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.
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Text of chat during the group:
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part XI
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXIII, Part IV and Hypothesis XXIV
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part X
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXIII, Part III
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part IX
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part VIII
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXIII, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part VII
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXII, Part V and Hypothesis XXIII, Part I
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part VI
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXII, Part IV
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part V
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXII, Part III
The Ladder of Divine Ascent- Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part IV
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXII, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part III
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXI, Part VI and Hypothesis XXII, Part I
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part II
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXI, Part V
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter III: On Exile, Part V and Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part I
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