance of the pure of heart begins to change; we begin to see the inner beauty that rest in the heart of one who loves and desires God wholly.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:04:03 Lori Hatala: reboot
00:12:17 Una: Problem with sound?
00:12:25 Una: Yes
00:13:01 Una: It's good now
00:13:08 Una: . Can hear you humming
00:16:33 Lilly: Do you know Fr Teodosy?
00:16:34 ANDREW ADAMS: My copy came today!
00:21:09 Una: What page? I'm lost
00:21:23 ANDREW ADAMS: 190
00:21:50 Una: Thanks
00:32:34 Lilly: Asking this question respectfully, if a Priest can’t cure his passion, would it be appropriate to take medicine to help ?
00:33:37 Lilly: Generally speaking, no specific medicatiob
00:33:42 Lilly: n*
00:37:28 Suzanne Romano: My experience has been that the grace of continence is given to those who use the means God gives, and is diligent in avoiding the occasions of sin.
00:48:38 Anthony: Life is like art. Each of us is a unique material: canvas, copper foil, paper, wood. Part of Christian life is learning what material we are and what techniques best bring out the beatific vision in the material we are.  The same image can be brought out uniquely in each different art.
00:52:24 Suzanne Romano: Father, may I ask a question that relates to the previous Hypotheses on gluttony? 
00:52:37 Forrest Cavalier: Elias in the earlier story did not mutilate, emasculate, or injure himself. By avoiding injury, keeping his masculinity intact, and building on nature, he returned to serve the convent in a very masculine and fatherly way for a long time. It would have been tragic if he deformed the gifts God had given him.
00:52:52 Myles Davidson: Is using caffeine during a night vigil cheating?
00:54:22 Una: It can mess with your sleep when you do get to bed
00:54:59 Una: I used to write until 3 a.m. during my last novel.
00:56:09 Suzanne Romano: Father, may I ask a question that relates to the previous Hypotheses on gluttony? 
00:56:59 Suzanne Romano: Thank you. I can distill three principles from the readings: Eat once per day; stop eating before you are completely full; and never eat for the sheer sake of pleasure or comfort. If one takes up these three principles as a regular discipline, are there ever times when it is permissible to take something just for pleasure or comfort - say on Sundays or on Holidays - say, a dessert or a hot cocoa, etc?
00:59:25 Anthony: Haha
00:59:34 Carol Roper: Reacted to "Haha" with 👍
01:01:57 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Haha" with 🍝
01:02:12 Suzanne Romano: Reacted to Haha with "🍝"
01:06:02 Rebecca Thérèse: Psychologists think that impulse control is a good thing in areas where it suits them!
01:06:03 Maureen Cunningham: Maybe  it just a season when a person get rid of fleshly desires
01:06:37 Maureen Cunningham: Not forever  maybe  a Season
01:10:22 Una: I think in Cassian's Conferences, he talks about how you spend your day will be reflected in your nighttime dreams. For example, if you aren't occupied with God during the day, you will have these troubling dreams
01:10:32 Bob Cihak, AZ: I'm 84 and finally started "settling down" several years ago.
01:10:36 Myles Davidson: Conference 12
01:10:53 Adam Paige: Reacted to "I'm 84 and finally s..." with 😇
01:11:00 Una: Thanks, Myles!
01:11:09 Myles Davidson: Interestingly the 19th C. translation refused to translate this conference
01:11:26 Myles Davidson: Too spicy for them
01:11:34 Wayne: Replying to "I think in Cassian's..."
Good point, thanks for this observation.
01:14:20 Una: Another mystical operation!
01:14:33 Una: How can we understand these?
01:21:40 Wayne: YOU might find the movies on You Tube
01:21:56 Myles Davidson: Replying to "YOU might find the m..."
Yes its there
01:22:17 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you. Happy New Year everyone.🙂
01:22:23 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father  Lords Blessing In the  New Year
01:22:26 MOME hermits: Thank you Fr. David!
01:23:09 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
01:23:12 Suzanne Romano: Great meeting! Thanks!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXVI, Part II

How do we approach in our own lives the interior struggle for purity of heart, chastity? The battle, as we see in the writings of the fathers can be incredibly fierce. Part of this intense struggle is that that it is the human condition: sexuality and sensuality are part of what it is to be a human being. Furthermore, as we are in a constant state of receptivity through our senses, there are so many things that can stimulate the desires associated with this appetite. 
We also know that we can be lazy about understanding this reality of human life and equally lazy in the spiritual life in seeking the grace  and wisdom of God to order our desires towards that which is holy. Furthermore, our struggle is also with principalities and powers. The fathers teach us that the demons are provoked by envy when they see an individual growing in holiness. Therefore, they will terrorize an individual by placing images and fantasies before them. 
On an emotional and spiritual level, this often gives rise to a terrible sense of shame, casting the soul into despondency and despair. As a person struggles with this passion, the sense of vulnerability is great precisely because it is such a deep part of who we are as human beings. The demons use that sense of shame to their advantage. The mere presence of thoughts tied to this passion frustrate the soul and fragment the mind. The demons will also use the shame to manipulate the way that we respond to the struggle; they will seek to make us a demonize human desire and sexuality in order that we might repress it in such a way that it distorts our perception of reality. They do so to keep our focus off of God and his grace.  If they can keep us in despair and make us believe that God is disappointed with us, then they have won the battle. If we ignore them and turn the mind and the heart to God in prayer and rest in his grace then we are not only freed of their temptations, but experience the peace of the kingdom. 
In an uncanny way, the fathers saw and understood all of this through experience; many after 40 years of struggling came to experience freedom only through their abandonment to God and his mercy. It is then, when humbled in mind and body, that they were consoled. Having received such a gift, it then became their responsibility to console others in this delicate yet fierce struggle.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:15:28 Rachel: Hi
00:15:42 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 188, Mid-page "From the Same Author"
00:18:05 Bob Cihak, AZ: Thanks. "Fornication" = lust as well as physical actions or interactions. if I understand correctly?
00:41:34 Forrest Cavalier: The first two accounts in this hypothesis are warning to even those who do not struggle with the intensity of this kind of temptation. Those who are unmolested are not safe by their own efforts only. God's grace is at work.
00:41:54 Rachel: I find it interesting that we can be more comfortable with admitting anger, envy, ambition and other forms of pride into the heart yet are filled with shame for temptations against purity. Do you think that other sins such as anger cease with the grace of purity of heart?
00:56:18 Rachel: Thank you. You touched upon how we see each other thank you
00:58:01 Una: I did an article years ago for the National Catholic Register about the dismal record of marriages breaking apart when the couple had been living together. Stats were very bad.
01:00:42 Vanessa: Exactly why I homeschool:)
01:03:35 MOME hermits: You are so right on with all of that Fr. David. We love your balance in it all.
01:03:58 Vanessa: Reacted to "You are so right on ..." with ❤️
01:05:31 MOME hermits: Yes, to help facilitate the person going where they need to, to hear from God within.
01:14:10 Phil: Father, could you kindly attempt to reconcile the type of vexation that a saint like Padre Pio experienced, with the quote form Jesus in the gospels, where he says, "...my yolk is easy, my burdern is light." Thank you!
01:15:12 Rachel: Not just making a fool out of ourselves by defending our own honor but losing our very Life, christ Himself
01:23:07 Rachel: Thank you
01:23:08 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you 🙂 Happy Christmas everyone 🎄
01:23:21 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXV, Part VI and XXVI, Part I

Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of the laboratory of the desert and watching the Fathers’ struggle with the passions, in particular the passion of fornication or lust. The beauty in this, of course, is that we are placed in the privileged position of seeing their struggle from the inside; dealing with both the passion and also learning how to engage in the ascetic life in a measured fashion.
It is made clear that we are to struggle with our whole being and to be fully engaged in the battle. On a physical level, this means restraining our appetites. We hear that the monks understood that they must not give themselves over to satiation in regard to bodily appetites. They must humble the mind and body in order that they might cling more to God in their prayer and trust in his grace. This meant, of course, the experience of privation; but it also opened them up to the richness of the interior life and the depth of prayer. Therefore, it was not just an act of endurance but also an expression of hope in God and his promises. More importantly we might say it is an expression of love. We are willing to make great sacrifices for the things that we hold to be precious. When we love God and the things of God, when we love virtue and prayer, we will do all in our power to attain it and maintain it.
With hypothesis 26, we begin to see the fruit of their long experience in the ascetic life. They could see that they often emphasized the wrong thing in the spiritual battle or became unmeasured in their disciplines to the point of losing sight of God. One can become so fixated on overcoming a particular passion or fighting with the thoughts of the demons, that they fall into pride by failing to emphasize the one thing alone that can overcome the demons, as well as draw the natural into the supernatural; that is, the grace of God. To say that Christianity is an ascetical religion is not to say that the discipline of such a life and the exercise of our faith is an end in itself. The end of our striving is love and and theosis – intimacy, union, with the triune God.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:08:09 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 184, # 12
00:13:00 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 184, # 12
00:21:05 Adam Paige: “A clear rule for self-control handed down by the Fathers is this: stop eating while still hungry and do not continue until you are satisfied.” - St John Cassian, On the Eight Vices
00:21:43 paul g.: Reacted to "“A clear rule for se…" with ✔️
00:21:47 Bob Cihak, AZ: Thanks, Adam.
00:21:50 paul g.: Reacted to "P. 184, # 12" with ✔️
00:21:52 Phil: Modern medicine also says humans need 12 serving of carbs a day and half as much dairy. Bless their heart, they are trying! ... "Lord forgive them, for they know not what they do!"
00:23:30 Myles Davidson: Because people need differing amounts of sleep or food, what would you say is the thing we should be looking out for, to know we are getting the right amounts of both. Is it a clarity of mind and attention in prayer? Anything else?
00:26:16 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thanks, Adam." with 👍
00:28:49 Andres Oropeza: Is it always a bad thing to derive comfort from food? I mean a hot meal is preferable to a cold one during winter especially. Or a hot drink really sets you at ease after being outside in the cold. Should we shun the comfort and just eat cold meals and drink cold drinks (or hot if the drink isn’t good hot). Or is the comfort only an issue when it becomes the point of eating?
00:30:48 Myles Davidson: There have been plenty of studies done on rats that reducing caloric intake extends life.
00:31:21 Adam Paige: “Stand at the brink of despair, and when you see that you cannot bear it anymore, draw back a little, and have a cup of tea.” - Saint Sophrony Sakharov
00:36:03 Carol Roper: it seems like the issue is longing. to what do we direct our longing. Advent strikes me as a season of longing.
00:40:16 Myles Davidson: @Phil What was the name of that Elder with the stages of the Jesus Prayer
00:40:37 Adam Paige: @Phil What was the name of that Elder with the stages of the Jesus Prayer Father Archimandrite Ilie Cleopa
00:40:42 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "@Phil What was the n..." with 🙏
00:44:04 Liz D: Reacted to "it seems like the ..." with ❤️
00:48:09 Phil: Yea, Ramana died in middle age, but his extreme fasting (starting in his teenage years) does seem to have shortened his life.
00:49:12 Phil: Replying to "@Phil What was the n..." 
 Yes, I believe that is him!
00:49:38 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Yes, I believe that ..." with 👍
00:50:26 Phil: Yes, there are at least a half dozen videos on YouTube of Cleopa himself giving spiritual advice.
00:50:58 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Yes, there are at le..." with 👍
01:03:20 Adam Paige: The Struggle with God - Paul Evdokimov (PDF) https://jbburnett.com/resources/evdokimov_strugglewGod1966.pdf
01:03:24 Phil: "The mystics are a law unto themselves." Fr. Anthony De Mello.
01:03:56 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "The Struggle with Go..." with 👍
01:06:07 Adam Paige: “It behooves us as well to destroy the sinners in our land-namely, our fleshly feelings-on the morning of their birth, as they emerge, and, while they are still young, to dash the children of Babylon against the rock. Unless they are killed at a very tender age they will, with our acquiescence, rise up to our harm as stronger adults, and they will certainly not be overcome without great pain and effort.” St John Cassian, The Institutes (6th Book: The Spirit of Fornication)
01:16:51 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father
01:17:15 Phil: LOL, that's great! Thank you, Father.
01:18:05 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
01:18:08 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
01:18:13 Aric B: Thank you Father!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXV, Part V

We were taken very deep this evening; not only into our understanding of the passion of lust or fornication, but also deep into the human mind and heart and how they function. The anthropology of the Desert Fathers was astute and profound. Despite residing in the desert, far removed from converse with both men and women, they knew the nature of the human person very well. We are sexual beings; that is, our sexuality is part of the experience of ourselves within the reality of this world and in our relationships with others. We relate to others in and through our sexuality; not consciously but simply as part of the reality the shapes are perceptions. This in turn shapes are imagination and understanding - again in ways that we often do not perceive. 
The Fathers teach us to keep this in mind in regard to the spiritual struggles that we have surrounding our appetites, in particular sensuality. These natural human appetites are very powerful and shapes us in both conscious and unconscious ways. 
Furthermore, these realities are not unknown to the demons. They are relentless and crafty in how they try to divert the mind and the heart away from God. We were given a couple of interesting stories this evening about young boys who came to the monastery as children having never experienced or seen a woman. Yet, in both accounts, they find themselves either overwhelmed by the thoughts associated with this particular passion or having such thoughts manifest themselves in their dreams. 
How is this possible one might wonder? Well at least it tells us why we must be vigilant and watch all of the movements of our minds and our hearts and what we expose ourselves to on a day-to-day basis. But it also tells us that the influence can be far more subtle than we imagine, and that we can be moved simply by the natural desire itself or by demonic provocation. The demons through the words and actions of others, or through our subtle observations of the world around us, can influence the turn of our minds to the things that take hold of the are imagination. Of course, this can be completely benign. Yet it will be used against us in the spiritual battle. Therefore, if we wonder why the Fathers emphasize the necessity of such intense vigilance and the humbling of the mind and the body through prayer and fasting, we begin to see that it is because they had no superficial understanding of the human person. They understood this realities better than we do in our own day; the mystery of the human person, the forces at work within us, the contradictions that we bear within our own minds and how we can even be drawn to things that are clearly destructive. Therefore, in an unvarnished fashion, they make it clear to us that we must create a new habit of mind, a habit of virtue. Our hearts must become attached to the Lord and the Lord alone if we desire to know the holiness and freedom that he makes possible for us. What they speak of is beautiful beyond measure - a life caught up in the eternal love of Christ. Will we seek it out for ourselves?
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Text of chat during the group:
 
00:01:40 Phil: Fr. who is the cloacked figure in the icon over your left shoulder?
 
00:02:21 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 183, # 9
 
00:03:39 Bob Cihak, AZ: “The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac
the Syrian, revised 2nd Edition” published by Holy Transfiguration Monastery, https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/635 .
 
00:05:03 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 183, # 9
 
00:17:05 Bob Cihak, AZ: “The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian, revised 2nd Edition” was published in 2011
 
00:19:13 Adam Paige: Reacted to "“The Ascetical Homil..." with 👍
 
00:28:32 Anthony: It could also be that these particular women were clandestinely visiting, and the child saw them in drowsiness. 
 
00:37:07 Lisa: Does a person need a spiritual director (or other such person) to help with the healing of the imagination and memories?  Or does the person simply ask the Lord in prayer?
 
00:51:27 Anthony: Well, even Heaven is not the final goal. It's a partway point to the more perfect cohabitation and collaboration with God and men. Like this, a monastic life isn't the resting place either.
 
01:05:35 Vanessa: Thank you, Father.
 
01:05:39 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you  Father
 
01:06:28 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXV, Part IV

We continued our reflection upon the fathers’ writing on fornication and the passion of lust. What becomes immediately clear is how much they prized this virtue and how important they saw it for the spiritual life as a whole. Purity of heart has always been connected, rightly wrongly, with purity on the level of sensuality. The fact that the fathers valued it so greatly also led them into a kind of fierce ascetic battle to attain it. At times they could fall into extremes and excess - leading to a weakening of the body almost to the point of death. They had to learn that the disciplining of the body through fasting, vigils and prayer is only part of the struggle. The more important element is relying upon the grace of God and trusting in him in the midst of the spiritual warfare.
One of the things that have made this battle with fornication so difficult is the shame that is often associated with it; not only with the physical act itself, but the relentless thoughts that often afflict an individual. This shame often creates an internal agitation and anxiety that makes a person more vulnerable to seeking immediate physical relief. Shame also has led asceticism to be used as a defense mechanism, causing many to repress the desires that they have rather than allowing them to be transformed by the grace of God and by a growing attachment to and love for him.  Inevitably such repression will break down and the same desires will manifest themselves in an even stronger fashion. It is for this reason that the demons become the greatest accuser of one who has fallen into this particular sin. He knows that if he can lead them into despair and get them to give up on the hope for healing, he will be able to dismantle their spiritual life.
Patience, endurance, the willingness to bear affliction without making concessions to the thoughts that afflict us – this is the path forward. Paired with clinging to the grace of God and the strength that comes through the holy sacraments, the disordered attachments begin to diminish. The fathers eventually discovered, as we have already seen, that it is important to avoid excess. If we are ruthless with ourselves, we can we can weaken ourselves not only physically, but also in terms of our resolve. Quite simply a person can grow so tired that they want to give up.
We must always keep before our eyes, then, the heavenly bridegroom and the understanding that we wage the spiritual warfare, not in isolation, but surrounded by all the angels in the Saints. And even if we are to fall every single day, St. John Climacus tells us, and yet turn to God in repentance our guardian angel looks upon us with joy. 
May God give us all not only the resolve to remain in the battle but an invincible hope in his grace and mercy.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:14:38 Cindy Moran: I studied 3 years with Dr Muto & Fr, Adrian
 
00:15:21 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 181, # 4
 
00:15:28 Anna Lalonde: I'm interested in Spiritual Formation if you can share
connections at some point.
 
00:15:39 Cindy Moran: ok!
 
00:32:08 santiagobua: We can start recieving after we bend the knee to the Lord, not before
 
00:32:55 Anna Lalonde: Humility and Holy Eucharist brings upon Chastity. Is that right?
 
00:33:54 Anthony: It would be helpful for a person in a moment of any moral suffering to distinguish actual sin from "spiritual warfare."
 
00:34:21 Anna Lalonde: Yes
 
00:58:42 Anthony: The image for me is a starfish opening a clam.  The clam tries as hard as it can to stay shut. The starfish wants to enter, and (I'm mixing metaphors), stick a knife in between the shells to cut off the victim from God and the land of the living.  That, for me, is the pure fear, of being cut off from hope and God.
 
01:08:53 Forrest Cavalier: This story #8 shows a wisdom in using the natural reactions of the physical body to abhor the sin for how deadly it is. It looks like good Pavlovian psychology.
 
01:11:55 Sheila: Salvation Army
 
01:14:09 Una: Is that Jack Sparks?
 
01:14:45 Una: Victory in the Unseen Warfare (red cover)
 
01:15:03 Una: Also Virtue in the Unseen Warfare (green cover)
 
01:15:09 Una: Fr. Jack Sparks
 
01:15:18 Rod Castillo: I’ve read it but in Spanish
 
01:16:40 Lilly: Thank you Father
 
01:17:19 Cindy Moran: Thank you, Father!
 
01:17:23 Cameron Jackson: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:25 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you ☺️
 
01:17:28 Dave Warner | AL: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:28 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
 
01:17:28 Serene Lai: THank you Father!
 
01:17:37 Janine: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:51 Aric Bukiri: Thank you Father!
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXV, Part III

Both in the stories that we are told from the lives of the fathers and from the particular teachings that they offer their spiritual sons, we begin to get into the nitty-gritty of the struggle with the passion of lust and fornication. Again what we are presented with is the fierceness of the battle. Part of the reason for this is that the soul has implanted in it by nature a proclivity towards certain pleasures. Saint Anthony the great tells us that it does not act, however, without the heart so desiring. Desire as we’ve so often discussed is essential in the spiritual life. We have a keen sense of our lack and incompleteness outside of God. In this sense, all of our desires as human beings are reflection of our great desire for God and for what He alone can satisfy. 
This proclivity towards certain pleasures can begin to take hold of the soul when we are over-attentive to nourishing our bodies with food and drink. In our tendency towards excess our hearts can be taken over by the desire for fleshly pleasure. 
When we find ourselves repeatedly seeking out pleasures as an end in themselves then we become vulnerable to the provocation of the demons due to their envy. They can try to stir up the fleshly desires in order to distract us from the things of God and the remembrance of God. 
It is so important for us who struggle in the spiritual life to know well the difference between these sources of our proclivity toward sensuality. We cannot allow ourselves to be ignorant of their causes and the many ways that they manifest themselves. We must learn how to confront our temptations as well as to embrace the remedies that the fathers put before us.
It is important for us to understand that much of the spiritual battle plays itself out on a psychological level and the means of warfare begins with the thoughts. When we lack watchfulness and allow ourselves to daydream and entertain every kind of thought and image, we find that our memory and our imagination become the holding place of so many things that come back to afflict us in the spiritual battle.
Therefore, we will discover in the coming months that such a spiritual battle is only won through the grace of God and constant of prayer. The spiritual life is not about endurance but rather humility. We engage in the ascetical life because we know our poverty. We must exercise our faith to the fullest extent in order that God’s grace might bear the greatest fruit possible within our hearts.
---
 
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:36:02 Kate : I recently read a quote, “The avaricious soul is one for whom God is not enough.”  It made me wonder if this could be applied to any of the passions…gluttony, lust, etc.
 
00:41:06 Nypaver Clan: Film cameras = analog photography
 
00:41:12 Una: The lust of the eyes = images
 
00:41:46 sharonfisher: I think so true, and ‘middle’ class needs to best of these things to feel like they’re keeping up. It shouldn’t be so. It makes  it hard for a family to afford life.
 
00:42:18 sharonfisher: Reacted to "The lust of the eyes..." with ❤️
 
00:43:20 Anna Lalonde: Blue light and other things are dangerous in the neurology and psychology of children. It damages their brains.
 
00:43:35 sharonfisher: Replying to "I think so true, and..."
 
Thanks for your corrections!
 
00:48:18 Anthony: I think the shock of any vile thought (lust, avarice, blasphemy) that spontaneously arise in the mind causes grief.
 
00:49:26 Anthony: In the Philokalia I appreciate a father emphasizing Deliberation in something being a free act of will.
 
00:52:38 Una: I don't understand what these blasphemous thoughts are
 
01:03:39 Rebecca Thérèse: When I worked in mental health I found that often when women had been abused from a young age, they often didn't understand that they had the right to say no. People who are used to having no control over their bodies find it almost impossible to set appropriate boundaries even simply relating to their own desires. It's easy to be judgemental of people's relationships if we don't understand what's underlying the decisions that they make.
 
01:03:50 Myles Davidson: UFC
 
01:03:50 Francisco Ingham: mma
 
01:04:14 Una: Gladiator movies!
 
01:04:35 Wayne: Reacted to "When I worked in men..." with 👍
 
01:06:00 Anthony: I STILL love baseball games on AM radio. :)
 
01:11:41 Anthony: Another thing that caused shock and grief is forgetting we have the sneaky bodies enemies who attack psychologically, not like people or beasts.
 
01:12:58 Una: Reacted to "When I worked in m..." with 👍
 
01:15:18 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father Blessing
 
01:15:38 Lisa: Reacted to "Thank You Father Ble..." with 👍
 
01:16:45 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
 
01:16:48 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:17:01 Aric Bukiri: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:22 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 
01:17:24 Francisco Ingham: This is wonderful Father, thank you for this place of spiritual rest
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXV, Part II

Tonight once again we are immersed in the struggle for purity of heart and the avoidance of its opposite in action, fornication. We are presented, of course, with heroic examples of those who embodied this virtue. Yet the most powerful thing that stands out both in the examples and the writings of the fathers is their understanding of Eros being conquered by Divine Eros; that is, our attachment to the things of this world and are very selves overcome by a greater love - the love of God for us. 
When we begin to see and taste this love within our day-to-day life, and when we experience a greater measure of freedom through the ascetic life, that Divine love begins to grow within us and we find ourselves running with a swiftness aided by the grace of God. 
Love is always the more powerful motivator and there is nothing more powerful than to experience the love of the one who created us in His own image and likeness. He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Once we begin to let go of the illusion that this world places before us - the illusion that it can provide for all of us are pleasures; and once the grace of God begins also to purify the memory, we begin to experience the invincible joy, peace, and humility of the kingdom. 
As long as we are in this world, we all always find ourselves embattled. Therefore, the fathers tell us to cry out like David in the psalms: “Deliver me, O my joy, from them that have compassed me about.“ At that moment, we will always find ourselves in the hands of the living God.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:13:28 Rebecca Thérèse: Happy Birthday Joshua
 
00:21:38 Anthony: Sounds like St Augustine in City of God regarding virgins who jumped off buildings for fear of rape by Vandals.
 
00:22:33 Anthony: Maria goretti
 
00:32:00 Myles Davidson: Committing oneself to an Adoration time outside of normal sleep time can be a great way to get used to combatting the need to sleep.
 
00:45:12 Wayne: Its interesting that the protestant tradition don't have the crucified Christ on the cross. There is focus on the resurrection but forget about Good Friday.
 
00:55:26 Forrest Cavalier: Some terms I have come across to describe the non-sacrificial, non-repentance approach to Christianity are "Moralistic therapeutic deism" and "cheap grace"
 
00:59:04 Rebecca Thérèse: If John Lennon's "Imagine" came true that would be world communism.
 
01:07:45 Anthony: Also, iconographers and musicians and poets who give us a vision to hope for.  Something that reaches us outside of reason for an irrational world.
 
01:14:29 Anna Lalonde: I do vigils, it's grown through desert Father's training me.
 
01:14:40 Adam Paige: Reacted to "I do vigils, it's gr..." with 👍
 
01:14:48 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "I do vigils, it's gr..." with 👍
 
01:15:00 Erick Chastain: Reacted to I do vigils, it's gr... with "👍"
 
01:16:11 Myles Davidson: I’ve taken to sometimes when I wake in the middle of the night, getting up for an hour of praying the Jesus Prayer, then going back to sleep. The stillness of the night and the mind make it very special
 
01:16:36 Wayne: Reacted to "I’ve taken to someti..." with 👍
 
01:16:46 Lee Graham: Reacted to "I’ve taken to someti…" with 👍
 
01:17:24 Adam Paige: Reacted to "I’ve taken to someti..." with 👍
 
01:18:45 Anna Lalonde: I'm a spiritual director of Latin and East and a Catholic Coach.
 
01:20:48 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You to Father and all who are here
 
01:20:51 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
 
01:20:56 Santiago Búa: Thank you Father
 
01:20:56 Macarena Olsen: Thank you!
 
01:20:57 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:21:13 Jacqulyn: Reacted to "Thank You to Father ..." with ❤️
 
01:21:21 Erick Chastain: Thank you!!
 
01:21:48 Francisco Ingham: Thank you Father!!
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXIV, Part II & XXV, Part I

Why is it that we engage in the ascetic life and the spiritual life as a whole?  How is it that we come to understand the extreme practices of the desert fathers as they entered into the struggle with the passions? Seemingly they were willing to do almost anything to overcome temptation and to suffer extreme disciplines, punishing the body, until the passions were overcome.Again, we must understand that the desert was a laboratory. The fathers were driven there by their desire to live for God and to live for Him completely. Of course, they entered into these exercises with an imperfect understanding. Yet, in reading the Evergetinos we are blessed to see the development of their understanding and practice; how it becomes more measured and more focused upon God and the grace he provides.Beyond this, however, they were engaging in this way of life not simply in the pursuit of certain principles. Nor were they seeking to overcome their natural flaws and defects. They understood the struggle was also with demonic provocation. Therefore, they were not simply trying to foster good habits or to acquire a taste for that which was more virtuous. They understood that the spiritual life involved a bloody warfare against evil. The shadow of the Cross always falls over our struggles and stands as a reminder of the costs of sin. To overcome sin and its consequence, Christ sweat blood in the garden of Gethsemane and was obedient unto death on the cross. The spiritual life is formed and shaped by the Paschal Mystery. It involves always a dying to self and rising to new life in Christ. To strip it of this understanding is to make our spiritual life and practices impotent. We are to be conformed to Christ in every way. We preached Jesus Christ and him crucified not only in words, but in our day-to-day struggle against sin and the passions.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:13:41 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 172, # C
 
00:22:42 Myles Davidson: What’s the difference between an oath and say, a general intention to do something?
 
00:24:43 Kate : What about resolutions that we make for a penitential time, such as Lenten resolutions or Advent resolutions?   Is this a good practice according to the Fathers?
 
00:26:58 Forrest Cavalier: And all of these rely on God's grace for success. not our will alone.
 
00:37:38 Erick Chastain: Why does fat mean there are increased passions? Are there other foods like that?
 
00:38:25 Myles Davidson: Today is the beginning of St Martins Lent so to finish this now has been good timing
 
00:40:39 Erick Chastain: Why does fat mean there are increased passions? Are there other foods like that?
 
00:42:05 Myles Davidson: I’ve been eating less meat meals and find a definite increase in nepsis and general ability to concentrate in my prayer
 
00:43:18 Wayne: I think you you eat to much surgar etc you get highs and low  from it..
 
00:44:33 Sheila: It's a true challenge to avoid all the desserts because it seems these days people start Christmas festivities as soon as Thanksgiving ends, or in the case of many around me at school...now.
 
00:44:55 Sheila: Secular Christmas is all around.
 
00:47:16 Kate : And there are so many different diets now that encourage us to fixate on certain types of foods…keto, carnivore, longevity diets, etc. etc.  There might be some health benefits to them, but they can become intense distractions.
 
00:48:22 Anna Lalonde: Homeschooling... Everything then is centered in faith.
 
00:49:50 Anna Lalonde: There's so many resources and online live classes and tutoring we have less issues as homeschooling.
 
00:50:01 Anna Lalonde: Lol
 
01:01:14 Myles Davidson: Better to engage in the battle imperfectly than to not engage in it at all
 
01:18:21 Anna Lalonde: Yes that's what I do. Go to Jesus Prayer
 
01:19:12 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
 
01:19:16 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXIII, Part I

We have continued to make our way through the final few hypotheses about fasting and eating in general. What is gradually coming to light is that our relationship with Christ and our identity in Him is to form and fashion every aspect of our lives. This includes what we might consider the most mundane aspects of our life or what we take for granted, such as eating and common meals. 
What becomes perfectly clear in this hypothesis, however, is that there is a specific decorum that emerged in the practice of the fathers. The way that they looked at food and the way that they ate their common meals was all shaped by their greater commitment to the life of prayer and silence. The ascetical life shaped their actions and supported their pursuit of the ultimate goal. Thus eating, the quality of the food, the mannerisms at table and amount of food that other monks ate and the general behavior during meals all became important matters and subject to proper formation. 
The ideal was not to form a Christian gentleman, but rather to form a heart that was watchful at all times of the day and that was very much aware of the power of our most basic appetites. We see restraint being taught; that is, slowing oneself down at meals and not being driven by the pressure of hunger or the allure of delicious food. It is Christ the Bread of Life that one is always seeking and so the way that we approach our meals should be a reflection of how we approach the Lord in the Holy Mysteries. Our mindset, our sense of gratitude, the solemnity of our attitudes and behaviors are all reflection of our understanding of the connection with the Paschal Mystery. When we think of our own formation we must have this broad scope so that we do not treat our ascetic practices as ends in themselves. All that we do must be offered to God or it is wasted.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:17:20 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 165, #A
 
00:44:06 Una: LOL about the comment about men eating. And then they throw their silverware in the trash? Obviously, I've never been in a men's monastery. But how can we who are living in the world apply these standards to everyday dinners with family?
 
00:46:49 Una: I'm thinking of Thanksgiving Dinner where people gobble gobble gobble and aren't focused on God at all. Last year I had a hard time getting them to listen to the Prayer of St. Francis before the meal. Very secular family. How I personally may maintain my recollection yet still be social
 
00:47:50 Una: I find I can "go out" of myself so easily and get lost in socializing and talking (I'm an extravert) and then have difficulty becoming recollected again
 
01:03:42 Una: Is it true that the early Irish monasticism came from Egypt?
 
01:10:13 Una: There's a new book on this subject: Monastery and High Cross: The Forgotten Eastern Roots of Irish Christianity
 
01:10:20 Una: by Connie Marshner
 
01:10:34 Una: Sophia Institute Press
 
01:11:49 Steve: Good story
 
01:11:59 Una: Connie Marshner is a Melkite Green Catholic in Virginia
 
01:21:26 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
 
01:21:48 Troy Amaro: Thank you Father.
 
01:22:30 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you, sorry I was so late, our clocks went back an hour yesterday and I forgot about the time difference
 
01:24:18 ANDREW ADAMS: Where does one find the substack? I’m not knowledgeable on the whole social media scene.
 
01:25:19 Adam Paige: Where does one find the substack? I’m not knowledgeable on the whole social media scene.
https://substack.com/@frcharbelabernethy
 
01:25:44 ANDREW ADAMS: Replying to "Where does one find ..."
 
Thank you!
 
01:27:47 Bob Cihak, AZ: .. or https://frcharbelabernethy.substack.com/
 
01:28:16 Paul G.: Replying to ".. or https://frchar…"
+1
 
01:29:21 Maureen Cunningham: Thank  you
 
01:32:17 Maureen Cunningham: Wow
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXII, Part III

It’s important for us as we read the fathers and consider the discipline that they embraced regarding our appetites and desires that we do not demonize these realities or fall into extreme practices. At the heart of the fathers’ lives and teachings is desire; allowing the love of God and gratitude for his gifts to guide and direct their understanding of life and perception of reality. 
It is true that the desert was every bit the laboratory; the fathers often pushed themselves in extreme ways in order that their appetites and their desires for satisfaction and pleasure would lose their grip upon them. They were often harsh with themselves in ways that seem abhorrent to modern sensibilities. 
Yet they realized that these realities are very powerful parts of our humanity. The body, for example, through the ascetic life can be a powerful aid in our sanctification. However, if we approach our appetites in an unmeasured fashion, or in a way that is simply focused upon the self, then that which is most beautiful can be corrupted.
Thus, our own embrace of the ascetic life should be rooted in desire; our sense of lack and incompleteness outside of God. Our truest identity is established and found only in Him. Such a vision must be fostered from the earliest years of our lives. For it is not something that one can give or share with another. It comes only through experience. One comes to love the disciplines of which the father speak (fasting, prayer, vigils etc.) because they are far more than mere disciplines. They open up the path for us to experience the invincible joy and peace and freedom of the Kingdom. “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
---
Text of chat during the group: 
00:15:57 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 161, G
 
00:16:11 Adam Paige: Reacted to "P. 161, G" with 👍
 
01:05:40 Bob Cihak, AZ: From Adam:
Adam Paige 5:14 PM
Should we avoid restaurants since they’re typically predicated on desirable food ? Or should we order a less appealing meal when we are at a restaurant ?
 
01:12:52 Cindy Moran: You aren't missing anything!
 
01:14:19 Adam Paige: Reacted to "You aren't missing a…" with 😂
 
01:19:42 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father
 
01:19:55 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:19:59 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father!
 
01:20:11 Tracey Fredman: Glad you are feeling better, Fr. Charbel!
 
01:20:14 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 
01:20:21 Kevin Burke: Thank You Father!
 
01:20:39 Tracey Fredman: Liturgy of the Hours is one you mentioned one time. Is that a possibility for a topic?
 
01:20:47 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Liturgy of the Hours…" with ❤️
 
01:21:01 Cameron Jackson: Thank you Father
 
01:21:19 Myles Davidson: Your Substack is excellent Father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXII, Part II

It may seem surprising that the fathers spend so much time speaking about food and how we approach eating. Yet the needs of the flesh are very much a part of who we are as human beings. So how we eat and what we eat can affect what goes on internally. We can be subject to disorder or extremes in one fashion or another. 
What we see in the desert fathers and mothers is a love of fasting because they saw it as the insurer and foundation of the other virtues. In other words, when one can order an appetite and a desire towards what is good and specifically as tied to our hunger for God, then we are able to do so with other aspects of our humanity and our other appetites. Eating, being one of the most basic needs can lead us in one of two directions; either it is the gateway vice that opens us up to be more vulnerable to disordered appetites, or our restriction of our diet can turn us toward God who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart.
The fathers examine the practice of eating from multiple perspectives. They had an acute sense of the subtlety with which the mind approaches such a practice. We can be hyper-focused upon the body and its needs. We can use illness as an excuse for slothfulness or to eat beyond our needs or what health demands. Likewise, we can become overly focused upon the quality of food and only want what is pleasing to the pallet or perfectly fresh. We lose sight of the fact that what we prize so much passes into the latrine. It may satisfy the pallet but it does not give rest to the soul.
The fathers also understood that we must give ourselves over to this practice without over-analyzing its value. Our tendency to pamper the body can make us and our consciences become callous and lead us down the path to hedonism. We lose sight of the fact that this appetite is incited by everything in the culture around us that has made food an idol. It has also made it a medicine in the sense that we turned to it to find solace and comfort. In a subtle way we are being taught to avoid affliction at any cost and to question the redeeming nature of the cross.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:10:54 Nick Bodmer: I had a question about the next work for the Wednesday group.  What is after the Ladder, and is there a recommend translation?
 
00:12:17 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 159, #B
 
00:12:40 Nick Bodmer: 👍
 
00:21:03 Bob Cihak, AZ: A good friend lost 20 pounds. His method: When I'm not hungry, I don't eat.
 
00:22:02 Myles Davidson: Do you have any advice for those of us who are very slim and with very little body fat but who want to increase our fasting practice? I’m finding it a real art-form and a balance that’s not easy to find.
 
00:25:01 Bob Cihak, AZ: Many find "Eat, Fast, Feast" a book by my friend, Jay Richards, very helpful. He looks at fasting for spiritual, fitness and dietary reasons; he says no one else had written such a book.
 
00:25:25 Forrest Cavalier: Hi Myles, I am low BMI myself. I discipline my fasting in order to not go below a target weight. For me 137 lbs. I do not eat breakfast. I do not eat snacks during Lent. I have to increase calories at some meals. Most of my fasting discipline is not calorie reduction, but not eating dairy or meat on Wednesday and Friday.
 
00:28:10 Nick Bodmer: This is why the medieval monks made beer 🤣
 
Maintains calories.
 
00:29:28 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "This is why the medi..." with 😃
 
00:36:23 Nikki: If someone is not lean after a decent time of fasting and self discipline with their eating, would that be an indicator they aren’t being disciplined enough to reach that deeper intimacy with the Lord?
 
00:39:40 Anthony: St Thomas Aquinas was so big they cut a hole in dining table fir him....so I've heard. Some people like Neapolitans can be big boned people.
 
00:41:58 Andrew Adams: cortisol
 
00:42:02 Nick Bodmer: Cortisol
 
00:42:51 Joseph: St. Athanasius described St. Anthony: “And they, when they saw him, wondered at the sight, for he had the same habit of body as before, and was neither fat, like a man without exercise, nor lean from fasting and striving with the demons, but he was just the same as they had known him before his retirement.”
 
00:46:45 Bob Cihak, AZ: Our culture now promotes paying MORE money for LESS nutritional value, counting calories as a nutritional value.
 
00:52:28 Anthony: The news scares about food also contribute to our derangement
 
01:00:20 Anthony: Bloomin onion
 
01:05:06 Anthony: The marketers sell us on the things that cause problems and then sell us on the "remedies".....which cause more problems.  This is prophecy of Amos territory.
 
01:09:52 Nick Bodmer: Health is a good, but when we make it an ultimate good, and end in itself, it becomes an idol.
 
01:11:16 Bob Cihak, AZ: Reacted to "Health is a good, bu..." with 👍
 
01:11:51 Bob Cihak, AZ: . As a recovering (retired) MD, I agree with Nick.
 
01:13:21 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:13:23 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XXI, and XXII, Part I

We continued this evening to delve more deeply into the fathers’ understanding of the practice of fasting. Once again we see that they learned from experience that it is better to eat once a day but not to the point of satiation. One must be measured and restrained in the practice, so is not to become weak and incapable of work or of fulfilling one’s prayer rule. 
We also began to see that there was variance in the practices embraced by various monks, both in terms of their diet and the amount they ate. The practice was not to pamper the body but also not to destroy it. The body is necessary in the spiritual battle. Thus one must be discerning in one’s spiritual practice and patient. 
We were also introduced this evening to the particular temptations that arise throughout the course of one’s spiritual life. Again, we must realize that we struggle not only with our own natural weaknesses and the weakness of our sin, but also with temptations and provocations that come to us from the Evil One. We are often tempted by what we see. We covet what appeals to the eyes and seems to promise enjoyment or satisfaction. We hear stories of the father’s catching themselves being tempted to break the rule of fasting. 
What is needed is humility. Fasting is a discipline and when we fail we are to humbly acknowledge it and confess it. We must never be tempted after having fallen to hide our failure or lie about it. It is then that we are truly in the grip of the father of lies and will be further led astray by even greater deception.
Finally, we were taught that there are certain passions that we must be willing to cut out of our life completely. There are certain things that have such a hold on our hearts and enslave our wills that there must be the courage and the willingness to remove it from our lives completely. We must always be willing to choose the better part and to sacrifice all for that pearl great price.
---
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:10:41 David Fraley: Hello everyone! Thank you!
 
00:11:08 David Fraley: Thank you!
 
00:11:29 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 154 A
 
00:16:00 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 154 A
 
00:21:40 Anthony: Yeah, I multiplied devotion. It wasn't so great for me.
 
00:28:34 Joseph Muir: What page are we on?
 
00:29:11 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 156 C
 
00:33:21 Anthony: That bread isn't going to rise well like french bread.  It's either flatbread or pancakes. That's a basic sacrifice.
 
00:33:48 Vanessa: Replying to "That bread isn't goi..."
 
no yeast.
 
00:38:04 Sandra Whatley: "Silence is a place where the serpent can not go. It is a place as toxic to him as his environment is to us"
Father 7/23
 
00:39:09 Sandra Whatley: This is what Father told me in prayer
 
00:45:30 Nikki: The desert fathers approach fasting in different ways. How do we find out what we should do personally regarding approaching a limitation of food (choices & amount) along with heightened self-discipline, when over time the difficulties of continuing that level of intensity may have one think with all seriousness that they should start eating more/fast less? Concerned perhaps they are not eating enough and maybe
their bodies showing signs of this.
 
00:54:26 Nikki: Thank you
 
00:54:46 Kevin Burke: https://archive.org/details/tolovefasting/mode/2up
 
00:55:19 Kevin Burke: On-line version of the Book To Love Fasting
 
00:58:39 Nypaver Clan: Would it have made more sense to leave it for someone else than to waste it?
 
01:06:48 Nypaver Clan: There’s a reason the computer is “Apple.”
 
01:07:18 Bob Cihak, AZ: Reacted to "There’s a reason the..." with 😯
 
01:07:20 Nypaver Clan: The symbol is very telling….
 
01:09:41 Sheila: A large amount of tv shows out there are straight up porn but it's easy to make excuses that it's ok to watch...but let's be real...is it? Single, in a relationship or married, the toll it takes on yourself or the person you care about is so subtle..but it erodes away at real intimacy.
 
01:11:07 Sheila: Truth.
 
01:12:14 Una: I used to write Christian romances (clean romances, no sex scenes) but i gave it up because I felt it did harm to people's imaginations and spiritual life, setting up unreality. I think the Desert Fathers would have something to say about this!
 
01:13:10 Una: Movement toward Reality. Well said!
 
01:14:53 Anthony: Isaac came to my home today!
 
01:15:25 David Fraley: Thanks, Father! Have a great night!
 
01:15:26 Sandra Whatley: Thank you so very much.
 
01:15:36 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:15:53 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XIX, and XX

We continued our reading of the Evergetinos this evening with hypotheses 19 and 20. Once again we find ourselves considering the fathers’ teaching on eating and our use of food. Part of the reason they spend so much time on this subject is because they understand the meaning that food has for us as human beings and that it often goes well beyond that of nourishment. We come into this world and our first and earliest experience is that of being suckled; fed at the breast of our mother and thereby comforted. On a psychological level, food can continue to have this meaning. That is not necessarily something bad. There is a form of communion that we have with each other when we have a common meal. Indeed, this is why Christ gives himself to us as Eucharist. However, in our sin, the desire for food can be driven more by the emotional needs that we have in our day-to-day struggles. The fathers understood that the psychological reality affects us spiritually. 
Over and over again, we can turn to the things of this world to satisfy the longing of the human heart that God alone can fill. Christ is the Bread of Life and he alone can nourish us upon his love. Thus the fathers, especially those who entered into the desert, became acutely aware of the need to be watchful of this bodily hunger. When we lose our watchfulness or when we relax our disciplines, once again we can move towards satisfying ourselves through the things of this world. 
Food can become an idol. The monks understood that even in our religiosity we can be tempted to celebrate feasts in such a way that we cast aside all that was gained through fasting. What worth is it to fast 40 days of Lent then only to turn around and eat excessively for 50 days until Pentecost?
The fathers also identified another danger. Our religious sensibilities and identity can be just strong enough that they lead us to want to maintain the illusion of holiness and discipline. The fathers warn us about the temptation to secret eating. Hiding the truth from others as well as from oneself only prevents repentance. In order to hold on to the illusion and false image of the self, we can destroy ourselves spiritually.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:16:18 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 150
 
00:16:49 Lilly: Reacted to "P. 150" with ❤️
 
00:35:32 Forrest Cavalier: That earlier story was Evergetinos 11 in Volume 2.
 
00:39:02 iPhone: The YouTube channel is Athonite Audio. Audio books from the monks on Mount Athos
 
00:50:20 Forrest Cavalier: To know, love, serve in this life, and to be with him in the next
 
00:55:45 Ambrose Little, OP: Only the flamin hot ones, tho
 
01:07:16 Rebecca Thérèse: Is the real issue that the monk out of pride allowed people to think he was better than he was.
 
01:09:46 Fr Marty, AZ, 480-292-3381: I too often judge myself based on some preconceived results or image of what I or someone else should look like. Whereas, it sounds like the fruit of the soil that are my circumstances and weakness and gifts. God told Paul, where you're weak I'm strong. God can hide me in his own way that bears fruits that aren't necessarily visible results.
 
01:12:43 Nypaver Clan: Thank you, Father!
 
01:12:51 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
 
01:13:22 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:13:30 Cameron Jackson: Thank you Father.
 
01:13:33 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 
01:13:34 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XVIII, Part III

Synopsis of tonight’s group on the Evergetinos- Hypothesis 18 Sections H and I:
 
This evening we concluded hypothesis 18 with the clarity that only St. John Cassian can bring. Cassian, though as western monk, spent many years in Egypt among the desert fathers and was able to distill their thought with great clarity for the western mind as well as the western monk. He shows us what the practice, or as he says, the vast experience of the monks over the course of time offers us. They show us that we are to avoid extremes. Fasting is not to be extended over the course of many days because the immoderate practice of fasting leads to the immoderate break of the fast and over-eating. Fasting is to be embraced, not as an end in itself, but as a means to bringing about both internal and external stability to a confused and unruly life. There is only one hard and fast rule and that is not to eat to the point of satiation. In fact, we must understand the uniqueness of each individual in regard to their experience in the ascetic life and the strength of their constitution. Not everybody can restrain the amount of food they eat to the same extent. Nor can everyone live a strictly vegan diet.
 
Cassian also notes that illness does not come into conflict with purity of heart. It may demand that we lighten our discipline for the sake of the health of the body. But even here we should eat in moderation and whatever the illness demands without making ourselves slaves to the assaults of evil desires. “The moderate and logical use of food ensures the health of the body; it does not detract from holiness.” Once again the fathers prove themselves to be both spiritually and psychologically astute as well as having a clear understanding of the physiological needs that we have as human beings.
 
Fasting in many way is starting point for us and not only serves us in the struggle for purity of heart by humbling the mind and the body, but it also reveals to us that the spiritual life must involve the whole person. We begin with the basics and our most fundamental need – the need for sustenance. A confused mind is born out of disorder, and this brings confusion to the soul, and from that purity slowly disappears. Much of the turmoil that we experience in our life arises out of the loss of peace that comes from a disordered life. However, when this order emerges within us and we begin to taste something of the peace of Christ, then something is born within the human heart. The Fathers tells us that from the light of peace a pure wind blows through the mind. To the extent that the heart can draw near to wisdom, it receives grace from God. Thus fasting may not seem to be necessary or important in our generation, but for the fathers it lays the very foundation of a life that is caught up in Christ and transformed by his grace.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:09:53 Nicole Dillon: Hello everyone. Happy to be able to join tonite. Thank you 🙏🏼 🥰🕊️
 
00:10:46 Ambrose Little, OP: St. John’s Conferences were one of the few books
that St. Dominic kept and carried with him.
 
00:24:57 Wayne: Some may be Vegan?
 
00:25:26 Laura: Vegan - no animal products
 
00:25:34 Lilly (Toronto, CA): No animal products at all
 
00:25:50 Forrest Cavalier: There are also fruitarians.
 
00:25:57 Rebecca Thérèse: Vegans won't even eat honey
 
00:26:17 Lilly (Toronto, CA): I've been a nut for 12 years 😅
 
00:26:23 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Vegans won't even ea..." with 🙄
 
00:26:43 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "There are also fruit..." with 🙄
 
00:29:14 Anthony: When the Mongols became Christian,  they had a meat and milk diet.  They were advised by the "nestorian" bishop to abstain from fermented mare's milk.
 
00:36:04 Lilly (Toronto, CA): I've always wondered if God's plan for Adam and Eve was for humanity to be vegan? Did original sin bring about the killing of animals and need for such products?
 
00:36:50 Anthony: Reacted to I've always wondered... with "👍"
 
00:41:43 Nypaver Clan: Can a disordered life cause mental disorder or does the mental disorder usually come first, then the disordered life?
 
00:51:42 Wayne: Replying to "I've always wondered..."
 
I don't have the  scriptural verse in Genuis that suggest we should not be eating animal products
 
00:56:29 Rebecca Thérèse: When I worked in mental health over a decade ago, professionals completely adopted the secularist notions towards sexuality and sexual behaviour without even any understanding of different values in this area. For example, stating that a Muslim man would have hang ups around sex because of his religion. Also, a colleague was refused a job because in an interview he said he would advise a Muslim with same sex attraction to speak to a Muslim religious leader. He was told he failed the diversity question as this was the wrong answer since religious leaders are the most conservative of people. It's considered bad for mental health to observe traditional sexual morality.
 
00:58:36 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "When I worked in men..." with 😢
 
00:58:55 Lilly (Toronto, CA): Is there an actual scriptural verse in Genesis that can clarify my previous question?
 
00:59:25 Forrest Cavalier: Replying to "Is there an actual s..."
 
Gen 9:3
 
01:02:44 iPhone: I’ve been called a bigot for believing that homosexuality activity is a sin and that the attraction is disordered, although I do not reject or condemn this man
 
01:05:36 Wayne: Replying to "Is there an actual s..."
 
yes that's it
 
01:06:41 Wayne: Replying to "Is there an actual s..."
 
I checked the foot notes on this verse and did not get clarity on it
 
01:07:27 Nicole Dillon: Thank you Father!
 
01:07:53 Laura: Reacted to "Thank you Father!" with 👍🏼
 
01:08:05 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you, FatherI keep you in  prayer for your retreat Blessing
 
01:08:13 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:08:17 Forrest Cavalier: So grateful!
 
01:08:21 iPhone: Thank you, Father
 
01:08:29 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 
01:08:33 Cameron Jackson: Thank you.
 
01:08:38 iPhone: Bye bye
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XVIII, Part II

No one is going to take up the practice of fasting or come to “love fasting” as we have often spoken of unless they are taught by those who have deep and long experience in the practice. As we have seen the desert was very much laboratory. Those who entered into it were driven by the desire for the Lord and to remove any impediment to that desire. 
Yet, we see in the writings of the Evergetinos a natural progression, an organic progression, in the practice. Their zeal for the Lord often led the monks to engage in the practice of fasting with great strictness and to radically humble the body. However, they quickly learned that to practice even that which is good in an imprudent and unmeasured fashion was dangerous. To fall into exhaustion from fasting too long could make it impossible for a person to remain awake to engage in the practice of prayer or, similarly, weaken their watchfulness of mind such that they become vulnerable to the provocation of sinful thoughts. 
The desert fathers also had to learn that fasting was but an implement. It is necessary for the cultivation of the heart, but it must be accompanied by constant prayer and bear the fruit of love for God and virtue. Therefore, the Evergetinos places us in a privileged position. We are able to sit at the feet of the great elders of old and to learn from the errors and the pitfalls that can cripple us in the spiritual life as well as to be inspired by the fathers’ great sanctity. The spiritual struggle is rarely neat and the path ahead is often hidden to us. The desert fathers are shining light in an age of spiritual darkness and lack of guidance. Thanks be to God for such a precious gift.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:30:18 Anthony: I feel targeted.... 😉
 
00:36:50 Una: Does that include Irish Coffees?
 
00:48:47 Anthony: It's a gift to be simple, it's a gift to be free
 
00:48:54 Forrest Cavalier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Gifts
 
00:49:21 Forrest Cavalier: Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.[5]
 
00:56:47 Anthony: Excessive sorrow also brings exhaustion.
 
01:07:30 Anthony: History also shows fixation on pornography is almost always present
 
01:17:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you
 
01:17:40 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:17:46 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:17:50 Kevin Burke: Thank you !
 
01:18:03 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XVIII, Part I

We picked up this evening with the beginning of hypothesis 18. For weeks now we have been reading about the essential practice of fasting. The cultivation of virtue and the overcoming of the passions is impossible without it. Making use of the body to strengthen the soul is a necessity. But we quickly realize from the stories that this practice can become imbalanced; monks could fall into extremes and be tempted to engage in disciplines in ways that feed the ego – ways that make them feel holy or religious. 
Yet the desert was a great teacher. The monks learned in this laboratory the subtle movements not only of the mind and the heart, but the way the demons tempt us to extremes. To fast for three or four days serves only to weaken the body and this can disrupt one’s spiritual practices as well as one make one ill. It can also, fill the heart with pride. In this, the gains made in the life of virtue can be lost in an instant. 
Therefore, the fathers begin to understand that fasting must be practiced with restraint, measure, and good wisdom. We must never lose sight of the fact that our fasting is tied to Christ and who he is for us. He is the beloved, the heavenly bridegroom, and our fasting and the hunger it produces must be tied in our minds and our hearts to our desire for Christ, the bread of life. He alone satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. Therefore fasting is not meant to kill the body, but rather re-order our desires toward their true end. Fasting then is to be done with regularity, extending no more than one day. We begin simply by not eating to the point of satiation. We give the body what is necessary, but no more. In all of this we are taught that the royal path to purity of heart is fasting and that light burdens are also profitable.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:07:34 Una: Could someone tell me what book we're using?
 
00:08:20 Andrew Adams: Replying to "Could someone tell m..."
 
https://www.ctosonline.org/patristic/EvCT.html
 
00:08:44 Una: Thank you!
 
00:44:43 Anonymous Sinner: What page?
 
00:47:02 Una: I grew up in Ireland at the time when doctors were doctors and not pill pushers. Our Dr. O'Dolan's best health advice was to always leave the table a little hungry. He was a good Irish Catholic too. I've found following this advice more difficult that doing "heroic" fasts of ten days or so.
 
01:01:44 Anonymous Sinner: I thought that it was Mother Teresa who said this, about praying for 2 hours when one is busy?
 
01:07:41 Maureen Cunningham: Moderation in everything even in moderation
 
01:08:48 Anonymous Sinner: CS Lewis’s chapter on gluttony in the Screwtape Letters comes to mind
 
01:16:27 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you Blessing
 
01:16:37 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:16:39 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:16:53 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XVII, Part I

The desert was a laboratory. The monks went into its depths precisely to push the limits of what they needed in order to sustain themselves; whether it be food, water or sleep. Therefore, we must not find ourselves put off by the stories that seem so extreme. Quite simply, they were extreme!
The desert being a laboratory, compelled the monks not only to evaluate their motives but also the restraint and measure that was necessary in order not to fall into extremes where they would hurt themselves physically or spiritually. Wisdom is hard won. The generations of monks who lived in the desert offer us a profoundly astute understanding of the human person, our needs, our motivations, and what strengthens or harm us in the spiritual life. 
They often learned through error. Sometimes their judgment or lack thereof was a source of profound humility. In the coming weeks, we will be presented with the greater wisdom and balance that began to emerge out of this lengthy experience.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:17:27 Jacqulyn: I'm from Oklahoma!
 
00:18:23 Anthony: Replying to "I'm from Oklahoma!" 
 
 Nice. I'm from Virginia
 
00:20:47 Jacqulyn: Reacted to "Nice. I'm from Virgi..." with 👍
 
01:16:46 Anthony: His weeping sounds like DaVinci who lamented not using God's gifts more, or like Cyrano de Bergerac who struggled to maintain honor.
 
01:17:11 Una McManus: What edition of the book are we using?
 
01:17:28 Una McManus: Can someone write it here? Thanks
 
01:17:42 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:18:57 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XVI, Part II

We picked up once again with the theme of “loving fasting.” The severity of the desert father’s practice of this discipline reveals that love. They discovered not only how essential the body is in the spiritual struggle to overcome attachment and the order of one’s desires towards God, but also that fasting brings a simplicity to one’s life.
We begin to realize that we need much less than we imagine. We are often tempted to think that we need to pamper the body so as not to become sick or weak. It is the regular practice of fasting, we must keep in mind, that teaches us to see the intimate connection between eating and Christ. He is the bread of life and also he who gives us living water to drink in abundance. Therefore, we are to eat in a thoughtful and contemplative fashion, and to make an explicit connection between eating and the Eucharist. In fact fasting and the Eucharist shape the way that we eat. We must attend to the body, but we must also allow the body to serve us spiritually. We discipline ourselves not to punish the body as something evil but to allow everything to be directed toward what satisfies the deepest longing of the human heart.
We are not promised happiness in this world, but rather the invincible, peace, joy, and love of the kingdom. Fasting is one element that helped the monks learn to hunger for what endures.
---
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:07:29 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 127, # 8
 
00:43:17 Bob Cihak, AZ: Is the Elder hastening his own death excessively?
 
00:48:25 Susanna Joy: When I was a girl, we fasted on bread and water on Fridays, but after awhile stopped bc virtue is harder to practice ...making it pointless if no charity is left
 
00:48:53 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "When I was a girl, w..." with 😩
 
00:51:15 Susanna Joy: Right! The regular habit is important and the combination with prayer
 
00:51:57 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Right! The regular h..." with 👍🏼
 
00:51:59 Maureen Cunningham: Holy Spirit will help
 
00:52:54 Forrest Cavalier: Is there a #16 that was skipped?
 
00:53:21 Cameron Jackson: Despondency. I can get how one can transcend Judas like despair. God is so good He can forgive all our sin but despair of life itself is another thing. I’m old, my money is running out, I can’t protect my family from ever present evil, etc. God doesn’t guarantee quality of life. How do you think this through? Life is suffering get used to it?!
 
00:56:40 Susanna Joy: Emerson
 
00:56:56 Susanna Joy: Most men lead lives of quiet desperation
 
00:58:33 David Fraley: I think that was Thoreau.
 
00:59:15 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I think that was Tho..." with 👍🏼
 
01:01:28 Susanna Joy: Reacted to I think that was Tho... with "👍🏼"
 
01:08:10 Maureen Cunningham: How long did he live
 
01:14:54 Steve Yu: As a beginner, would one 16 hr fast a week be excessive?
 
01:15:00 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You , Blessing
 
01:15:31 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:15:35 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:15:35 Forrest Cavalier: Steve, start by skipping breakfast.
 
01:15:36 Lorraine Green: Thank you Father!
 
01:15:43 David Fraley: Thank you, Father.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XV, Part IV and XVI, Part I

We continued our discussion of the fathers’ love for abstinence and fasting. While their feats seem amazing to us as well as how little food they needed to sustain themselves, the importance is what this love of these disciplines show us. They were not embraced simply as forms of discipline or endurance, but rather that which humbled the mind and the body. It is counterintuitive for all of those who live in times of great abundance to imagine that radically limiting both the amount and type of food that we eat could have such great significance for the spiritual life. At one point, the practices are compared to David slaying a lion in the protection of his flock. Fasting allows us to put our trust in God, and so becomes a weapon capable of slaying a far more fierce enemy. Similarly, David rushed out to do battle with Goliath with nothing but a sling and a few stones. Likewise, we rush out in battle, unencumbered by the things of this world caring with us the humble weapons of fasting and constant prayer.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:09:22 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 124, #5
 
00:12:09 David Fraley: Hello Father!
 
00:22:14 Maureen Cunningham: What  page
 
00:22:33 Lilly: Pg 125 #8
 
00:23:01 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
 
00:32:04 Adam Paige: gyrovagues
 
00:38:26 Bob Cihak, AZ: Waste not, Want not, Skinny not.
 
00:44:24 Adam Paige: "Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other. Fasting is the soul of prayer, almsgiving is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated." - St. Peter Chrysologus Sermo 43 (Office of Readings for Tuesday of the 3rd week of Lent)
 
00:47:54 Forrest Cavalier: In Hypothesis 16 there are stories of extreme fasting, some of which must be miraculous, but not without other imitations that are attested. There are several saints who lived multiple years only consuming Eucharist, including St. Catherine of Sienna and St. Joseph of Cupertino.
 
01:03:59 Rebecca Thérèse: Yes
 
01:14:53 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:14:57 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
 
01:15:33 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:15:55 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 
01:15:56 David Fraley: Thank you, Father!
 
01:16:01 Jennifer Ahearn: 🙏 thank you.
 
01:16:08 Mark: thank you father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XV, Part III

The fathers often draw us along this mysterious path, the narrow path, that leads to the kingdom. They lead us, as it were, “where angels fear to tread.”  They show us in an unvarnished fashion how the path to Godly love and virtue passes through affliction. 
Yet, even that is too simplistic. It is the suffering heart, the heart crushed by prayer and the desire for God, that gives birth to virtue. One cannot have God sorrow and suffering if he does not first cherish the causes of these. 
It is here that we must pray for the illumination that comes through faith. For we are told fear of God and the reproof of one’s conscience give birth to this godly sorrow. Abstinence and vigil keep company with a suffering heart and strengthen it to remain upon this path. Gluttony in all of its forms gives rise to the bad blood of the passions, and drives out the influx of the Spirit. 
Thus, while we are young, we must learn to delight in what comes from the labor of compunction. If we do not, we will simply provoke confusion and callousness in the heart. We will be frustrated and lose our desire for God. Knowledge of God and the things of God do not reside in the hedonist; and the one who loves his body will not acquire the grace of God. 
There is a plethora of ways that we idolize the body and its needs. It is for this reason that we are given multiple stories of elders crushing the demons by their asceticism. They starve the demons by not allowing them to feed upon the disordered and the unholy desires that often dwell within our hearts. If a man spends his life in fasting, then his adversaries, the passions and the demons flee, enfeebled, from his soul.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:37:43 Kate : I think sometimes we can hesitate in the ascetical life due to an exaggerated fear of suffering.  I know I have felt this myself.  But when we begin to engage in ascetical practices there is a sweetness and joy and peace in making our way towards God.  It is not a sensible sweetness, but a deep interior sweetness.
 
00:38:51 Adam Paige: At church and Catholic home meetings, I'm constantly being offered food.. it's not always clear whether to accept hospitality or decline sometimes large amounts of food
 
00:44:25 Fr Marty, AZ, 480-292-3381: Besides wine, it sounds like that satiating our longing for God or restlessness to do God's will by overdoing anything: food, lust, entertainment, news, even complaining, can numb our sensitivity to not just the Holy Spirit's guidance, but even our ability to just be at rest with life we've been given and be
content during prayer.
 
00:44:45 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Besides wine, it sou..." with ❤️‍🔥
 
00:48:56 Forrest Cavalier: καὶ αὐτὸς. ποὺ ἀγαπᾷ τὸ σῶπα του
 
00:49:06 Forrest Cavalier: Agape love
 
00:53:21 Forrest Cavalier: It is the greek original of "he who loves his own body"
 
00:55:36 Anthony: I went to Italy and got some prayer cards from Naples and Calabria.  Some of them do not end prayer in "Amen" but "Cosi sià," which I take to mean "As He (the Lord) wills."
 
01:02:07 Fr Marty, AZ, 480-292-3381: Just as God wants us well fed in those things that keep us healthy, could it be that the devils have the strategy to starve us spiritually by glutting our appetites, and keep us from feeding on the Word of God or Body of Christ. It seems at times I've been starving on a full stomach. That even in great pleasure, I felt no love or joy..
 
01:05:52 Jennifer Ahearn: There is a term I just learned ‘simping’, in romantic relationships a male who is over attentive and submissive to a woman’s desire.  Only the blessings and God’s good pleasure to see his children fulfilled really satisfy the soul and strengthen the Sacrament.
 
01:06:14 Anthony: I'm preparing to move, and trying to follow St Charbel's advice, cutting out of my life books that I bought to be a somebody, a scholar, but really are so much extra weight - other than the one "jar" I should carry or am called to carry in life, for my vocation.
 
01:08:44 Ambrose Little, OP: Jim Gaffigan
 
01:08:51 Nypaver Clan: Jim Gaffigan?
 
01:09:12 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "Jim Gaffigan" with 👍🏼
 
01:14:08 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you 🙂Happy birthday🎂
 
01:14:14 Anthony: Auguri, Padre!
 
01:14:23 Adam Paige: Ad multos annos !
 
01:14:23 Steve Yu: Happy Birthday, Father!
 
01:14:24 Nypaver Clan: Birthday blessings
 
01:15:03 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father! Happy Birthday!
 
01:15:23 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father. Happy Birthday.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XV, Part II

What is it that we are hungry for in this world? So many of the writings of the fathers can be reduced to this very question. What is the deepest desire of our hearts? What have we been created for and what satisfies the sense of incompleteness or the strange feeling of nostalgia within us? 
Because we have been created for God and find in Him our truest identity, we are going to experience ourselves as strangers in a strange world. We are made like everyone else and experience internal and external pressures to pursue what the world deems legitimate and of value. In the process, any thought of the future or the remembrance of God slips out of our minds. We become slaves not only to our bellies but to everything that we consume in an unthinking fashion. 
Abstemiousness and simplicity are not about lack but rather fullness. We must attend to the very real needs of the flesh but only as much as is required - and sometimes less. When we lose sight of God, our internal world is driven by anxiety and fear. We seek for security and to protect ourselves from want. What we find in the fathers, however, is not a starving of themselves, but rather the starving of the demons and what they nourish themselves upon. We engage in the ascetic life in order not to keep feeding the appetites and the passions that tie us to the world. 
This is no easy task. Rationalization and the illusion of joy and freedom keep us moving forward. However, these things (very much like rights and happiness) are very fragile. We think they are the norm but this is perhaps the great deception of our times. 
Our life has been given to us for repentance and we must not waste it. Life is a relationship; a constant turning towards God and who is constantly seeking us. Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit by seeking to quench our thirst for life and hunger for love other than in God.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:11:09 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 118, para 2
 
00:17:20 Bob Cihak, AZ: Oops. P. 119, para 2
 
00:31:47 Cindy Moran: Usury
 
00:34:45 Cindy Moran: No cash allowed at Pirate game concessions
 
01:08:03 Jennifer Ahearn: Constant prayer, unceasing.  There is a Freedom for Excellence between deficit and excess
 
01:08:47 Jennifer Ahearn: FOMO😃
 
01:09:26 Jennifer Ahearn: Stay in the rhythm of The Church
 
01:10:56 Jennifer Ahearn: St. Philip Nero ‘if it is not leading to Christ, cut it out’.  Holy leisure is important.
 
01:11:24 Janine: You are 100% correct
 
01:12:01 Jennifer Ahearn: Neri
 
01:12:09 Paul G.: WE experience your teachings and get ntold blessings Father
 
01:12:24 Paul G.: Untold
 
01:12:39 Susanna Joy: Reacted to WE experience your t... with "❤️"
 
01:14:55 Lori Hatala: the things you share are shared with others and create a ripple effect of gratitude and thought provoking prayer.
 
01:15:00 Jennifer Ahearn: Constant prayer, unceasing.  There is a Freedom for Excellence between deficit and excess
 
01:16:40 Jennifer Ahearn: St Louis DeMontfort Consecration five years in a row in October changed my interior life and mind.
 
01:18:31 Forrest Cavalier: For me, reading https://archive.org/details/tolovefasting/ has been very eye opening that the practices noted in Evergetinos are not fantastical. He does write that those who live with others will need more nourishment. Monks less, Hermits even less.
 
01:19:51 Jennifer Ahearn: Yes!  Thank you so much, Fr. Charbel.  It is a constant reality ♥️🙏
 
01:20:13 Jennifer Ahearn: It is exciting ♥️🙏
 
01:21:14 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:21:16 Cameron Jackson: Thank you.
 
01:21:17 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!
 
01:21:26 Kevin Burke: Thank You Father!
 
01:21:34 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 
01:22:22 Lorraine Green: !Thank you Fr., good luck with the move
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XIV, and XV, Part I

Humility and affliction: Two words that often evoke within us intense fear and anxiety. We are formed by a kind of pathological self-love. The fathers understood our focus upon worldly things as a need to create a sense of security and identity. We desperately want to protect ourselves from hardship and from pain and so we surround ourselves as much as we can to distract ourselves from the reality of death or the presence of suffering in our lives and in the world.
 
It is not only external realities the drive us to this but also vainglory. In some sense our desperate need to protect our dignity and self-esteem can be greater than our bodily desires. We will fight desperately to keep ourselves from the experience of humiliation or to hold on to a position of emotional power in relationships. However, in all these things, we sacrifice true freedom, joy, and peace. For when we embrace our identity in Christ as sons and daughters of God, when we let go of our attachment to the things of this world, then we begin to experience a kind of invincible freedom and joy.
 
He who belongs to Christ has all; and whatever he loses within this world for the sake of Christ will be returned a hundredfold. What the fathers are trying to teach us is that while we suffer within this world we never suffer alone or in isolation. Our communion with Christ means that he is always present to us and that the crosses we bear only draw closer to him. The love of the kingdom is cruciform. Thus, to allow ourselves to be broken and poured out is to manifest that love in its perfection
 
---
 
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:08:55 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 115, "F"
 
00:10:08 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Good evening everyone
 
00:11:53 Jessica Michel: Hello Father Charbel. Good Morning
 
01:10:05 Forrest Cavalier: I have read to 74 of “To Love Fasting” the point is very clear that gradually accepting discipline makes it easier to accept harder discipline. This can take years.
 
01:10:05 Lorraine Green: Thank you Father!
 
01:10:23 Forrest Cavalier: I meant page 74
 
01:14:40 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
 
01:15:10 Susanna Joy: Thank you, Father Charbel.
 
01:15:20 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:15:27 Erick Chastain: thank you father charbel
 
01:15:27 Jessica Michel: Thank you
 
01:15:31 Cameron Jackson: Thank you.
 
01:15:33 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XIII, Part II

Only the most stalwart and patient of souls can follow along with this evening’s readings without being troubled. Once again it is repeated for us that our life is to be one of constant repentance; that is, turning toward God. Systematically the fathers break down every illusion that we might have about ourselves as having no need of such repentance. Even if we fulfill the work of the day, our response must be like the servants in the gospel: “we are unworthy and have only fulfilled what is our duty.” 
Our state of mind can only be that of gratitude for the gift of God’s mercy and grace. He has bestowed upon us an abundance of love despite the fact that we have often, as the scriptures tell us, treated him as “enemies”. Indeed our infidelity and the depths to which it reaches eludes are perception. 
Even our growth in virtue should instill within us a greater urgency for this repentance.  Growth shows previous inadequacy and negligence. We cannot be prideful or glorious about what we achieve; acknowledging that it is but a pale shadow of the love that God has bestowed upon us. 
Such an attitude also leads us to a deeper understanding of the need to embrace affliction. The gospel does not promise the security of this world or its comforts. In fact, just the opposite. To live for God, to embody the beatitudes is to find ourselves scorned and mocked by the world. The narrow way that leads to the kingdom passes inevitably through Calvary.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:06:45 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 112, 3rd paragraph
 
00:25:55 Lilly: What page are we on?
 
00:26:11 Lilly: Thank you
 
00:58:49 Kate : Father,
I am thinking about the Sacrament of Penance.  My experience has been very legalistic and not really focused on this repentance, this turning towards of God that you are speaking about.  Do you have any recommendations on how to prepare for Confession that would be focused on this kind of repentance?
 
01:02:47 Lilly: I personally found the Eastern sacrament of penance humiliating-in a good way-as we are face to face with the priest, and depending on the father has us under his mantle and full body prostration
 
01:07:39 Forrest Cavalier: O Lord, I believe and profess that you are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first.
 
Accept me today as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess you:
 
          Remember me, O Lord, when you come in your kingdom.
          Remember me, O Master, when you come in your kingdom.
          Remember me, O Holy One, when you come in your kingdom.
 
01:07:50 Forrest Cavalier: May the partaking of your holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation but for the healing of soul and body.  
 
O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly your most precious body and your life-giving blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting.  Amen.
 
          O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
          O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
          O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number.
 
01:08:25 Forrest Cavalier: From https://parma.org/prayer
 
01:15:32 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you Father Blessing
 
01:15:44 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 
01:15:48 Cameron Jackson: Thank you
 
01:16:02 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XIII, Part I

We picked up this evening with Hypothesis 13 on the subject of keeping Vigil and not giving oneself over to excessive sleep. However, as we immersed ourselves in the reading, we began to see the father guiding us into something much deeper.  The teaching on keeping vigil is a bridge to talking about Repentance. 
We were presented with the most beautiful understanding of the path the Christ guide us upon. There is a radical simplicity about it that is meant to cut through our tendency to turn the faith into something that is complex and impossible to understand. Repentance is not confined to particular times and deeds, but is put into practice to the extent that the commandments of Christ are fulfilled. The struggle for it is continuous until death. 
The kingdom of Heaven is at hand!  This is our path! It is the constant turning toward God that draws us forward, transforms us, and allows us to comprehend the things of the kingdom. This forsaking of self and sin is the oil of our lamps and each person will reveal who he is from this lamp. His own, not another’s!  It is filled and the light kindled by the practice of virtue. 
In fact, we are told that if we fail to live this and proclaim it to the world both in word and deed, we annul all that we do because we forget and do not take into account death. Our entire life is to be a striving to enter by the narrow gate, to walk the path of repentance - the dying to self and the rising to new life in Christ
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Text of chat during the group:
00:07:23 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Hypothesis XIII page 108
 
00:23:19 Lori Hatala: Like a soldier.
 
00:25:31 Adam Paige: To Love Fasting (pdf) https://archive.org/details/tolovefasting
 
00:26:22 Dave Warner (AL): Reacted to "To Love Fasting (pdf..." with 👍
 
00:30:55 Steve Yu: Reacted to "To Love Fasting (pdf…" with 👍
 
01:12:51 Lorraine Green: Thank you Fr.!
 
01:12:56 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 
01:13:02 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:13:04 Steve Yu: Thank you, Father!
 
01:13:25 Jessica Michel: Thank you Father
 
01:13:46 Lori Hatala: or a date
 
01:14:11 Rebecca Thérèse: Can you set it up so you have a choice of oldest first or most recent first? YouTube channels have this option for example
 
01:14:30 Cameron Jackson: Thank you. 
Very grateful.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XII, Part I

We picked up this evening with Hypothesis 12. The subtitle is on avoiding idle talk. However, this does not do justice to what we are given in the text. It is revealed to us how we are to kindle within our hearts the fire of love for God that then gives rise to a holy sacrifice of praise. 
Thus, the greatest thing that we can give God is to emulate the angels who praise Him without ceasing. Our love for the Lord should give rise to an urgent longing within the heart to call out to Him constantly and without distraction. 
Likewise, when we pray in common, we are to be attentive to the fact that we are responsible for the attentiveness of those around us and seek to preserve their focus. We do not pray or chant in an individualistic fashion but again imitate the angels in crying out to the Lord with one voice of love. 
What a blessing monks are for the church. The fathers tell us that Christ perfects the praise of infants; that is, he prefects the prayer of the monk in his innocence and childlike simplicity. It is through this humble prayer and sacrifice of praise that the demons are conquered. What makes this even more powerful is that it is often done hidden from the eyes of the world. Such prayer is offered without pride or self-consciousness. Rather it rises unimpeded to the very throne of God on behalf of all.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:46:55 Forrest Cavalier: Since you mentioned the comment of the monk, I was thinking that every vocation is "impossible". Hence the need for grace.
 
01:06:33 Lorraine Green: Thank you!
 
01:07:05 Lisa Smith: Thank you Fr. And God bless you.🙏
 
01:07:26 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XI, Part III

As we conclude Hypothesis 11, we are given very solid food to nourish our understanding of the nature of prayer and our demeanor. How is it that we are called to worship God, to pray the psalms, and what is our demeanor to be following that worship? 
A kind of liturgical asceticism must guide and direct our prayer and piety. Even the way that we pray and celebrate the liturgy, and one might say especially here, must allow the grace of God to guide and direct us. As always, Christ is the standard and the model. It is his humility, silence, obedience to God that must form and shape the way that we approach the altar and the manner in which we listen to the word of God. 
We must pray in a manner fosters patience and that allows us to listen with the spirit of contrition. We gather before God not to alter our emotional state or to create an experience that simply elevates the mind. We come before God to offer him a sacrifice of praise and that sacrifice is the fullness of our self. We are to be completely given over to him in such way that we withhold nothing from Him and are capable of receiving everything He desires to give us. 
Very few in our day think of worship in this fashion. May God give us the grace to offer him all that we have and are; for in seeking what He desires, God bestows upon us more than the mind in the heart can imagine.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:21:49 susan: after MASS i have to go to my car to pray!
 
00:48:07 Carol Roper: it seems that the caution is against performing, vanity, pleasure seeking, even in liturgy. one's motivation must be examined carefully i imagine
 
00:52:59 Anthony: Let Us Build the City of God.....they still sing it.  Sigh.  Are you TRYING to get me to change rites?
 
01:02:16 Rebecca Thérèse: a bruised reed he will not break and a dimly burning wick he will not quench
 
01:02:17 Carol Roper: oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, like a lamb led to the shearers
 
01:04:52 Dave Warner (AL): A bruised reed He will not break - Isa 42:3
 
01:05:17 Rebecca Thérèse: Isaiah 42:3 Matthew 12:20
 
01:16:22 Lisa Smith: Thank you & God Bless you.
 
01:16:36 Cameron Jackson: Thank you
 
01:17:19 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:17:26 Dave Warner (AL): Thank you Father!
 
01:17:27 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XI, Part II

All that we do is to be touched by the grace of God, shaped by it, and perfected by it. This includes our virtues, and also the manner in which we pray. 
Psalmody has always been apart of the prayer tradition of the church and in particular of the monastics. The psalms capture within them both the adversities and the joys that we experience in this world. It is the most important thing that we can do as human beings; to seek to God and offer a sacrifice of praise. 
Therefore, the monks are very careful to allow their prayer to be guided by God. We can be willful even in the fashion that we pray and sing. This is also true in the times that we set for prayer for ourselves. For example, the monks prayed many times a day together; emphasizing that they are part of the body of Christ. We do not pray as individuals, but always aware of the radical communion that exists not only with God but with one another. 
Thus, we find among the fathers an emphasis upon praying and singing while remaining conscious of what is going on within their hearts. We do not want to fall into distraction or lead others into it. Simplicity and humility should be the mark of worship; that which guides us in order that what we sing and pray is reflective of the reality within our hearts and our desire for God. Once again, we are presented with a kind of liturgical asceticism. Liturgy shapes the interior life and the interior life shapes the way that we pray.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:42:45 Lori Hatala: I have heard psalms chanted in different melodies. Is the melody of the chant relevant?
 
00:54:21 Tracey Fredman: Agreed, even if you do not have the time for a whole weekend at a monastery, even a visit while monks are at prayer can be life-altering.
 
00:55:06 Tracey Fredman: It can alter our prayer life, is what I mean.
 
00:55:41 Susanna Joy: Beautifully said...discipline is a silent "word" back to God
 
01:11:07 Wayne: If you have the opportunity to attend Matins or Vespers in the Eastern churches, the changing can have a very positive affect on you.
 
01:13:40 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:13:48 Edgard Riba: Thank you!
 
01:13:50 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙏🙂
 
01:13:56 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis X, Part III and Hypothesis XI, Part I

The focus of the Evergetinos this evening was on praying the psalms. However, as always with the writings of the fathers, the focus isn’t simply on the external actions, but the meaning of them. How do we pray as members of the body of Christ? Is there a kind of liturgical asceticism that must match our bodily asceticism?  What is the measure of our prayer? In other words, as those who live in a spirit of repentance and seek purity of heart, how do these realities shape the way we pray. 
The fathers this understood very well our tendency to focus on externals and that we can fall back into a modern day Pharisaism. We can be satisfied with the appearance of religiosity while giving scant attention to what God has revealed to us and the life that he has called us to embrace. Whenever this happens, it not only weakens our capacity to bear witness to Christ but it can undermine the life of the Church as a whole. If our hearts are fragmented by our sin this will manifest itself or be mirrored in liturgy. And when this takes place the entire culture around us - as well as within the church - can collapse. 
It’s a sobering presentation, but something that afflicts the Church in every generation. If the Evil One is going to attack the Church, he is going to attack it at its heart; that is, how we pray.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:25:00 Kate : There’s also the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is very suitable for the laity.
 
00:25:13 Vanessa: Reacted to "There’s also the Lit..." with ❤️
 
00:25:22 Adam Paige: Reacted to "There’s also the Lit..." with ❤️
 
00:39:40 iPad (2): That is a wonderful book and he also has a podcast series on the book
 
00:50:47 Rod Castillo: The Endarkenment
 
00:54:30 Bob Cihak: Reacted to "The Endarkenment" with 👍
 
00:57:03 Maureen Cunningham: Oh no
 
00:57:07 Vanessa: Lol
 
01:04:40 Kate : Our family has witnessed many a liturgical battle which seemed good and urgent at the time, only to realize that God has been lost in the battle.  The battle took center stage, and striving for holiness took back stage.
 
01:14:53 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you It is wonderful .
 
01:15:48 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:15:54 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.
 
01:16:22 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:13 Maureen Cunningham: Wonderful choice I trust. The lord is leading you as the Captain of the ship in the studies
 
01:17:26 Vanessa: Reacted to "Wonderful choice I t..." with 👍
 
01:17:47 Maureen Cunningham: Where would we find the book
 
01:17:54 Lorraine Green: Thank you, Father, God bless!  The Divine Office talks sound very good too.
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis X, Part II

We continued our discussion of prayer and the things that often become an obstacle to it. Much of the discussion this evening focused upon the things that make us lazy or weary in prayer or lead us to drowsiness.
One of the important things that the fathers teach us is that sleep is an appetite that is to be ordered like any other appetite. Our life has been given to us for repentance; that is, to turn toward God and to seek to love him with all of our heart. It is this reality that should shape the way that we look at prayer, the way that we discipline ourselves - and yes - even how we sleep.
 
Rising at night is one of the most wonderful times for prayer for a number of reasons. The mind and the body are humbled. The thoughts are often not moving so rapidly nor the world around us and its noises. Praying at night provides us with an opportunity to enter into deep silence, so as to listen to God and the word he wishes to utter in the depths of our hearts.
 
Therefore, there are times when we will have to force ourselves in order to strengthen our will to not only bring ourselves to prayer but to remain there. Whenever we experience drowsiness, we must resist it firmly. Often we will give up a discipline when we face difficulty. It is our love for the Lord, however, that must send us out at night seeking He alone who can satisfy the longings of our heart.
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Text of chat during the group:
 
00:02:04 FrDavid Abernethy: we can hear you
 
00:02:21 FrDavid Abernethy: page 89
 
00:21:49 Anthony: I did that. I'd go back. It drove me nuts, playing on scrupulous feelings
 
00:49:25 Ann Thelen: Quick question regarding food/fasting...how do we deal with the temptation to vanity when we are attempting to fast? We know fasting has wonderful health benefits. One of those benefits is that we look better and more healthy which can feed into vanity.
 
01:04:22 Anthony: Menaion?
 
01:17:14 Lisa Smith: Thank you & God bless
 
01:17:56 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:57 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:18:04 Nicole Dillon: Thank you ☺️
 
01:18:08 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father. Praying for you.
 
01:18:19 Ann Thelen: Thank you.
 
01:18:26 Cindy Moran: Thanks
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis IX, Part II and Hypothesis X, Part I

Breaking the night for prayer!!  The very idea either never comes into the mind of modern Christians or it sends a shudder through the heart. The idea of limiting something like sleep for the sake of prayer, of humbling the mind and body in such a way on purpose and regularly seems to express a type of insanity. Would I not make myself sick or incapable of working the next day if such a practice were embraced in modern times.
Yet, it is a constant practice throughout the spiritual tradition; to sanctify time and foster an urgent longing within the heart for God that causes the soul to rise, even in the night, to seek him. Admittedly, this may require that we simplify our lives. There is already a frenetic pace in our day-to-day lives; a busyness that is almost suffocating. Such makes the idea of adding night prayer to that seem impossible and even frightening.
One can only come to know the fruit of this through experience. In the stillness of the night, impediments that often plague us throughout the course of the day fall away. Creation itself grows quiet and with it the human heart. Such a heart filled with urgent longing for the Lord will rise eagerly and with joy to taste the sweetness of his presence!
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Text of chat during the group:
00:59:01 Anthony: Perhaps a principle issue I'd reconciling the mind / interior thoughts with the heart / the noetic sentiment of affection for one's true calling.
 
01:02:04 Kate : Do the Fathers differentiate between vocal prayer and mental prayer, or is that a Western distinction?  Is there a recommendation to the kind of
prayer that would take place during a night vigil?
 
01:02:34 Lisa Smith: I find the setting has a huge impact on prayer/ like a noisy city compared to the quiet woods. I find it easiest to pray in a rural solitary place. With minimal distractions
 
01:03:31 Ann Thelen: what is the best way to discern if waking in the night to prayer is something we are called to? or are we all called to this? Maybe I am overthinking this.
 
01:06:22 Ann Thelen: fear of failure in this resolve seems to be the thing that immediately presents itself when thinking about rising in the night for prayer.
 
01:08:42 Lisa Smith: Catherine Daughtery wrote a series called Poustina. I've been meaning to read that.
 
01:10:38 Wayne: Replying to "Catherine Daughtery ..."
 
I do have a copy of this book
 
01:10:58 Lisa Smith: Replying to "Catherine Daughtery ..."
 
🙏
 
01:10:59 Ambrose Little: I wouldn’t suggest that’s a healthy model! 😄
 
01:11:07 Rebecca Thérèse: Before the modern era it was common for the night to be divided into "two sleeps". It was really the industrial revolution that ended this practice.
 
01:11:50 Ambrose Little: Replying to "I wouldn’t suggest t..."
 
Saying that as one who’s helped his wife stay sane through 7 kiddos. It’s not a time we want to extend or further.
 
01:14:47 Anthony: Another ill effect of the "reformation," particularly the English variety.
 
01:16:37 Anthony: Yes
 
01:17:15 Ann Thelen: I appreciate the analogy of nursing the baby. We have five children and the youngest is 7 now. My excuse has been that I will be tired if i get in the night to pray. That analogy shed light on my excuse. It actually spoke to my heart saying "Ann, you've done this before. Don't be afraid of it"
 
01:20:00 Maureen Cunningham: Susan Wesley would put an apron over her head she 12 children everyone new she was in prayer
 
01:23:31 Lisa Smith: Thank you Fr. God bless you.🙏
 
01:23:32 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing Father
 
01:24:09 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:24:10 Ann Thelen: Thank you
 
01:24:11 Dave Warner (AL): Thank you Father!
 
01:24:20 Steve Yu: Thanks, Father!
 
01:24:22 Maureen Cunningham: You are to kind of
 
01:24:25 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:24:43 Leilani Nemeroff: Thanks
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis VIII, Part II and Hypothesis IX, Part I

The fathers continue to speak to us about service and work and the disposition that we are to have in doing it. Our understanding must move from a functional understanding of labor; engaging in it in a way that is determined by private judgment or by the desire for worldly things. 
Everything that we do must be tied to our service of the providence of God. In other words, we are responding to the call of Love. The way that the Christian works and responds to the needs of others (as well as the one’s own needs) is tied to our relationship with the Lord. We are given the task of being the guardian of souls; our own and others’. We are to attend to our own needs, trusting that God will provide us with what is needed. We are to serve others without making excuses for our avoidance or negligence in doing so. 
We are to seek first the kingdom of heaven. This is what shapes everything for us. We always return to the nest of prayer, there to be nourished upon the love and the grace of God. And it is only from that nest that we step out in response to His call to love and serve others. 
So often we fill our life with needless tasks; more often than not to give us a sense of security and safety. Yet to do so draws us away from He who is the Lord of love and the Governor of history; the One who provides for every one of our needs.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:10:07 Ann Thelen: hello everyone. I've been listening to these podcasts for the last year or so. tonight is the first time i've been able to jump in live due to Easter Break. No children's activities. Happy and grateful to be joining you.
 
00:10:25 Adam Paige: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍
 
00:10:32 Ambrose Little: Southerner joining early…
 
00:10:37 FrDavid Abernethy: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍
 
00:10:41 Lori Hatala: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍
 
00:18:13 Dave Warner (AL): Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍
 
00:22:01 Steve Yu: Social media has enhanced the spirit of rudeness. I think it has to do with interacting with others in a non physical manner.  We gain a certain “freedom” from politeness and respect, in my opinion.
 
00:22:15 David C: Reacted to "Social media has enh..." with 👍
 
00:23:54 Carol Roper: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍
 
00:24:23 Steve Yu: Cultural difference?
 
00:40:24 Nypaver Clan: Do you think St. Philip got that imagery from St. Isaac?
 
00:47:28 Susanna Joy: On the previous section: The bird has to hurry back to the nest because the egg needs warmth or the baby bird is hungry and waiting...what stuck with me from the nido image is taking what gleaned from the world and hurty back to care for this tender growing "baby" life within the love Divine...the goodness received from the sheltering nest of the hand of God...
 
00:51:34 David C: Reacted to "On the previous sect..." with 👍
 
00:55:23 Erick Chastain: where are we in the evergetinos?
 
00:55:41 Nypaver Clan: Top of 85
 
01:04:49 Ann Thelen: Is there a book or something of the sorts that gives a good recommendation for what the structure of what our daily prayer life should look like as someone who is married or taking care of family. Specifically, the amount of time spent in prayer that should be non negotiable.
 
01:10:48 Ann Thelen: haha
 
01:12:47 sharonfisher: Thank you — I needed this instruction and I need to heed it.
 
01:13:06 Lori Hatala: Reacted to "Thank you — I needed..." with ❤️
 
01:13:16 Kevin Burke: Me too.. “Prayer is a relationship”
 
 
01:13:46 Ann Thelen: Thank you. Thats very helpful
 
01:16:02 Kevin Burke: Thank you Father, very profound teaching tonight…
 
01:16:02 sharonfisher: And with your spirit!!
 
01:16:04 Susanna Joy: When my son was small I was at a retreat, and some were going to devotions while those of us with small ones to the children out on a hike. A community member remarked to me, too bad you cant be in worship...It occured to me that my life with my child is a devotion...
 
01:16:06 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:16:15 Troy Amaro: Thank You
 
01:16:20 Erick Chastain: have a good night father
 
01:16:31 Lisa Smith: God bless
 
01:16:33 David C: Thank you God Bless all
 
01:16:40 Susanna Joy: Thank you, Father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis VIII, Part I

What a beautiful group! Beauty, however, is not only found in the things that are attractive or appeal to our sensibilities. What is beautiful is found in the truth – the truth that speaks to the depths of our hearts and our religiosity. Once again, the fathers speak to us and present to us the gospel in unvarnished fashion. 
 
What is the disposition that we are to have in our service of God and others? If we give ourselves over to task with obedience, then we can be assured that God will provide all the grace that is necessary. If we do these tasks poorly, if we make mistakes, these do not diminish the value of our work. What gives shape to the work is the love and the humility of Christ. 
 
There are so many things that rush to our minds as to why we cannot bear something or why we cannot do a certain work. However, the fathers show us that so often such things are excuses; that is, plausible lies. They are reasonable because they are rooted in the reality of our own weaknesses. They are lies because they do not take into account the grace and the mercy of God. So often when we take up a task we engage in the labor abstracted from Christ. However, if we simply offer that labor to Christ, if we take it up by his grace and for his glory, then it has more value than we could ever imagine.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:03:54 FrDavid Abernethy: page 78
 
00:04:01 FrDavid Abernethy: New Hypothesis Tonight
 
00:06:45 Arthur Danzi: Hi Fr David
 
00:07:01 Arthur Danzi: I’m fine, how are you?
 
00:07:06 Arthur Danzi: My internet connection is poor…
 
00:29:12 Rachel: yes
 
00:40:27 sharonfisher: Thank you for the comment that even the monks struggle. My priest, after 2.5 or 3 years, revealed that he, too, sometimes struggles to keep the prayer rule. It was helpful to me to hear that.
 
00:54:21 Rachel: This is a magnificent passage. It needs to be read very slowly. Finding humility, doorkeeper, etc. This is so rich and multilayered. One can only understand through experience I am sure.
 
00:55:08 Rachel: No,but I think it needs to be unpacked
 
00:55:17 sharonfisher: 😂
 
00:55:29 Tracey Fredman: Experiential understanding is really hard to go through, though. This discussion is really helpful to me this evening.
 
00:55:49 Rachel: There is more to it..when one finds humility, one finds Christ, but what happens when we become the doorkeeper, or christ becomes the doorkeeper of our heart?
 
00:58:16 Rachel: He speaks about finding salvation by finding humility. Either way, we learn by experience whether we want to or not. But we may not experience what Our Lord desires that we experience. We may go kicking and screaming instead of finding the humility that the desert fathers speak of. He desire that we experience Himself
 
00:58:21 Liz D: It is consoling that you have shared this Father, about persecition with the Church, thank you. It can difficult to trust people in the Church when one experienced being persecured from within the Church. Also, to remember to go to Christ first-because sometimes I realize I go to God last for some areas of my life. As if in some things I subconsciously believe I am expected (by God) to go it alone--only turning to Jesus for help when things become nearly unbearable
 
00:58:39 sharonfisher: Reacted to "He speaks about find..." with ❤️
 
00:59:56 sharonfisher: Reacted to "It is consoling that..." with ❤️
 
01:00:06 Keith Abraham: Reacted to "It is consoling that…" with ❤️
 
01:00:56 Rachel: Oh we can trust them alright! trust them to be very human like ourselves lol
 
01:01:31 Lisa Smith: My favorite verse is where Christ speaks of faith as a grain of mustard seed.
 
01:01:56 Rachel: I'm too melancholic for my own good, sorry i will be quiet again.
 
01:02:13 Rachel: lol
 
01:04:11 Lisa Smith: lol Amen on the doorkeeper, Fr
 
01:04:23 Adam Paige: Saint Brother André was a porter
 
01:05:11 Lisa Smith: not for the socially anxious.
 
01:07:23 Steve Yu: I love the parable of the mustard seed because Jesus starts by comparing the Kingdom to someone who plants such a seed in a garden. The problem with that is someone would have to be crazy to do that. They grow enormous and quite ugly in my opinion. It would ruin a garden.  
 
Isn’t that reflective of the spiritual life? We search for the beautiful garden not realizing that the ugly or inconvenient event may have Christ hidden within. I *think* this is attributable to humility. Christ has us see Him where we least expect Him.
 
01:09:07 Andrew Adams: Reacted to "I love the parable o..." with ❤️
 
01:12:48 Keith Abraham: “Domesticating” Christianity is one of the worst things we can do.
 
01:12:49 Steve Yu: That went by fast
 
01:12:56 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you🙂
 
01:13:37 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:13:42 sharonfisher: And with your spirit!!
 
01:13:43 Dave Warner (AL): Thank you
 
01:13:49 Troy Amaro: Thank You
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis VI, Part II and Hypothesis VII

We are drawn ever deeper into the subtle manifestations of Avarice and how the demons make use of this passion to draw us into other sins. Indeed, it is a fearsome vice. The evil one can convince us that our identity is dependent on our having a certain objects or money and the security that it seems to offer us. Once we have given ourselves over to this thought, it gradually oppresses the mind and heart of the individual. Our incapacity to discern the truth of avarice’s grip upon us, we lose the ability can see what has enduring value. 
Such oppression undermines our commitment to God, others, and the pursuit of the path of sanctification he has set us upon. Suddenly we can no longer see what is good about a godly life and fidelity. We begin to see the weaknesses of others and the failure of a community to reach the ideal. We become hyper-critical. This the Evil One uses psychologically to make our exit from our vocation more acceptable to the mind. He first makes us despise what we once loved. What we once entered into with zeal, we now turn away from with cowardice. 
When given over to avarice we find ourselves falling under the control of the demons who continue to torment us; making us more vulnerable to the darkness of other passions. In this particular vice, we see the truth that “sin is its own punishment”. The more we grasp for the things of this world, the more we descend into darkness and ingratitude.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:12:18 FrDavid Abernethy: page 69
 
00:12:30 FrDavid Abernethy: midway down the page. second para
 
00:13:05 Keith Abraham: Thank you very much!
 
00:23:09 Anthony: This sounds like what happened in the hundred years prior to the reformation.  The vices preceded an explosion leaving the Church and the religious life.
 
00:46:23 Alexandra: Can avarice be wanting to have control. Control of Knowing everyone's business?
 
00:50:10 Anthony: This story is funny. Dragons are associated with the avaricious guarding of gold.  The serpent is like a mirror for his avaricious
state.
 
01:24:31 Rachel: No career changes according to one's whims
 
01:30:40 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:30:42 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you 😊
 
01:30:44 Rachel: Thank you Father and everyone
 
01:30:51 Dave Warner (AL): Thank you!
 
01:30:57 Lisa Smith: Thank you Fr
 
01:30:57 Troy Amaro: Thank You
 
01:31:12 Kevin Burke: Thank you !
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis IV, Part III

We take up this evening a new hypothesis (VI) dealing with the ownership of property. At the heart of it, however, is the temptation to avarice and the impact that it has upon the spiritual life and upon our commitments to God and others. 
 
The monks relinquishment of property, their embrace of a life of poverty and simplicity, highlights for us the subtle temptations that are involved in our attachment to the things of the world. Where lust and gluttony perhaps fail to satisfy - avarice often step in to test us. It can become something insatiable. The more we amass the more we desire. 
 
Our attachment to things can begin on a very small level. Yet unchecked, it can affect the way that we enter into our relationship with God. We slowly begin to seek our security and identity in things. This, in turn, can make us ever so vulnerable to the demons attack against our commitments. The possession of things can make it seem more plausible to change and alter our life; to pursue another path of salvation, for ourselves, that does not require hardship or that offers more satisfaction. It gives room for our internal instability to drive us away from what challenges us internally to overcome the ego. What begins with a small attachment eventually can develop to the point where a demon tells us that “if stay where we are we the place our salvation in jeopardy. It is better to take what we have, and to create something better in our own judgment.”  In this, we often place our own judgment above God’s. It creates an atmosphere of infidelity and strips us of long-suffering.
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Text of chat during the group:
 
00:11:21 FrDavid Abernethy: page 64
 
00:23:46 Eric Ewanco: 2nd maccabees
 
00:28:24 Eric Ewanco: Replying to "2nd maccabees"
 
12:39-45
 
00:41:56 Michael Hinckley: I know I’m that way about books. Desire for more
 
00:42:38 Eric Ewanco: Reacted to "I know I’m that way ..." with ❤️
 
00:48:28 Eric Ewanco: Replying to "I know I’m that way ..."
 
There is a Japanese term, "tsundoku" (積ん読). This word describes the habit of acquiring books and letting them pile up, without reading them.
 
00:52:21 John I.: Replying to "I know I’m that way ..."
 
I used to think that reading a lot of good Catholic books would make me very virtuous....
 
00:54:39 Eric Ewanco: I can see those worries about the future being very real
 
00:56:33 Lori Hatala: I have always feared thinking "I deserve".  I probably would not like getting what I deserve.
 
00:57:13 Kate : As an aside, we have a daughter who is a Carmelite nun.  When she received the holy habit, all of her hair was cut off.  We were given this hair to keep as a momento.  She had a beautiful head of hair, but she gave it up with great joy.  And now, I think there is more beauty in her Carmelite veil and all it signifies than in her hair.
 
00:57:21 Tracey Fredman: There's an emotional type of attachment to un-needful things - why is that? Not necessarily security - things like … I don't know, teacups - are hard to part with for some people. I'm very much aware of this in myself and I trying to declutter - it's really hard.
 
00:58:34 Vanessa: Reacted to "As an aside, we have..." with ❤️
 
00:58:51 Jacqulyn: Reacted to As an aside, we have... with "❤️"
 
01:00:42 Eric Ewanco: There is a tradition, I think in the Romanian churches maybe, at the wedding of the priest saying "You are now each other's crosses"
 
01:27:51 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you,🙂 sorry I was late. I'm in the UK and forgot about daylight saving time.
 
01:28:32 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:28:38 Sophia: 🙏
 
01:28:45 Kenneth: thank you Father
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis IV, Part II and Hypothesis V

Sometimes in the simplest teachings is found the greatest wisdom. Such is true in tonight‘s readings from The Evergetinos. The focus is on work, how we engage in it and also how we engage others with whom we work.
 
What becomes evident is that the Christian works in a distinctive fashion. Above all charity is to guide the manner in which we work, our diligence, and also the way we treat others. Whether they are good workers or not, we do not compare ourselves to them or the quality of our labor. Nor do we hold up the weakness or defects of people for others to see and so diminish their character.
 
It is for this reason that our spiritual work must always take precedence over and shape the work that we do within the world. We take up all things from the hand of God. And in doing, so we keep before our eyes the dignity of the other. There is nothing that we could produce within this world and nothing that we could accomplish that has more value than our own soul or that of others. Love and humility in all things!
 
---
 
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:06:16 Tracey Fredman: I've been thinking a lot about the question "How is your prayer life?" - what would be a proper response?
 
00:09:48 sharonfisher: I would respond that it’s in fits and starts — frequent during the day but not very structured. I need to do better.
 
00:25:39 Steve Yu: Is the Constitutions of the Holy Apostles another title for the Didache?
 
00:28:46 Anthony: I think the Constitutions are on librivox app
 
00:28:54 Steve Yu: Reacted to "I think the Constitu…" with 👍
 
00:29:00 Steve Yu: Replying to "I think the Constitu…"
Thanks!
 
00:29:03 Adam Paige: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Constitutions
 
00:29:09 Steve Yu: Reacted to "https://en.m.wikiped…" with 👍
 
00:29:10 Anthony: Also latin and slavonic
 
00:29:33 Steve Yu: Replying to "https://en.m.wikiped…"
Thanks!
 
00:30:07 Kevin Burke: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493752200?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
 
00:36:50 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thanks!" with 👍
 
00:37:26 Rachel: Whoah
 
00:37:49 Steve Yu: Reacted to "https://www.amazon.c…" with 👍
 
00:38:01 Steve Yu: Replying to "https://www.amazon.c…"
Thanks much!
 
00:39:00 Rachel: So, I would have trouble having a poker face in that situation. I love the grace I have seen in others who handle these things, even great things in stride. The humility it takes to cover anothers faults and mistakes
 
00:46:22 Rachel: I do lol
 
00:52:28 Anthony: These men have complete freedom but choose to discipline their lives for the vision of something better than a "Batchelor life."
 
00:52:45 Vanessa: Reacted to "These men have compl..." with 👍
 
01:00:55 Anthony: An interesting book: "Catholicism, Protestantism and Capitalism" by Amintore Fanfani
 
01:01:29 Rachel: Some nuns who gave a talk to a prayer group a talk spoke about guarding oneself from touching in a layperson's life as well. It seems strange on the surface to the world. There are naturally affectionate people who want always to hug others. As an introvert I have admires the way in which the nuns held themselves. When we are not intruding on another's space, in charity or not, it is a way in which we can respect the image of God in the other. In the context of the talk, which was given about friendships and the life of prayer, I could see how there are many behaviors that on the surface seem charitable but are subtly self serving. 
The actions lack true humility and charity.
 
01:04:10 Liz D: Are there any prerequisites to praying the Prayer of the Heart, also known as the "Jesus Prayer.” mentioned as a way to pray in the morning? Also, can we pray this way during work times? I  read an admonition from one of the Fathers that it can be ill-advised to pray this prayer if one is not ready for it. Perhaps it had to do with certain breathing while praying. I’m sorry I don’t recall the exact quote or admonition. How may I discern if ready to try this prayer as a non-monastic Catholic? I’d like to pray the "Jesus Prayer" in the morning as discussed in the previous hypothesis discussion.  I apologize if this question is from the prior chapters or was covered previously.
 
01:12:35 Liz D: Thank you, Father.
 
01:12:45 Rebecca Thérèse: Such a priest probably doesn't understand it or finds it offensive and doesn't want his parishioners asking him awkward questions or judging him harshly
 
01:12:47 FrDavid Abernethy: Reacted to "These men have compl..." with 👍
 
01:13:41 Rachel: My comment was Irrelevant, we had moved on  =)
 
01:14:47 Maureen Cunningham: Thank. You
 
01:14:49 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:14:52 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:15:07 sue and mark: good night
 
01:15:36 Rachel: Thank you
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis III, Part IV and Hypothesis IV, Part I

Everything about what it is to be a human being should be touched and shaped by the grace of God. Our identity and purpose comes through Christ. When we lose sight of this, a kind of disorder and imbalance enters into the way that we work, the kind of work that we take up, and the time that we spend engaged in it.
This evening we were given one story after another about the nature of the work the desert monks did. Their focus was on manual labor that allowed them to be attentive to God while engaged in it. They also worked enough to provide for themselves modestly but always with an eye towards the needs of others. We do not work for ourselves. Nor do we work and labor to the extent that it reveals we want to reach a point where we will no longer have to bear that burden. Work prevents us from falling into idleness, but also allows us to provide for others in their needs.
When Christ is absent from this part of our life, then “our toil shall be great, our path unsteady, our grief inconsolable, and our lives care-worn.” The one who is focused upon Christ and seeks him first will labor temperately and freely. In the absence of Christ, however, one is driven by agitation and fear.
 
---
 
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:21:26 Amale Obeid: How do hermits balance the solitude with the duty to serve others?
 
00:28:13 Anthony: We Americans have the farce of the Puritan work ethic, though. We are people, not human resources.  That is a point of resistance for me.
 
00:37:50 Rebecca Thérèse: A siev is a strainer
 
00:38:02 Rebecca Thérèse: sieve
 
00:39:25 Anthony: As a matter of historical note, in the middle ages, cloth was the first commodity, and a source of wealth.  Weavers were treated poorly, like the way treat robots.  The heresy of Waldensianism spread among weavers, perhaps during to their social condition.
 
00:42:07 Lilly: Saint Francis of Assisi, comes to mind. He left his dad's linen business to live a monastic life :)
 
00:43:19 Anthony: Reacted to Saint Francis of Ass... with "👍"
 
00:59:29 Amale Obeid: How much work is “enough” to not be slothful or idle? Secular life does not let you step down or slow down. It feels more and more like it’s an all or nothing choice
 
01:09:33 Anthony: On the neglect of the most important things when work is too long or too heavy: St John Bosco & St Frances Cabrini looked after children whose families were forced to work to the neglect of children....and the boys themselves who worked so much but neglected their souls.
 
01:10:54 Vanessa: Reacted to "On the neglect of th..." with 👍
 
01:11:17 Anthony: Thank God Pope Francis preaches on the evil of usury /
debt culture.
 
01:15:53 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You  Father David
 
01:15:56 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:16:37 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:16:43 Rachel: Thank you
 
01:16:47 Nick Bodmer: Thanks!
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis III, Part III

We continued our discussion from The Evergetinos on idleness. What begins to emerge from the wisdom of the fathers is that everything that is part of our life as human beings is filled with meaning and touched by grace. God has ordained that we provide for ourselves by the work of our hands. Furthermore, by this very same work, we are attentive to the needs of others. Work allows us to show charity to others in their needs. Avoiding idleness not only allows us to engage in fruitful labor but helps us to remain focused in our thoughts and avoid temptation. 
The fathers also understood that when our work is taken up as from the hand of God, as an act of obedient love, we give ourselves over to it with zeal and attention. We are prevented from falling into laziness. Such an understanding also allows us to engage in work in such a way that others see what motivates us. The intentions of the heart are often revealed in the simple way that we engage in our day-to-day labors. When we love, we take up that work diligently and joyfully.  We do not complain or fall into resentment. Nor do we compare our work with others. When we take up our work from God, it frees us from the pitfalls that often plague us on a daily basis. A balance emerges in our life. When our identity is rooted in God then we take up our labor from him and knowing that it is completed by his grace. Work is not what gives meaning to our life. It is love in our hearts that shapes that work.
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Text of chat during the group:
 
00:15:59 Suzanne: Father, I'm just popping in to let you know I am going offline for Lent. I'll see you after Easter.
 
00:16:20 FrDavid Abernethy: Replying to "Father, I'm just pop..."
 
ok.  God bless
 
00:16:21 Suzanne: Thank you!!!
 
00:16:44 FrDavid Abernethy: page 52 top paragraph
 
00:21:32 Amale Obeid: The toil when working with the mind seems paradoxically heavier than the toil of working with the hands. How might we think about the difference between working the corporate grind versus what the monks consider work?
 
00:34:45 Louise: A beautiful book about being with God inwardly and with the world outwardly is The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
 
00:35:48 Maureen Cunningham: Yes a wonderful book
 
00:35:50 Anthony: Read it. Supposedly it was a Carthusian work. Very good.
 
00:56:26 Alexandra K: This is the issue I have while working remote. I really really really don't like it. Need to remember that I should work for God.
 
00:57:41 Amale Obeid: Reacted to "A beautiful book abo..." with ❤️
 
01:16:20 Maureen Cunningham: Do you think they were so hard on Monks because they understood Spiritual Warfare
 
01:19:44 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:19:49 Maureen Cunningham: thank you many Blessings
 
01:19:53 Amale Obeid: Thank you
 
01:20:29 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:20:36 Sophia: Thank you, Fr
 
01:20:38 Alexandra K: Thank you for doing this Father! I'll pray for you
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis III, Part II

What a blessing it is to read slowly. It allows insights to unfold before our minds and imaginations that we often would not be attentive to due to our typical need to rush. Hurry, most often, comes from the evil one who seeks to undermine our peace. It is lingering over the thoughts of the fathers on idleness that we begin to understand that what they are talking about is not simply avoiding laziness and sloth. They are revealing to us that keeping our focus upon God in mind and body, that is with the whole self, we grow in our capacity to love God and others. 
Virtue forms within the soul from engaging in our tasks with love and humility. Our willingness to take up that which is simple and perhaps menial in the eyes of the world and to do so with love is what is seen by God. Pushing a broom, if done with love, draws us to the very heart of God. Whereas imbalance in our labor, whether it is driving ourselves harshly or laziness, makes us lose sight of the glory of God in all things. May we listen well as we sit at the feet of the fathers, so that we might live our lives and engage in our work with minds and hearts fixed on God.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:41:21 Rachel: I think it important to be clear that panic attacks when endured with patience, can be meritorious. Putting ones trust in God when flooded with waves of panic. The peace of Christ is a gift of God and I wonder, little by little one will find the peace of Christ within the storm. Patience, will teach one to see. Trust in God, He will reveal Himself in these moments
 
00:41:56 Steve Yu: Reacted to "I think it important…" with 👍
 
00:44:59 Susanna Joy: Wow...look at you know, though!!!
 
00:45:36 Susanna Joy: You totally overcame and are presenting CONSTANTLY! 🙏🏻🌟AMDG...
 
00:52:08 Susanna Joy: Our work becomes the altarspace...
 
01:05:26 Suzanne: This is a really good class tonight.
 
01:06:13 Paul G.: Replying to "This is a really goo…"
+1
 
01:06:19 Andrew Adams: Reacted to "This is a really goo..." with 👍
 
01:06:34 Sharon Fisher: Reacted to "This is a really goo…" with ❤️
 
01:07:36 Sharon Fisher: Agreed - I love the asides to discuss practical application!
 
01:11:57 Vanessa: Same with Jacinta and Francisco Marto (Lady of Fatima)
 
01:12:10 Rebecca Thérèse: Therese's mother died when she was only five and she spent her whole life grief-stricken
 
01:15:30 Suzanne: Great points.
 
01:16:32 Vanessa: Reacted to "This is a really goo..." with ❤️
 
01:17:01 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:17:10 Louise: Thanks, Fr. Abernethy!
 
01:17:18 Suzanne: Ash Wednesday!
 
01:17:43 Suzanne: God bless all and God prosper our Lent!
 
01:18:12 Sharon Fisher: Many thanks!
 
01:18:18 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:18:19 Sophia: Thank you so much, fr.Abernethy. God bless you!
 
01:19:07 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Therese's mother die…" with 😞
 
01:21:29 Arthur Danzi: Thank you Father!
 
01:21:31 Steve Yu: I was having similar thoughts before joining tonight! I
felt too tired but I’m so glad I was able to make it! Thank God!
 
01:21:42 Vanessa: These classes are the highlight of my week🙂  Thank you
 
01:21:50 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank youfor persevering
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis II, Part VII and Hypothesis III, Part I

We turn now in the Evergetinos to consider the “avoidance of idleness”. With this, of course, we are compelled to consider the nature of work, and its connection to the spiritual life and our sanctification. 
Avoiding idleness is not simply keeping busy - much less busyness. It is something that allows us to prevent the mind and the heart from wandering from He who is the source of life, God. We are not angels.  We are called to provide for ourselves and also to provide for the poor. And so it is by the labor of our hands that we not only keep ourselves from becoming distracted - but enable ourselves not to become a burden to others and also to offer charity to those in need. 
Furthermore, keeping oneself from idleness also allows for the formation of virtues; obedience, self-control, ordering of the appetites, humility, etc. What is being presented to us, then, is connected to the overall portrait of what it is to be a human being; one whose life is directed completely toward God. The love that we have received and bear within us transforms everything about what it is to be a human being; to suffer, to love, and to work. It is our identity as Christians that must shape our perception of reality.
Text of chat during the group:
00:29:31 Michael Hinckley: Anthony's comment, or rebuke, hits the vainglory
 
00:35:03 Andrew Adams: What was the name of that commentary on St. Mark again?
 
00:38:32 Adam Paige: Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word, the four-volume “Meditations on the Gospel According to St. Matthew” by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis.
 
00:38:34 FrDavid Abernethy: Erasmo Merikakis
 
00:45:57 Michael Hinckley: can't over busyness, lack of focus be acedia
 
01:05:34 Rebecca Thérèse: The devil makes work for idle hands
 
01:14:51 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:15:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
 
01:15:53 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:16:06 Rachel: Thank you!!
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis II, Part VI

After listening to a multitude of stories from the Evergetinos about responding to insults from others, the only response that one seems to be able to offer is a sigh; not a sigh expressing disbelief but rather wonder. This is the love and the grace that God offers to us at every single moment of our life. A synergy exists between our will (as simple as uttering a “yes” within our hearts to God), and the outpouring of His grace and compassion. Suddenly the unthinkable comes into view through our faith. We see, through experience, the Godly love that is not only offered to us but within us. 
One of the things that we often say to ourselves when we sin or when we respond to another who is wounded us is: “I’m only human!”  However, these are not just fanciful stories in the Evergetinos but rather signs of what God is capable of doing within the human heart and what he has made us by his grace. Through humbling ourselves, acknowledging the poverty of our sin, we are lifted up to love and show compassion to others as we have received from the Lord. 
The Desert Fathers are living icons of the gospel. They reveal to us this love, not primarily through their writings but rather through their lives. We in turn come to understand this not through reading but rather through experience. May God in his mercy draw us into his love and allow us to see him face-to-face!
 
---
 
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:10:43 FrDavid Abernethy: page 37 number 4
 
00:44:10 Nypaver Clan: Screwtape Letters
 
00:44:49 Lee Graham: Sounds like CS Lewis’s “Screw Tape Letters”
 
00:54:03 Louise: How about psychopaths, praying for those damaging psychopaths? They seem pseudo-humans, that is, humans only in form but not in soul. They seem to be a window of the devils. I cannot pray for them. Am I wrong?
 
00:57:06 Rachel: When we sin, are we even being ehat it truly menas to be human? Even the "small" sins?
 
00:57:55 Sharon Fisher: So we pray that the Holy Spirit reaches them? That may be all I can muster in some cases. Is it enough?
 
00:58:31 Rachel: That is a beautiful prayer.
 
00:59:28 Lee Graham: Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
 
01:00:05 Lori Hatala: Reacted to "Let there be peace o..." with ❤️
 
01:00:39 Vanessa: Reacted to "Let there be peace o..." with ❤️
 
01:01:57 Rachel: Imagine a masterpiece that has been defaced. Yet, by grace, God can restore His image in the sinner.
 
01:02:30 Sharon Fisher: Reacted to "Let there be peace o..." with ❤️
 
01:03:38 Tracey Fredman: Jesus asks people in the gospels - he asked Solomon in a dream - and I believe he asks us, "What do you want me to do for you?" We can ask for grace to be able to pray for those who difficult for us to pray for.
 
01:04:19 Sharon Fisher: Reacted to "Jesus asks people in..." with ❤️
 
01:04:24 Vanessa: Reacted to "Jesus asks people in..." with ❤️
 
01:06:56 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Let there be peace o…" with ❤️
 
01:07:20 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Imagine a masterpiec…" with ☦️
 
01:07:31 Rachel: Wow.  How beautiful.
 
01:08:50 Amale Obeid: How do you overcome the fear of needing to work for money to survive when you’re otherwise completely ready to sell everything and follow God and devote your life day in and day out to Him? To honoring him, praising him, praying, reading about him, etc… It has
become hard to live in both worlds.
 
01:15:24 Rachel: I wish I could go! God bless you all
 
01:15:37 Steve Yu: Replying to "I wish I could go! G…"
Same here!
 
01:16:23 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:16:24 Louise: Thanks, Fr. Abernethy!
 
01:16:27 Lorraine Green: Thank you very much!
 
01:16:28 Sharon Fisher: And with your spirit!
 
01:16:29 Suzanne: God bless everyone!
 
01:16:30 Adam Paige: Thank you Father !
 
01:16:38 Lee Graham: Brilliant, thank you!!
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis II, Part V

Humility and selfless-love often bears no resemblance to what we hold in our minds as their meaning. It is only seeing these things through the grace that God gives us and what has been revealed to us in Christ that we begin to understand that Christ took upon himself all that is human and its burden. He is Humility. He entered into the depths of our hell and the hell of our sin not only the free us from death, but that we might not experience these things in isolation. In the darkest things of this world there is always the presence of He who is light. When this world offers us no consolation, it is Christ who embraces us. 
Humility, then, becomes our willingness to let go of the self and the self-image that we have created in our own minds and that has been distorted by our sin. It means to live in the truth of Christ who is self-emptying love. This will forever be a stumbling block in this world and to the human mind. Only faith can allow us to see the presence of Christ in our midst. Furthermore, it is only this selfless love of Christ within us the can bring healing and hope to others. When faith is reduced to an ideology or philosophy it becomes impotent. We must be willing to go, as it were, where angels fear to tread. We must be willing to enter into the depths of the sorrow of the world. Yet . . . we cannot do this so long as we cling to some worldly image of ourselves or perfection. We must die to self and sin and live fully to Christ. The cure for the human condition is and ever shall be crucified and humble love.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:32:47 Michael Hinckley: to your earlier point, my guess is that saints the see being like Christ as an easy equation (1+1) , we see it as algorithms
 
00:46:03 TFredman: Personal experience with a Trappist monk who was very discerning - and helped to heal many souls, through simply sharing God's love repeatedly, consistently for many years - until the persons began to really believe the honesty in the gift of being loved - life-changing -
 
00:47:14 TFredman: Tracey
 
00:50:58 Susanna Joy: Being the presence of Christ's love over time by itself has the power to heal...yes...well said
 
00:52:56 Susanna Joy: Where 2 or 3 are gathered...there am I in your midst.  Christ's presence itself...
 
00:53:27 Sharon Fisher: This discussion reminds me off a woman who was taken hostage by a gunman — she retrieved her bible and spoke to him. (Baptist, I think, but still . . . ) If folks are interested, here’s the story:  https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/hostage-reads-purpose-driven-life-to-alleged-atlanta-killer/
 
00:54:07 Anthony: Replying to "This discussion remi..." 
 
 I believe I heard th...
 
00:55:26 Michael Hinckley: Didn't Francis say preach the gospel, use words if you have to
 
00:55:33 Anthony: That's a Spanish and Neapolitan type of image
 
01:05:23 Anthony: The multiplicity of my thoughts are showing me the necessity of praying - simple, like Jesus prayer - so as not to be exposed so much and dwell so much on thoughts.
 
01:06:04 Michael Hinckley: Reacted to "The multiplicity of ..." with 👍
 
01:06:32 Vanessa: Reacted to "The multiplicity of ..." with 👍
 
01:08:25 Sharon Fisher: Is there a difference between when God confronts us with situations intended to humble us vs. situations when others exhibit their own free will, and we are unlucky recipients/bystanders?
 
01:13:28 Rebecca Thérèse: Jesus said that it is necessary that stumbling blocks come but woe to those from whom they come.
 
01:13:30 Susanna Joy: Thank you so much for leading this class, Father...your comments have been very helpful.
 
01:14:22 Lorraine Green: God bless you, thank you
 
01:14:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You I am always Blessed from all your teachings
 
01:14:32 Sharon Fisher: 😃
 
01:16:02 Sharon Fisher: Reacted to "Jesus said that it i..." with ❤️
 
01:16:21 Michael Hinckley: what's your wife's name soI can pray for her?
 
01:16:25 TFredman: God bless you, Steve, and your wife.
 
01:16:46 Steve Yu: Replying to "what's your wife's n…"
Hi Michael, her name is Ivette Valenzuela-Yu
01:17:14 Michael Hinckley: Replying to "what's your wife's n..."
 
santa pace for her
 
01:17:30 Steve Yu: Reacted to "santa pace for her" with ❤️
 
01:17:46 Michael Hinckley: Reacted to "santa pace for her" with ❤️
 
01:18:03 Kevin Burke: Thank you Father..
 
01:18:05 Andrew Adams: Thanks Father and thanks everyone for sharing!
 
01:18:09 mflory: Thank you, Father!
 
01:18:15 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis II, Part IV

Where is true freedom to be found? How do we recognize it within the human person? The fathers of The Evergetinos reveal it to us in a powerful fashion by speaking to us once again about humility and the manner in which we respond both to insults and to praise. 
Freedom comes from clearly seeing where true dignity and identity is found in ourselves and in others. We evaluate ourselves and others often by accidental qualities and external behaviors. As Christians, however, faith is meant to illuminate what we have become in Christ. We are called to something far greater than natural virtue. Grace builds on nature. Even the greatest kindness we could show another person or forbearance in the face of slight or insult is hardly recognizable and comparison to what our response must be in Christ. 
With the incarnation life has forever changed as well as our understanding of love and mercy. We cannot allow ourselves the too easy freedom of loving or hating others merely because of what they do or say to us. The only way that we are allowed to respond to another is to love them. 
This cannot be an abstract notion for us. We should believe it so deeply, embody it so fully, that “Contrarily, as though they entailed fearful death, the destruction of your soul, and eternal damnation, completely turn away from and despise all love of power and glory, and the desire for the various laudations of men“. I don’t think there is a stronger way of stating this!
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:45:29 Ambrose Little, OP: Powerful stuff!
 
00:45:51 Amale Obeid: I’m newly relearning the Christian faith so I apologize if this is off track but it seems to me that the every reaction that is caused between the world or another person and myself is what I take to the vertical of the cross - between me and God. The horizontal between me and others is for their service only.
 
00:49:49 Vanessa: Goes back to love God and love thy neighbor (that includes love our enemies).
 
00:57:42 Sean: Is no. 6 against nature, I mean man is hierchical by nature, like troops of
apes
 
01:14:25 Rebecca Thérèse: It seems like sound advice to me and could protect people from abuse by narcissists who try to make others dependent on them for self-esteem. Also cults try to recruit people by love-bombing. Humility and level-headedness can protect from these things.
 
01:14:30 Amale Obeid: How do we actually practice this? Other than slowing down time so much to allow space for a slower reaction? Or do we ask God for this grace to recognize it immediately in the moment?
 
01:16:31 Rachel: I am thinking of how really truly seeing the other, and ourselves as living icons, realizing our dignity helps in a way to reign in inflated egos as we realize how it is a pure gift of God, It reigns in the anger that can rise up in reaction to mistreatment by the humbling reality of Whose image we are all made. Also, I wonder, how we approach God, and the Saints, if how we see God, the way we pray, the experience of our life in God affects how we react to praise or insult
 
01:18:27 Vanessa: Replying to "I am thinking of how..."
 
St. Francis of Assisi talks about how we can go beyond what is natural (feelings towards others) through love of God. A mark of holiness.
 
01:19:07 Rachel: Reacted to "St. Francis of Assis..." with 😇
 
01:19:33 Vanessa: Reacted to "Yes, that balance is..." with 👍
 
01:23:34 Rachel: Replying to "I am thinking of how..."
 
I erased it as you already said what I typed
 
01:24:03 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂Have a good retreat!
 
01:24:14 Rachel: Replying to "I am thinking of how..."
 
😇
 
01:24:14 Lorraine Green: Thank you Father
 
01:24:19 Susanna Joy: Thank you so much, Father. Blessings on your retreat. You will be in my prayers.
 
01:24:56 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:24:58 mflory: Thank you, Father!
 
01:25:00 Rachel: Replying to "I am thinking of how..."
 
Thank you!
 
01:25:09 Louise: Have a great retreat !
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis II, Part III

If reading the gospel or reading the Fathers speak to us about walking the path of humility does not turn our life upside down, does not agitate the mind and the heart; and indeed, at times bring us to the place of atheism or the edge of sanity, then it is hard to imagine that it is Christianity that we are considering. We’ve grown so used to a evaluating what it is to be a human being and to live one’s life, the nature of self-esteem and self image, outside the context of the gospel that there is no longer anything recognizable as Christian.  Can we even answer the question, “What does it mean to be a Christian?“ Does the anthropology, psychology and spirituality of the desert Fathers find any place within our hearts or our vision of our life in this world? 
We see the Fathers willing to go to the depths of earthly hell in their pursuit of humility in order to be raised up to the heights of heaven. They came to understand that when one reaches for heaven by pride, one falls into the depths of Hell. This was not notional for them but real. Is our faith more than an idea? One of the reasons the fathers seem to so freely take this path of foolishness and absurdity is that they began to taste the freedom and the joy of the kingdom that comes through it. Where else do we find identity and dignity that cannot be taken away from us except with and in Christ?
---
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:12:10 Michael Hinckley: FR. I picked up A Guide to Living in the Truth. Thanks for the suggestion
 
00:12:34 FrDavid Abernethy: The Michael Casey book?
 
00:12:39 FrDavid Abernethy: on Humility?
 
00:13:22 Michael Hinckley: Yes
 
00:14:27 Adam Paige: Reacted to "FR. I picked up A Gu..." with 👍
 
00:19:55 Lori Hatala: www.ctosonline.org/patristic/EvCT.html
 
00:20:27 Lori Hatala: for Evergetinos books.
 
00:26:53 Adam Paige: Reacted to "for Evergetinos book..." with 👍
 
00:40:08 Michael Hinckley: there is also an intense marketing that bombards of self help (non Christ focused) to recognize as soft attacks...
 
00:40:31 Vanessa: Reacted to "there is also an int..." with 👍
 
00:40:49 Carol Roper: His response to the camel driver comment, his happiness, helps me understand the wisdom of the holy fool, who sometimes almost seems to provoke those comments from others. There’s a wisdom in seeing the disapproval of others as protective of one’s soul. I’m thinking of the movie ostrov
 
00:41:00 Adam Paige: Reacted to "there is also an int..." with 😖
 
00:42:04 Carol Roper: The island
 
00:43:15 Eric Ewanco: I think there is truth in the idea that the phenomenon of "low self-esteem" is really a hidden expression of pride
 
00:45:43 Michael Hinckley: Many times too self deprecating humor or a clamoring of being such a 'sinner" can also be forms of vanity, no?
 
00:45:51 Adam Paige: Reacted to "The island" with 🥾
 
00:46:15 Michael Hinckley: I think Dom Lorenzo Scupoli warned against it.
 
00:51:26 Carol Roper: Reacted to "The island" with 🥾
 
01:01:53 Carol Roper: But given your previous comment about the tongues, it’s not foolishness it’s truthfulness…humility
 
01:02:14 Carol Roper: We’re just blind to the truth
 
01:05:12 Michael Hinckley: Father do you know the greek or latin used when translated to foolish?
 
01:05:40 Rebecca Thérèse: Being considered a fool by all would bring someone closer to Christ because that person would not be distracted by the esteem of others. It's not so helpful being considered a fool by all if others think they need to fix you because this is also a distraction!
 
01:05:46 Eric Ewanco: How do we live this rejection of praise out in, say, a corporate or professional environment where praise plays an important feedback role?
 
01:06:33 Michael Hinckley: Reacted to "Being considered a f..." with 👍
 
01:07:24 Adam Paige: Replying to "How do we live this ..."
 
How do we live this rejection of praise out in, say, a corporate or professional environment where praise plays an important feedback role?
I have the same question, since we're also encouraged to praise others in the professional environment
 
01:09:52 Sam: Shunning praise in a professional environment especially is hard but comments such as i could've done better help us....+  embracing humiliation or negative feedback... and only relying on + seeking God's mercy is the narrow path we need to walk...praying always ...a good start for us is the  Jesus Prayer.
 
01:10:06 Rebecca Thérèse: Replying to "How do we live this ..."
 
I think there may be a difference between praise and flattery. It's helpful sometimes to have positive feedback to know how well you're performing. I think it's also possible not to react to praise with pride.
 
01:11:01 Anthony Rago: Again....apprenticeship.  The Modern Era's emphasis on souls who are autonomous and blank slates to explore the world on their own has hurt all kinds of religious and secular vocations.
 
01:11:36 Vanessa: Reacted to "Again....apprentices..." with 👍
 
01:12:05 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Shunning praise in a..." with 👍
 
01:12:16 Adam Paige: Reacted to "I think there may be..." with 👍
 
01:13:13 Michael Hinckley: I need to drop Happy and Holy New Year to you all!
 
01:15:17 Adam Paige: Father do you know the greek or latin used when translated to foolish?
Greek text of Evergetinos Volume II https://drive.google.com/file/d/14g2zvr-CSwHV5qmke5PHGGBAYYzWRNa9/view
 
01:16:23 Louise: Thanks, Fr.!
 
01:17:04 Sharon Fisher: And to your spirit!
 
01:17:05 mflory: Thank you, Father!
 
01:17:13 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!
 
01:17:16 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you, Happy New Year everyone🙂
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis I, Part III and Hypothesis II, Part I

Once again, reading the fathers on humility is humbling. Gradually our eyes are opened to the nature and reality of virtue; not as human reason or understanding grasp, but as it has been revealed to us in Christ and through the gift of His Spirit. 
This stands forth most of all in thinking about humility among the virtues. It is not self hatred. It is not self contempt. It is living in He who is Truth. For this reason, both the Evergetinos and St. John Climacus describe humility as the “door to the kingdom” and to participation in the very glory of God. It is also for this reason that we discover that just as the proud feel satisfaction with honors so those who are humble of mind are especially thankful for the attacks and scorn which befall them in this world. 
Such things free us from illusion; not only the illusions we have about ourselves but also the illusions that others often form about us. To be thought of as virtuous and holy, when in reality one understands that all is Grace, can be the bitterest of things to swallow. To know oneself as loved with an everlasting love and having been shown the mercy of God makes the thought of evaluating oneself in any measure seem absurd.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:05:32 FrDavid Abernethy: page 13 Letter G - Volume 2
 
00:18:21 Nypaver Clan: What page?
 
00:42:31 Louise: The Catholic protagonist of the movie entitled ''A Hidden Life'' (2019), a true story, is a beautiful example of humility. In 1943, he did NOT justify why he preferred to be tortured and killed by the SS, his compatriots, than signing an oath to Hitler. His heart belonged to Jesus Christ. His wife, also devoted to Christ, supported his decision despite the difficult hardship this brought to her and her three children. Two contemporary unknown saints!
 
00:43:07 Adam Paige: Reacted to "The Catholic protago…" with ❤️
 
00:43:41 Michael Hinckley: Blessed Franz Jagerstatter
 
00:44:08 Michael Hinckley: yes that'shim
 
00:44:26 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Blessed Franz Jagers…" with 👌
 
00:58:19 Michael Hinckley: how much these storis show you must be prepared to be dressed down
 
00:58:20 Louise: Isn't the greatest test to stay facing praises?
 
01:01:26 Michael Hinckley: I can only imagine in the monastic life with having nothing of the world (clothes, possessions, etc.. ) that things like praise risks becoming currency.
 
01:08:06 Anthony Rago: Having lived in s Calvinist environment, alarm bells are going off in my head about this kind of humility.
 
01:08:42 Anthony Rago: We have to keep humility In  Tension with dignity.
 
01:08:54 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Having lived in s Ca…" with 😄
 
01:10:09 Sean: how often is one despised for humility vs. for being beyond  the pale of socially accepted behavior, crime, depravity etc. Equating the two seems difficult.
 
01:10:21 Michael Hinckley: Replying to "Having lived in s Ca..."
 
Great point!
 
01:10:22 Rebecca Thérèse: It's not easy to know the difference between heartfelt praise and flattery that's intended to manipulate so it's often better not to trust it
 
01:11:53 Michael Hinckley: One of the greatest deceptions is meekness equates weakness as apposed the fortitude.
 
01:12:51 Suzanne: I just read something today that said that the purer the heart, the more the soul sees God, and, the more it sees God, the more it understands its own wretchedness. This wretchedness is not a comparison with other men, but with the absolute purity of God.
 
01:15:25 Michael Hinckley: Reacted to "It's not easy to kno..." with 👍
 
01:16:21 Michael Hinckley: Reacted to "I just read somethin..." with
👍
 
01:17:17 Leilani Nemeroff: Dolores Hart 
https://vocal.media/viva/the-hollywood-actress-who-became-a-nun
 
01:17:37 Michael Hinckley: what was the book you mentioned again please
 
01:18:13 Suzanne: Great Stories tonight! Thank you!
 
01:18:35 Susanna Joy: Thank you, Father.
 
01:18:41 Lorraine Green: Thank you Father
 
01:18:46 Louise: hanks!!!
 
01:18:56 Leilani Nemeroff: Thanks!
 
01:19:00 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:19:04 Michael Hinckley: good night all
 

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.
---
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 !
 

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis I, Part I

We began this evening with page one of the second volume of The Evergetinos. In many ways, we pick up where we left off in the first volume with humility. However, we are given very explicit examples of those who are a model of the virtue. Perhaps it would be better said that they present us with an other-worldly manifestation of the virtue - the Holy Fool. 
Such individuals, so driven by the love for Christ, have set aside so completely self-esteem and reputation that their presence reveals the poverty,  inadequacy or complete lack of this holy virtue in others; especially those who deem themselves to be religious. 
To hear the stories of their lives almost knocks the wind out of the reader. The very presence of their sanctity brings down upon them the scorn and the abuse of others. They embody Christ’s teaching, “You will be hated by all because of my name.” They are hated because they embodied the humility of Christ, who counted reputation as nothing, emptied himself and became a servant, obedient unto death. 
It is hard to be in the presence of such individuals. Their hidden sanctity will still speak to the souls of those in their midst and provoke a reaction. The demons who guide and direct our thoughts will seek to make us mock and ridicule them and blind us to their true goodness. Thus, they provide us with a cautionary tale – that in our lesser moments we are capable of mocking the Lord in others, when we hold them in contempt. We are not so far from committing such unholy violence in our hearts, when we lose sight of the dignity of those around us.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:04:02 Leilani Nemeroff: Thank you! 
I am driving right now.
 
00:11:45 Suzanne: Can hear a pin drop!
 
00:12:55 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Can hear a pin drop!" with 📌
 
00:13:16 Suzanne: Reacted to "Can hear a pin drop!" with ☺️
 
00:35:06 Rebecca Thérèse: The thing that people don't understand is that even if she had been a simpleton and their judgement of her was correct, they still shouldn't have treated her like that. "For inasmuch as you did it to the least of these..."
 
00:36:47 sharonfisher: It’s odd to me that the most holy among us behave this way.
 
00:36:57 Louise: Was she a victim soul?
 
00:39:02 maureencunningham: They did not see her
 
00:40:53 Suzanne: She reflected Christ's attribute of taking upon Himself the sins of mankind.
 
00:42:49 Lee Graham: No doubt, she forgave all those who abused her, lest they would have to live separated from God throughout eternity
 
00:43:16 sharonfisher: How is it that she feigned foolishness, 1st para. Was she testing them?
 
00:43:29 maureencunningham: Did the early church  run to be Marty
 
00:45:33 Anthony Rago: If she were foolish perhaps she was like Brother Juniper, companion of St Francis, very plain kind and simple. Perhaps even a little "touched" but that weakness became a strength by grace.
 
00:46:44 Suzanne: The Age of the Desert corresponds to the Age of Heresy, post persecution. It's a communal reparation.
 
00:49:10 sharonfisher: Reacted to "If she were foolish …" with ❤️
 
00:58:57 Sean: it would be hard to find someone who "longs to be loathed"...quite the opposite...
 
01:00:33 Rebecca Thérèse: The problem with being loathed is that people don't just loathe you and leave you alone, they're constantly bothering you with their loathing!
 
01:01:04 Suzanne: Reacted to "The problem with bei..." with ❤️
 
01:05:31 sharonfisher: I so agree, the West sometimes pays less attention to the saints than I would like. But in an effort to provide services that people (families) can actually attend, they have to cut somewhere.
 
01:07:37 Adam Paige: I think the West has emphasized the temporal cycle over the sanctoral cycle in recent years, but if the Office of Readings and the Martyrology could become more prevalent in the life of the church, that would go some way to helping
 
01:09:29 Anthony Rago: I was thinking this sounded like the charcoal saint!  Didn't Alexander also see Our Lady of Blachernae promising to protect the city from besieging barbarians?
 
01:11:54 Michael Hinckley: The West tends to get very Thomistic I believe.
 
01:13:16 Suzanne: Father, is it too late to ask a question about one of your FB posts?
 
01:13:37 Suzanne: You put up a quote from St. Symeon: “For unless a person has been trained in strict vigilance, so that when attacked by a flood of useless thoughts he tests and sifts them all … he is readily seduced in many unseen ways by the devil.” Presuming there is no human being available to train and guide you in learning to discipline your thoughts, how do you acquire this skill? Is there a book you can recommend that gives practical instruction on how to purify the thoughts?
 
01:14:17 sharonfisher: Reacted to "You put up a quote f…" with ❤️
 
01:14:18 Suzanne: LOL!
 
01:14:38 Jacqulyn: Reacted to "LOL!" with 👍
 
01:16:46 sharonfisher: Thank you for not rushing us through this and allowing
questions and discussion. So valuable!
 
01:17:01 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thank you for not ru..." with ☦️
 
01:17:16 Suzanne: Reacted to "Thank you for not ru..." with ❤️
 
01:17:30 Sean: the coal carrier reminds me the movie the island
 
01:17:48 maureencunningham: Thank You Blessing
 
01:17:48 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:17:53 Adam Paige: Reacted to "the coal carrier rem..." with 👍
 
01:17:54 Louise: Thanks, Fr. Abernethy!
 
01:17:58 Suzanne: Great meeting, and God bless you all!
 
01:18:00 Anthony Rago: Reacted to the coal carrier rem... with "👍"
 
01:18:03 Lorraine Green: Thank you, Father
 
01:18:17 sharonfisher: Reacted to "Thank you for not ru…" with ❤️
 
01:18:22 sharonfisher: Reacted to "Thank you for not ru…" with ☦️
 
01:18:40 Leilani Nemeroff: Thank you.
 
01:19:06 sharonfisher: And to your spirit!
 

The Evergetinos - Conclusion of Volume One

Tonight we read the final hypotheses of the First Volume of the Evergetinos. From beginning to end the volume and its teachings are as challenging as they are beautiful. 
The focus this evening was on our attachment to the things of this world; whether those things be the praise of men or material objects and clothing. As always the fathers present us with the gospel in an unvarnished fashion. Their ability to touch upon the most subtle aspects of the passions and temptations is extraordinary. Even when we let go of material attachments we can cling to a kind of spiritual raiment. It takes a great deal of time and grace to break loose of the fetters that hold us; our desire for the pleasures of this world, both great and small. 
Even the monk can hold on to certain implements or clothing when there is no need for them other than the satisfaction that they offer in the possessing of them. Frugality and modesty in dress should be virtues that we love and cultivate. In a culture where there is an abundance of everything on demand. Our sharing in this has become habitual and it can be overwhelmingly difficult to overcome. What we see in the fathers is the constant reminder to adorn the soul. We are to store up treasure for ourselves in heaven.  It is  the poor that we have received that become our greatest advocates before the throne of God.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:19:50 FrDavid Abernethy: page 414
 
00:36:13 Anthony Rago: The Island had a scene regarding the abbot having a coat of which he was too fond. He was eventually glad to be freed of that attachment by the "crazy" monk.
 
00:37:07 Suzanne: Over the course of my life, I have pretty much ruined every single thing I’ve ever put my hand to, because I simply cannot act except in order to draw praise from my performance. I’m aware of it, ashamed of it, but cannot put this passion to death. I don’t think I’ve ever employed a talent or ability with a pure intention.
 
00:37:52 Michael Hinckley: reminds me of the story of Alexander Magnus, once offered a cup of water in a time of dryness poured it out saying too much for one, not enough for many.
 
00:47:16 Anthony Rago: Replying to "Over the course of m..." 
 
 Perhaps "ruined" is ...
 
00:49:32 Suzanne: Replying to "Over the course of m..."
 
True, thank you.
 
00:50:09 Maureen Cunningham: Maybe they were not attached to anything in this world. And had no need for natural things . Only for the heavenly
 
00:50:51 Anthony Rago: Reacted to True, thank you. with "❤️"
 
00:51:37 Michael Hinckley: Replying to "Over the course of m..."
 
@Suzanne when we give thanks to others it is also an act of charity. Fr is right magnanimity is a gift we are given to excel, in an orderly fashion
 
00:51:40 Suzanne: Replying to "Over the course of m..."
 
Father has a good nous. He actually hit the nail on the head. 😇
 
00:52:22 Suzanne: Replying to "Over the course of m..."
 
Thank you, Michael.
 
01:00:36 Maureen Cunningham: I have a. Question when I went to Rome I
 
01:01:15 Michael Hinckley: are not robes (clothes) tools as well. serve purposes, again ordered fashion. That which we labor in is not the wedding garment
 
01:01:28 Anthony Rago: About not making things you see that you like ....I can see not doing this out of envy. But making something out of love for doing something good and beautiful, or because it is an inherent vocation is a good thing.  I started my hobby because I saw a beautiful repousse picture and I just
knew I had to make something like that.
 
01:01:29 Maureen Cunningham: Questions when I went to Rome Saint Peter allot beauty not what the desert Fathers had why so different
 
01:03:04 Suzanne: Replying to "are not robes (cloth..."
 
In this culture, dressing well is a good work.
 
01:04:08 Suzanne: Replying to "are not robes (cloth..."
 
Dress like a lady, etc.
 
01:11:39 Anthony Rago: We live in a society without these reminders and we are pagans
 
01:12:43 Anthony Rago: I mean, no icons, no images in public....and without these reminders we are pagans
 
01:13:12 Michael Hinckley: need to drop santa note all
 
01:13:38 Suzanne: Replying to "About not making thi..."
 
It's true freedom to make something beautiful with a pure heart.
 
01:15:05 Anthony Rago: Reacted to It's true freedom to... with "❤️"
 
01:19:59 Louise: My mother used to tell me, ''Louise, if you do something , do it well, as if you are doing it for God.'' I try, I try.
 
01:20:09 Suzanne: This is a multi-faceted issue. Communism deliberately destroys beauty, and Christendom has beautified every human art form. I believe that beauty is absolutely necessary for public order.
 
01:20:21 Suzanne: Reacted to "My mother used to te..." with ❤️
 
01:21:17 Suzanne: And there's nothing more beautiful than a priest or monk in habit/cassock.
 
01:21:28 Anthony Rago: Reacted to This is a multi-face... with "👍"
 
01:23:36 Sharon Fisher: Reacted to "And there's nothing ..." with ❤️
 
01:26:35 Sean: I need it and I'm unworthy, that's an interesting take on things. Humility.
 
01:27:41 Paul: Wow Great Instruction !  Whats next?
 
01:28:33 Suzanne: Reacted to "Wow Great Instructio..." with 👍
 
01:29:45 Lorraine Green: Thank you Father
 
01:30:20 Suzanne: Thank you so much!
 
01:30:20 Louise: Thanks, Fr. Abernethy!
 
01:30:30 Sharon Fisher: And with your spirit! Thank you!
 
01:30:56 Louise: Yvette and Steve in my prayers.
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLVI, Part I

We are drawing close to the end of the first volume of the Evergetinos. We’ve come to the end of a long journey; but in reality it’s just the beginning for us. The fathers began by having us meditate long upon repentance. This is the starting point. The turning from the self toward God for healing. 
Now at the conclusion of the volume our eyes gaze  upon the vision of humility. Again, it is not the humility of this world, but the humility of God. It is the humility of a love that empties itself in order to lift others out of their poverty and darkness. It is the love that thinks nothing of the self but seeks only the fulfillment the will of the beloved. 
We were shown this evening and number of aspect of this humility. The first is self-reproach. He who seeks the honor of God and finds his identity rooted in God is going to seek nothing of the honor and privileges of this world. We are reminded that “all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass”. Everything within this world passes away. Why do we cling to it so tenaciously, and yet hold so little desire for the love that searches us out constantly. “Heart speaks to heart.” We let go of everything, including our own ego, in order that nothing might impede our capacity to hear God’s Word of Love.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:45:16 Sharon Fisher: Does that mean that if we were wholly aware of our faults and someone else called them out to us; we’d have already recognized and come to peace with them, and the accusation has no effect or sting?
 
00:48:43 Sharon Fisher: Turn the other cheek? Just allow them their feelings?
 
00:49:57 Steve Yu: Questions. Would praying for the spirit of repentance trigger humility? I ask because a constant state of humility seems like a difficult goal for me.
 
01:03:09 Suzanne: Just having to work in the world is a great opportunity to practice humility. How many times do we draw down upon ourselves the dislike and resentment of co-workers for no discernible reason?
 
01:14:35 Rory: Yes, 
heart speaking to heart
 
01:16:48 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You
 
01:17:10 Sandy Nelson: Thank you
 
01:17:17 Suzanne: Thank you!
 
01:17:28 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:17:29 Sharon Fisher: And with your spirit!!
 
01:17:30 Lorraine Green: Thank you!
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part VIII

What a privilege it is to read the fathers! As we are being drawn by them into a deeper understanding of the virtue of humility, their vision of its beauty opens up before us. It is not something that only reveals the poverty of our sin and need for healing. Humility also reveals that we are made in the image and likeness of God. 
We should not see humility then from a negative perspective. It reveals also the highest truth about who we are as human beings. We are destined to share in the fullness of the life of God. Humility does begin by acknowledging the truth about ourselves and our need for healing. Over the course of time it is perfected by the struggles that we undergo and the great losses that we experience. Eventually, however, by the action of God’s grace it is brought to perfection and there exist within us no desire for sin and no lingering element of pride. We begin to see in that moment that humility is one of the qualities of our God. Suddenly our vision of the spiritual life changes. Everything is meant to draw us into the fullness of his life, virtue and love. Thanks be to God!
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:02:33 Suzanne: Ave Maria!!
 
00:02:52 FrDavid Abernethy: Full of Grace
 
00:03:07 Suzanne: 😇
 
00:03:37 Suzanne: Father, did you get my email about St. Theophan series?
 
00:04:07 FrDavid Abernethy: Gee.  I don’t know.  I’ll have to go back and look.  So sorry
 
00:04:20 Suzanne: Ok!
 
00:04:34 FrDavid Abernethy: page 403 letter B
 
00:06:34 Suzanne: Father, have you seen the Russian movie, The Island?
 
00:06:57 Suzanne: I can't stop watching it!
 
00:08:03 Suzanne: I love the scene where he cures the attachments of the Abbot.
 
00:10:16 Suzanne: Mr. Yu, how is your wife?
 
00:32:33 Eric Ewanco: What does he mean by "discernment"? How might we wound the conscience of our neighbor?
 
00:34:05 Eric Ewanco: ok
 
00:36:52 Sean: what do you mean by to know the mind of God?
 
00:41:29 Louise: Does humility imply that I am ongoingly aware that I am necessarily defective and fallible, even if I try to be virtuous?
 
00:56:57 Suzanne: Lately I’ve been thinking more and more that we are infected with pride as children, by parents who show too much pride in our accomplishments or abilities. That’s where it begins, and the culture is more than happy to cement it into narcissism. It’s like an evil bond develops between affection and praise – so that affection is sought, not in accordance with nature and grace, but to satisfy pride. One’s heart contracts, no longer able to give itself in charity, because of the demands it places on others to give “excellence” it’s due.
 
00:58:33 Anthony Rago: This is soft. It's gentle.  It's like Dante's Paradise in which love is a force of motion.  I like this better than the way Roman Catholics of our time and country - not like the medievals like St Bernard - pass on the Faith.
 
01:00:11 sharonfisher: Re: earlier tonight - Opening the day with prayer and giving God first fruits is something I can relate to. To this point, I haven’t felt a purpose for early morning prayer (as opposed to prayer any other hour) — this resonates with me. I’m such a novice. Thank you!
 
01:00:35 Eric Ewanco: I agree with Suzanne. My mother was very proud of me, which fed my ego so much that my arrogance was off the charts. This alienated me from my peers and I never overcame it until high school. I literally didn't learn what the word "humble" meant until I was a teen. I loved her dearly but it was clearly deleterious. God saw fit that she passed away when I was 13, no doubt to spare me from the worst of it (that's terrible to say but as her son I can say it).
 
01:04:34 Lee Graham: When God reveals our defects of character, there  is no shame.
 
01:05:50 Suzanne: Father said, "Pride isolates." ABSOLUTELY!!
 
01:13:50 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂. Sorry I was so late, Zoom decided to update!
 
01:13:52 sharonfisher: And with your spirit!
 
01:13:55 Lorraine Green: Thank you, Father
 
01:13:59 David Fraley: Thank you, Father!
 
01:13:59 Suzanne: Thank you so much for these groups!
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part VII

Coming towards the end of the first volume of the Evergetinos, it is clear that we are being nourished upon solid food. During these many weeks, the fathers have been leading us into a deeper understanding of the virtue of humility. It is one thing to understand the definition of humility; even something as clear as “truthful living”. However, it is only in the illustrative stories that the fathers give us that we move from the realm of imagination, personal judgment and reason to see this virtue with the eyes of faith. What we are called to is the perfect humility of Christ; he who sought only to do the will of his heavenly father. Christ sacrifices himself for the sake of love. What we see in the stories is the subtlety with which we focus upon the ego even as we pursue things that are religious. We are presented in particular with a powerful story about Saint Anthony the Great. He is told that a cobbler in the city has reached a level of greater sanctity than he has despite his ascetic rigors. This cobbler saw himself as the least of all the people in the entire city and the most worthy of condemnation and judgment by God. He would tell himself this in the morning and at night. What is significant about this is that he does not compare himself with any other person in acknowledging this truth. Looking at God he can only see his need for mercy and for complete gratitude. Yet Anthony as great as he was and having sacrificed so much still had a question within his heart. Is there anyone out there who has attained a level of greater sanctity? At that moment, Anthony turns his gaze away from God in order to compare himself with others. He loses sight, if only for a moment, of God. To gaze only upon God and his love drives out every element of ego. There is only Christ!
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:08:36 FrDavid Abernethy: page 400 para 76
 
00:09:41 Suzanne: LOL!!!
 
00:41:23 sharonfisher: I hope everyone knows about the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. Poor or wayward folks that end up imprisoned could benefit so much from the work these folks do. I feel like the prison cell could be substitute for a monk’s cell or the isolation of the desert fathers. (Not sure where this fits in the discussion, but seems relevant.)
 
00:42:11 sharonfisher: AGREE!
 
00:43:54 Michael Hinckley: St Thomas Moore choose to see his cell in the tower as such I believe.
 
00:46:24 Suzanne: I think that I've actually made myself sick from self-reproach because of my past. Thirty years of extreme desolation has warped my perception of God's love for my soul. Self-reproach can be a form of self-torture. The desert fathers is the first time anything I've come across has given me courage.
 
00:48:00 Lee Graham: Hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.
 
01:12:13 Sean: Anthony's ego? gosh...he's called Great.
 
01:16:29 Sean: compare and despair
 
01:16:55 Steve Yu: Reacted to "compare and despair" with 👍
 
01:17:29 Maureen Cunningham: How do you not get into a self hate toward you life. did not the church father warn against self pity
 
01:18:46 Suzanne: Did you see the Russian movie, The Island, about the monk who was tortured by guilt, yet worked miracles?
 
01:19:17 Maureen Cunningham: Yes I saw movie wonderful
 
01:19:40 Suzanne: Incredible movie!
 
01:20:04 Nypaver Clan: Father, at the start of this discussion, you mentioned that the slightest turning toward God fills the heart with great Grace.  Likewise, the slightest turning away from God fills the heart with pride.
 
01:22:01 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you  Blessing prayers for you Father
 
01:22:09 sharonfisher: And with your spirit!
 
01:22:12 Suzanne: Thank you so much!
 
01:22:13 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part VI

Is it possible for us to let go of our private judgment - to let ourselves be led by the Spirit of God into the Truth? As we read the teachings and the stories of the fathers on humility and how this virtue is embodied, the difficulty of letting go of our own perspective on virtue, and what it is must be abandoned. The virtue that we are called to is the virtue of Christ. Once again, we are not called simply to the perfection of natural virtue or what we can attain by human effort. It is by the grace of God alone that we can let go of self-esteem and ego. We will cling to these with fierceness despite having the truth set before our eyes; what we see on the Cross and receive in the Eucharist. We are unwilling to yield the things of this world for that which is eternal - for the pearl of great price.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:17:26 Anonymous Sinner: What page are we on?
 
00:18:20 Nypaver Clan: 397
 
00:18:54 Anonymous Sinner: Thank you!
 
00:19:24 Louise: It reminds me of the Orthodox priest whose life is depicted in the film entitled A Man of God in 2021.
 
00:19:35 Eric Ewanco: Today I was tempted to respond angrily to someone. I needed to hear this today.
 
00:21:21 Susanna Joy: Reacted to "397" with 👍
 
00:23:32 Susanna Joy: Replying to "Today I was tempted ..." 
 
 Lol...me too
 
00:25:36 Louise: Psychologically, forgiveness is seen as letting go of anger. Would you say that it is more than this?
 
00:29:18 Susanna Joy: I came home and a person who has been harrassing and unapologetic was sitting in my kitchen having a happy chat with my dearest friend here in the community. 
I could even get my tea water to boil...trying to let it go...
 
00:29:45 Susanna Joy: *could not even
 
00:30:18 Susanna Joy: Came straight to class
 
00:33:03 Susanna Joy: Thank you, Father.
 
00:35:58 Anonymous Sinner: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
 
00:36:05 Anonymous Sinner: Romans 8:26-27
 
00:42:20 sharonfisher: Do you have a good book reference for understanding spiritual warfare? Whether by the Holy Fathers or more current? I have a hard
time really getting the concept.
 
00:43:17 Louise: ''Dominion'' by Fr. Chad Ripperger explains spiritual warfare.
 
00:43:34 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "''Dominion'' by Fr. ..." with 👍🏼
 
00:44:19 sharonfisher: Replying to "''Dominion'' by Fr. ..."
 
🙂
 
00:44:38 Ashley Kaschl: “Discernment of Spirits” by Fr. Gallagher is good (it’s a purple book) 
 
And 
 
“Spiritual Warfare and The Discernment of Spirits” by Dan Burke
 
Those are good books to start with 🙏
 
00:45:33 Nypaver Clan: Was I the only one who thought the demon would enter the Elder since he said HE was the “goats”?
 
00:46:19 sharonfisher: Reacted to "“Discernment of Spir..." with 😃
 
00:47:18 Anonymous Sinner: I haven't read it, but my friend Paul Thigpen wrote the book "Manual For Spiritual Warfare", which I have heard is good
 
00:48:18 sharonfisher: Reacted to "I haven't read it, b..." with 🙂
 
00:48:52 Suzanne Romano: 😅
 
00:49:10 sharonfisher: Reacted to "😅" with 😂
 
00:57:08 Eric Ewanco: Are we sure he *didn't* commit the sin of fornication, in perhaps the sense of in his heart?
 
01:04:02 Louise: Was this man, by prostrating toward the offender, signifying his surrender to God's will?
 
01:04:38 sharonfisher: One of the reasons I haven’t been doing prostrations in prayer is that the area rug is knobby and hard on my knees. I need to rethink that reasoning . . .
 
01:05:13 linda murton: prostration becomes like the groaning when no words sufficed?
 
01:07:52 linda murton: groaning refered to Abba Siscoes earlier,
 
01:14:57 Susanna Joy: Thank yoiu, Father.🙏🏻
 
01:15:01 sharonfisher: And with your spirit!
 
01:15:07 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:15:08 Suzanne Romano: Thank you!
 
01:15:35 Susanna Joy: Spirit will guide you
 
01:15:40 sharonfisher: Tell us about it next time!
 
01:15:41 Susanna Joy: Will be praying
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part V

We were turn once again to the most important of virtues - humility. Despite the repeated sayings about humility and the many illustrative stories, one does not have a sense of the “same thing” being said over and over again. Rather, humility is like a precious gem. Through the writings and the sayings of the Fathers we revolve around it, allowing the light of Christ to illuminate every facet of this virtue. The Fathers want us to understand that even our virtue must be perfected by the grace of God. It is precisely this reality that we see manifest in the struggles of the Fathers to obtain it. It is so precious that one should be willing, as it were, to sell all to possess it. In this sense, humility is a willingness to let go of the self, the ego, in order that we might keep our minds and our hearts fixed upon Christ. It is by His grace alone that we are saved and it is by imitating His humility that the demons are overcome.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:39:05 Louise: Could you talk about the fear of God versus being in love with God?
 
00:49:39 Louise: Could we say that someone under a spell can be blinded by the spell of the demon so to have pride regarding how one is great in serving the demon without realizing it?
 
01:03:13 Louise: St. John says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world"? St. James seems to take it a step further when he writes, "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." St. John also says, "We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one."
 
01:13:59 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:14:35 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thank you🙂" with 👍
 
01:14:51 sharonfisher: And with your spirit! Thank you!
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part IV

How beautiful is the path that the Lord sets before us to draw us to Himself. Its beauty is rooted in the fact that it is the path that He took toward us. God reveals himself, He draws back to the veil, and shows us the depth of his humility, love and compassion. What we find in the desert fathers and in their sayings is a portrait of the gospels; more specifically a portrait of Christ himself - the humble crucified One.
We should never fear humility but rather gravitate towards it. It is something that we should love and cultivate precisely, because we know that it is part of the nature of God and His love, and that it unites us to Him. Whatever truth we acknowledge about ourselves, no matter how dark, it unites us to He who is Truth. This is the pearl of great price! It is the virtue that we should desire above all things and guard and protect as most precious.
 
---
 
Text of chat during the group:
 
00:11:11 sue and mark: car caravan
 
00:12:21 FrDavid Abernethy: page 391 para 31
 
00:28:48 Fr Marty, ND, 480-292-3381: 34 reminded me of a statement that often strikes me:
 
00:28:59 Fr Marty, ND, 480-292-3381: It was said of Abba Macarius the Great that he became, according
to the writings, a god on earth, because in the way God protects
the world, so Abba Macarius would hide the faults he saw as
though he had not seen them, and the faults he heard about as
though he had not heard of them.
Sayings of the Desert Fathers
 
00:36:59 Maureen Cunningham: Tree in Garden , once they ate they knew and then hid from God.
 
01:06:08 Fr Marty, ND, 480-292-3381: Listening to this talk of humility, I wonder. I can at times act humbly on the outside, but I don't know what humility feels like. I'm not sure how one acquires humility on the inside, or lives consistently this way. Is becoming humble becoming like God? The only thought that comes to me is to be still and stare at God until He Himself ignites or consumes me. I don't think I know how to be humble
 
01:12:19 sue and mark: thank you Fr. abernethy.
 
01:12:20 Rachel: Thank you!
 
01:12:30 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 

The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part III

Synopsis of Tonight’s Group on The Evergetinos:
We often hear the question: “How would you describe the taste of honey to another who has never had it or the taste of a pear or its texture?” We might ask the very same questions about the virtues and in particular that of humility. How do we describe something that another has never tasted or that we have barely tasted ourselves? More importantly, how do we describe something that expresses not natural virtue, but the virtue of Christ himself - that describes the Divine life. 
What is so striking about the desert fathers’ writing is that it brings the gospel alive. It becomes impossible for us to make the words that we hear as flat as the page upon which they are written. Suddenly they become embodied in a rich and powerful way through the lives of the Saints. They beckon us, like Christ, to take hold of what endures, to thirst for the love and virtue that leads us to intimacy with God, and to experience the true joy of the kingdom.
---
00:06:43 Paul: Hello
 
00:26:06 Louise: I do not know how to address with humility the fact that a friend has a picture of Moloch on the wall behind her when we talk on Zoom. She has always been fascinated by horror movies. I am worried that she worships the demonic, unconsciously. She says that she does not believe in God and does not know what happens after death, but she believes in the paranormal. She knows my devotion to Jesus Christ. Do you have an idea, Fr. David?
 
01:09:57 Lorraine Green: Thank you!
 
01:10:03 Sheila Applegate: Thanks Father!
 
01:10:05 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂
 
01:10:29 Alexandra K: Thank you Father!
 
01:10:54 Noha’s iPad: Thanks 🙏