The Humble Life of Saint John the Merciful

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:

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.