Philokalia Ministries The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis VIII, Part II and Hypothesis IX, Part I
The fathers continue to speak to us about service and work and the disposition that we are to have in doing it. Our understanding must move from a functional understanding of labor; engaging in it in a way that is determined by private judgment or by the desire for worldly things.
Everything that we do must be tied to our service of the providence of God. In other words, we are responding to the call of Love. The way that the Christian works and responds to the needs of others (as well as the one’s own needs) is tied to our relationship with the Lord. We are given the task of being the guardian of souls; our own and others’. We are to attend to our own needs, trusting that God will provide us with what is needed. We are to serve others without making excuses for our avoidance or negligence in doing so.
We are to seek first the kingdom of heaven. This is what shapes everything for us. We always return to the nest of prayer, there to be nourished upon the love and the grace of God. And it is only from that nest that we step out in response to His call to love and serve others.
So often we fill our life with needless tasks; more often than not to give us a sense of security and safety. Yet to do so draws us away from He who is the Lord of love and the Governor of history; the One who provides for every one of our needs.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:10:07 Ann Thelen: hello everyone. I've been listening to these podcasts for the last year or so. tonight is the first time i've been able to jump in live due to Easter Break. No children's activities. Happy and grateful to be joining you. 00:10:25 Adam Paige: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍 00:10:32 Ambrose Little: Southerner joining early… 00:10:37 FrDavid Abernethy: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍 00:10:41 Lori Hatala: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍 00:18:13 Dave Warner (AL): Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍 00:22:01 Steve Yu: Social media has enhanced the spirit of rudeness. I think it has to do with interacting with others in a non physical manner. We gain a certain “freedom” from politeness and respect, in my opinion. 00:22:15 David C: Reacted to "Social media has enh..." with 👍 00:23:54 Carol Roper: Reacted to "hello everyone. I've..." with 👍 00:24:23 Steve Yu: Cultural difference? 00:40:24 Nypaver Clan: Do you think St. Philip got that imagery from St. Isaac? 00:47:28 Susanna Joy: On the previous section: The bird has to hurry back to the nest because the egg needs warmth or the baby bird is hungry and waiting...what stuck with me from the nido image is taking what gleaned from the world and hurty back to care for this tender growing "baby" life within the love Divine...the goodness received from the sheltering nest of the hand of God... 00:51:34 David C: Reacted to "On the previous sect..." with 👍 00:55:23 Erick Chastain: where are we in the evergetinos? 00:55:41 Nypaver Clan: Top of 85 01:04:49 Ann Thelen: Is there a book or something of the sorts that gives a good recommendation for what the structure of what our daily prayer life should look like as someone who is married or taking care of family. Specifically, the amount of time spent in prayer that should be non negotiable. 01:10:48 Ann Thelen: haha 01:12:47 sharonfisher: Thank you — I needed this instruction and I need to heed it. 01:13:06 Lori Hatala: Reacted to "Thank you — I needed..." with ❤️ 01:13:16 Kevin Burke: Me too.. “Prayer is a relationship” 01:13:46 Ann Thelen: Thank you. Thats very helpful 01:16:02 Kevin Burke: Thank you Father, very profound teaching tonight… 01:16:02 sharonfisher: And with your spirit!! 01:16:04 Susanna Joy: When my son was small I was at a retreat, and some were going to devotions while those of us with small ones to the children out on a hike. A community member remarked to me, too bad you cant be in worship...It occured to me that my life with my child is a devotion... 01:16:06 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:16:15 Troy Amaro: Thank You 01:16:20 Erick Chastain: have a good night father 01:16:31 Lisa Smith: God bless 01:16:33 David C: Thank you God Bless all 01:16:40 Susanna Joy: Thank you, Father