Philokalia Ministries The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XLV, Part II
Humility is above all the other virtues.” Living in the truth allows for the most important thing to emerge in a person’s life – repentance. When we see and acknowledge the nature of our actions and our thoughts and we bring them before God, it is then that He can heal us and make us whole.
The struggle to do this, however, can be great. There’s always part of us that wants to hold on to the illusion of creating our own dignity and identity. Humility compels us to acknowledge that all things begin and end with God. We certainly have our role to play in the Divine drama; however, one can have all the virtues and appear to be saintly, yet if they are lacking the virtue of humility, none of these virtues will bear fruit. If an individual is like the publican coming to the temple beating his breast and realizing that there is no virtue in him at all immediately he is justified in the eyes of God. He’s let go of the lie of the Evil One.
We cannot take for ourselves what belongs to God alone. He is life and love and truth, and it is his mercy that allows us to participate in this reality. To be humble, to see ourselves as nothing of note, cost very little but promises everything in return.
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Text of chat during the group:
00:08:27 FrDavid Abernethy: page 387 00:08:31 FrDavid Abernethy: no. 7 00:12:07 Jason: Good evening Fr and everyone 00:34:42 sharonfisher: But doesn’t opening with “How’s your prayer life?” seem like a pre-judgment that they aren’t attentive enough? “How are you doing?” can be sincere, but also allow individuals to share at their own comfort level. (Not trying to be contrary, but I maintain my own faith and am wary of coming across as holier-than-thou. Sorry, late comment to last segment.) 00:36:14 sharonfisher: I see - thank you! 01:03:43 alexandramucerino: We cannot forgive we do not first accept the injustice 01:05:26 Fr Marty, ND, 480-292-3381: Sometimes I'm quick to jump into problem-solving or project management in my life or ministry or others' lives. I'm wondering if the practice of humility would recommend that I stop and ask first, is this where God is working? It seems that I've been noticing God at work in subtle ways in my or others' lives, but not necessarily in what I think is more important or expedient. I'm wondering about humility here. 01:15:41 Lorraine Green: Thank you 01:15:46 sharonfisher: And to your spirit! Thank you ! 01:15:50 Fr Marty, ND, 480-292-3381: thank you 01:15:52 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:15:56 sue and mark: thank you God bless.