We turn now in the Evergetinos to consider the “avoidance of idleness”. With this, of course, we are compelled to consider the nature of work, and its connection to the spiritual life and our sanctification.

Avoiding idleness is not simply keeping busy - much less busyness. It is something that allows us to prevent the mind and the heart from wandering from He who is the source of life, God. We are not angels. We are called to provide for ourselves and also to provide for the poor. And so it is by the labor of our hands that we not only keep ourselves from becoming distracted - but enable ourselves not to become a burden to others and also to offer charity to those in need.

Furthermore, keeping oneself from idleness also allows for the formation of virtues; obedience, self-control, ordering of the appetites, humility, etc. What is being presented to us, then, is connected to the overall portrait of what it is to be a human being; one whose life is directed completely toward God. The love that we have received and bear within us transforms everything about what it is to be a human being; to suffer, to love, and to work. It is our identity as Christians that must shape our perception of reality.

Text of chat during the group:

00:29:31 Michael Hinckley: Anthony's comment, or rebuke, hits the vainglory 00:35:03 Andrew Adams: What was the name of that commentary on St. Mark again? 00:38:32 Adam Paige: Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word, the four-volume “Meditations on the Gospel According to St. Matthew” by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis. 00:38:34 FrDavid Abernethy: Erasmo Merikakis 00:45:57 Michael Hinckley: can't over busyness, lack of focus be acedia 01:05:34 Rebecca Thérèse: The devil makes work for idle hands 01:14:51 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:15:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You 01:15:53 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father! 01:16:06 Rachel: Thank you!!

The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis II, Part VII and Hypothesis III, Part I