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.

---

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!