22. When the body's perception is sound one is aware of what sickness afflicts it, while if one is not aware one is a victim of obtuseness. Similarly, the intellect, as long as it preserves its own proper energy, is conscious of its powers and knows from where the tyrannizing passions enter it; and it makes a determined stand against them. But it is terrible to pass one's days in a state of oblivion, like one who fights by night, not being able to see the evil thoughts against which one is battling. 23. When our intelligence unyieldingly devotes itself to the contemplation of the virtues, and our desire is focused solely on this and on Christ who bestows it, while our soul's incensive power arms itself against the demons, then our faculties are acting according to nature.
24. Every deiform soul is tripartite, according to Gregory the Theologian. Virtue, then established in the intelligence, he calls discretion, understanding and wisdom: when in the incensive power, he calls it courage and patience: and when in the faculty of desire, he calls it love, self-restraint and self-control. Justice or right judgment penetrates all three aspects of the soul, enabling them to function in harmony. Through discretion the soul fights against the hostile powers and defends the virtues. Through self-restraint it views things dispassionately. Through love it urges a man to love all men as himself. Through self-control it eliminates every sensual pleasure. Finally, through courage and patience it arms itself against its invisible enemies. This is the harmony of the melodious organ of the soul.
25. Let him who cultivates self-restraint and longs for blessed purity - which could rightly be called dispassion - discipline the flesh and bring it into subjection, with humble thoughts invoking divine grace, and he will achieve the aim he desires. But he who feeds the body intemperately will be tormented by the demon of unchastity. Just as much water puts out a flame, so hunger or self-control combined with humility of soul extinguishes the fever of the flesh and of shameful fantasies.
20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 39
SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 7TH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
The Field 38
18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 37
17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 36
SUNDAY AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
SUNDAY BEFORE THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Nativity of the Theotokos
14TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 35
13TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
12TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 34
11TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 33
10TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The Field 32
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