Philokalia Ministries The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter XV: On Chastity, Part VI
John continues to draw us ever deeper into the mysteries of the human mind and heart. We are in a constant state of receptivity as human beings. We are constantly engaged with the world around us through our senses. Our vigilance, therefore, must be of such a nature that we take these things into consideration. The sense of touch, the sense of hearing, etc., all can be things that give rise to the passions. In and of themselves, they may not be sinful and may not lead to sin on many occasions. However, our understanding of the power of this receptivity leads to the realization that the evil one can use them as a source of temptation. There is no room for pride in the battle that emerges from sensuality.
Even actions and behaviors from the past remain forever in the imagination and memory. They are deeply ensconced in the unconscious. No matter how long ago certain things took place, something in the present day can give rise to and trigger those memories ever so powerfully. Conceit will always be our downfall; when we think our spiritual practices or circumstances, place us outside the reach of temptation. Saint Isaac the Syrian said in the spiritual battle there is no Sabbath. In other words, there is no rest in this life when dealing with the temptations of the evil one.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:06:26 FrDavid Abernethy: page 147 top of the page 00:12:40 FrDavid Abernethy: page 147 top of the page 00:17:47 Anthony: Maybe the way "Theology of the Body" is approached by some teachers, the way physicality and theology are intertwined and appealed to by the imagination is a dangerous thing. 00:19:46 Rory: ?is the silent stillness our spiritual existence? 00:24:51 Louise: Could reading the Psalms written by King David stimulate the sexual appetite because he gravely fell in the sins of fornication and adultery, and also murder? 00:35:48 Cindy Moran: I don't understand this about the man & his mother... 00:37:58 Rory: ?are words a sense of touch? 00:38:15 Cindy Moran: Ok...I am getting more clarity...thank you. 00:38:50 Anthony: It's a sad reality that such a thing as incest exists. I guess the watchword is chastity or prudence, not focusing on so many permutations of evil that exist. 00:43:26 Cindy Moran: My mother told us to remember that you can't "unsee" something. 00:49:54 David Swiderski: There used to be a long tradition of contemplating the 5 wounds. I have found this extremely helpful to also sort out personal wounds. There is something strangely beautiful in overcoming suffering. 00:51:08 Rory: ?are deep wounds transcended by surrendering our weakness to God? 00:52:11 David Swiderski: The cross itself is our sign of victory 00:52:51 B.M.: Reacted to "The cross itself is ..." with ❤️ 00:53:16 David Swiderski: Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds conceal me. Do not permit me to be parted from you. 00:54:41 Lorraine Green: Is there a third order for laymen that is mainly Eastern? 00:54:54 Anthony: The demons see out want to follow Christ and take advantage of our weakness to crucify us by our weakness, so we then have a real solidarity with the Crucified One. 00:56:12 wayne: I belong to the eastern rite, and to my knowledge there is not third order in the east 00:57:33 Anthony: Replying to "Is there a third o..." An internet search shows there are "associates" of monastaries - Holy Resurrection Monastery, Sisters of St. Basil. These are answers at byzcath.org. 01:14:05 Cindy Moran: Replying to "Is there a third ord..." Excellent session...thank you Father! 01:14:13 Lorraine Green: Replying to "Is there a third ord..." Thank you 01:14:17 Rachel : Thank you 01:14:19 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:14:21 Bonnie Lewis: Thank you Father David. 01:14:38 Louise: Thank you! 01:14:39 Cindy Moran: Replying to "Is there a third ord..." 🙏 01:14:44 David Swiderski: Thank you father!