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:
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Three, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Two, Part II and Letter Seventy-Three, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-One, Part III and Letter Seventy-Two, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-One, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part VI and Hypothesis XIV, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy, Part II and Seventy-One, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part V
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Nine, Part III and Letter Seventy, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Nine, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Eight, Part II and Letter Sixty-Nine, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Eight, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Seven, Part II
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Devoted To Prayer
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
Rudolf Steiner Audio
Conspirituality