Philokalia Ministries The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXX, Part I
Tonight as a group we read hypothesis 30. It was a striking and detailed description of the nature of the spiritual battlefield, the demons powers (both their ferocity and their limitations), and how we must engage them. First and foremost, we must always understand the God in his providence guides and protects us. He never lets us be afflicted in the spiritual battle by more than what his grace provides to conquer. This still requires, however, that in our freedom we take hold of the precious grace that he has given to us.
One of the things that we are warned against is laziness. We must not take the grace of God for granted, or receive it in vain. In the spiritual battle, we must not think that having overcome one demon that we are now impervious. There is a demon for every kind of passion that we struggle with and every circumstance. If we overcome one demon, we should only expect that one more fierce will come upon us. We must then be ever vigilant; always training ourselves to set aside our own will to embrace the will of God. We have a tendency to constantly be on the lookout for ways to make our life easier. This includes the spiritual life. The whole focus of it can shift to ourselves rather than to God. We must fight our tendency to reduce the struggle that we engage in on a daily basis. We must see ourselves as always exercising our faith, and the grace of God has provided us in order that we might be ever more faithful to his will.
---
Text of chat during the group:
00:14:09 FrDavid Abernethy: Hypothesis XXX 00:26:35 Anthony: We are like clams, demons are like starfish. We've got to struggle to keep the shields closed to their devouring stomachs. 00:31:04 carol: And obedience 00:59:08 Eric Ewanco: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21–22, RSV2CE) 00:59:43 sue and mark: I always thought the enemies were my own sins 01:07:55 Rachel: Servant of God Fr. Willie Doyle used this very saying to help him keep going when faced with temptations against his many mortifications. 01:12:41 Rachel: Yes, it has! 01:13:36 Rachel: Like the Evergetinos, Fr. Willie Doyle's book can be jarring 01:13:54 Jack: Christmas gift for men 01:18:22 Rachel: Waale!! 01:18:23 Anthony: Wall E 01:18:27 Rachel: Wall e 01:20:11 Rachel: Thank you 01:20:23 sue and mark: good night and God Bless all 01:20:24 Sheila Applegate: Feel better!