Philokalia Ministries

One of the reasons that I’ve decided to prolong our study by reading this letter of St. John Climacus is that it speaks to our hearts about not only our interior life, the struggle with the passions and the growth of the virtues, but it also exhorts us - warning us that the care of others in love, our concern for their spiritual well-being trumps all things. In other words, our spiritual life cannot lead us to become self focused. Rather, it is meant to create hearts that are selfless and attentive to others and their needs.  What St John says about the care of souls and the responsibilities of spiritual elders he says to all of us. The consolation that we have received from Christ and the wisdom that he has bestowed upon us in our spiritual life and through experience is not our own possession. We seek to console as we have been consoled. We seek to protect as we have been protected by the grace of God and the guidance that we have received at the hands of others. The Church is not a business nor is it to function like one. We come to Church and receive the Sacrament not to “take something” for ourselves. We are drawn into the very life of the Holy Trinity and our “Amen” when receiving this gift means that we are saying “so be it” - let this be the reality in my life!  Like the good Shepherd, I will lay down my life for the good of others. We can never set aside our identity to fit in with society, any more than a spiritual elder can set aside his responsibility and his role of guiding and forming others. Therefore, this letter we are reading is not simply a pious exhortation but rather a call to revolution; that is, a call to radical repentance. We must turn to God in every way in order that by His grace we might love others as He has loved us. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:54 susan: asking prayers for my son peter and 16 week pregnant wife in la brea la below fires. 00:11:19 Rebecca Thérèse: Reacted to "asking prayers for m..." with 🙏 00:20:42 David: Having lived in Latin America for 12 years. Another notable difference is the priest often goes and meets everyone in the parish. I do think a lot of vacation days and shorter work hours help community as well. 00:25:21 Myles Davidson: The Protestant work ‘ethic’ has a lot to answer for 00:25:40 Wayne: Reacted to "The Protestant work ..." with 👍 00:25:50 David: Work to live not live to work is the saying in Spanish 00:25:56 Anthony: For the change in culture, see A History of the Protestant Reformation in England and Ireland by Cobbett. 00:26:16 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Work to live not liv..." with 👍 00:31:30 Bob Cihak, AZ: Re: priests and visiting their flock: Our Ruthenian church, at least in the wester USA Phoenix eparchy, has a strong tradition of annual House Blessings, (at least in the 3 out of about 20 Parishes that we know well) which does get the priest visiting parishioners, including a Gomez family here in CA. The family has 14 children and many grandchildren. The house was full AND they hosted a very good dinner for the family and the priest's family (my wife and me). 00:35:26 David: When I grew up near Lake Superior every house had a BMC and two crosses put on each door jam by the priest but that was Franciscans 00:35:38 Una: How can a priest balance his need for friendship with being a pastor. If the friend elects to go to confession to another priest, isn't that perhaps preferable. Especially if the person can find another good priest? 00:36:50 Myles Davidson: Our priest is doing house blessings as we speak 00:43:01 Kelli: PRIDE 00:45:06 David: A nice way to handle that is great question how can we find the truth and then delegate yourself and others to come back with different things. 00:50:08 David: Leaders at least in business are best chosen by those who people follow not appointed. 00:53:56 David: Does some of that be the secular take and separation of church and state? It almost seems like there is tolerance or opinions about everything but values based on faith sometimes. When one decides when human life begins there is faith on both sides. 00:55:43 David: I am just wondering if a lot of the difference it based on secular beliefs 00:56:21 David: We act one way in church and are pressured to relativism in the world. 01:04:10 Lyle: Amen, Father. 01:04:34 David: Mmm monetizing BINGO or spiritual direction great point 01:11:38 Lyle: The Holy Spirit can do it! 01:12:04 Maureen Cunningham: Church in Egypt and Middle East is being persecuted 01:12:35 Myles Davidson: The growing interest in the desert fathers in the Church is going to change it in a dramatic way eventually I think 01:13:13 Anna Lalonde: Holy Spirit was moving in you. Don't apologize. 01:14:02 Bob Cihak, AZ: Replying to "Holy Spirit was movi..." Preach it, Father!!! 01:14:10 Bob Cihak, AZ: Reacted to "Holy Spirit was movi..." with 👍 01:14:15 ANDREW ADAMS: Reacted to "Holy Spirit was movi..." with 👍 01:14:27 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Preach it, Father!!!" with 🔥 01:15:05 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father and everyone such a Blessing 01:15:14 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father! 01:15:16 Suzanne Romano: Pax Vobiscum! 01:15:17 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:15:20 Deiren Masterson: Thank you Father 01:15:21 David: Thank you father God bless 01:15:35 Cindy Moran: Thank you@

Explore the powerful influence of human appetites as discussed through the lens of the desert fathers. Discover the balance between ascetic practices and the need for divine grace in overcoming spiritual struggles. The challenges of fasting and emotional turbulence highlight the importance of guidance. The journey towards purity of heart is complex, addressing the interaction between body and spirit. Finally, learn about the significance of a deep connection with God for those drawn to monastic life, emphasizing the role of grace in spiritual growth.

As we read this letter we slowly begin to see that St. John is not presenting his reader with a manual for spiritual direction; that is, specific counsels in regard to practices and disciplines. St. John’s astute psychological observations and his capacity for discernment reveals a heart that has been transformed by love. Contrary to the old adage love is NOT blind. Love, in fact, sees all things with greater clarity.  One of the things that we struggle with in our day is a tendency to dissect certain realities (as well as personalities) in order that we might see ourselves as understanding them or being able to control them. The desert fathers, however, never allow us to lose sight of the mystery of the human person or the relationship that is at the heart of Christianity. A human person is not the sum of their actions or their opinions any more than God can be reduced to the teachings of the catechism. Love draws us in to the mystery of God and also allows us to see the presence of God in the other. If any Christian, let alone any elder, loses sight of this then our interactions with others are going to become grossly distorted and our view of God myopic. Love must shape our hearts and expand them to the dimensions of God himself.  This may seem to be an absurdity and yet it is the reality that has been revealed to us. God has become man in order that man might become God. Our Lord assumes all that there is in the human experience - our sin, sorrow, failure, weakness and death. He embraces all in order that we might never be in isolation and that his presence within us might also be a source of radical healing. The miracles in the gospel merely show us the desire of God to remove every obstacle in our experience of His life.  Therefore, an elder must have experiential knowledge of this Love; especially how it touches the woundedness of our sin and our experience of hopelessness and isolation. The elder must become that love so as to enter into the sufferings of those who come to him. Whatever guidance he offers, whatever correction he makes, must be rooted in a love that is curative and that seeks to raise up the other. Only one who has encountered the wonder of such Divine Love has the capacity to enter into and take upon himself the vulnerability of the other. In this sense, the spiritual elder and his role cannot be seen outside of his relationship with Christ; for it is only the love of Christ that can possibly bring healing to the human heart. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:47 Anna Lalonde: What about them? 00:05:37 Anna Lalonde: I'm in GA. Where are they? 00:15:30 Anna Lalonde: We finally got both books for family gift and we're ordering four volumes too. 00:27:58 Myles Davidson: I know someone who has never owned a computer and goes to the library to use the internet, due to his fear of what it might lead to 00:30:22 Anna Lalonde: We experienced a family friendship break and after saw how we fell into sin or lessened our way of life. Such an awakening experience. 00:31:49 Lyle: His fear may be VERY warranted.  How often does the devil DIRECTLY attack us?  His friend may view something that “appears” very innocent, but it may lead to something very evil. 00:38:04 Anna Lalonde: My sister is a missionary of charity. Love her letters home on guidance to family. 00:42:06 Lyle: A word of ecouragement from a recovering ADDICT. 00:42:23 Andres Oropeza: St. Theophane wrote that we should picture a lazy man sitting in his room. His house is on fire but you wouldn’t tell him it’s fire, you would let him see the flames. Then he would be roused to look for a way out; an open door, a window. He said the Holy Spirit does this for us. Maybe we can do this for others too, patiently and lovingly help them to see that their way of life is harmful and were it inevitably leads.  Though often times I think we wouldn’t try to escape even once we realize our house is on fire. I’ve experienced this myself! 00:42:33 Lyle: Avoid ANYTHING that appears "questionable". 00:43:58 Lyle: Myles' friend. 01:04:51 David: We often sit back and hope for miracles but all these verbs the Lord uses requiere us to be doing things first before the remedy can be found-“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 01:09:03 Suzanne Romano: A great confessor I had always used to say, "There's a time for every grace." 01:13:32 MOME hermits: Thank you Fr. David, Blessed Solemnity of Mary and New Year :)! 01:13:40 MOME hermits: Fr. Charbel 01:13:46 Joanne Martinez: Thank you! 01:13:53 Suzanne Romano: Thank you! 01:13:57 Aric B: Thank you Father! 01:13:58 David: Have a blessed 2025! Thank you father 01:14:03 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you. Happy New Year everyone🙂

Explore the journey of a convent caretaker navigating his own desires while serving God. Discover the balance between grace and discipline, emphasizing that true growth requires divine assistance. Delve into the transformative power of desires and the need for a deeper connection with the divine. Reflect on the perils of worldly pleasures versus authentic spiritual love. With insights from ascetic wisdom, learn how daily practices shape our spiritual health and lead to a pure heart.

Exploring the fierce internal battle for purity of heart, the discussion dives deep into the human struggles with sexuality and the profound challenges faced by ascetics. It highlights the importance of self-reflection, grace, and the impact of societal views on chastity. Through stories and historical examples, the conversation reflects on how shame and despondency can hinder spiritual growth. Additionally, it addresses the divine nature of human intimacy and the relationship between suffering and faith, urging unity and hope in overcoming life's adversities.

As one moves along through this text, one begins to understand that St. John Climacus is not only addressing elders but all those who have the care of souls. Fundamentally this is every Christian!There is no radical individualism in our faith, nor do we see ourselves disconnected from the sins of others and the burdens they bear. Love, compels us to be attentive to the other; not in a condescending fashion, but attending to them with the tenderness and compassion that we have received from Christ. Our Lord is the archetype for us and the consolation that we receive from his hand we are to offer to others freely. The fundamental virtues of an elder are humility and obedience; that is, truthful living and the capacity to listen. How can one serve others when there is any focus on the self or when they are still in the grip of the passions? There is  nothing so unseemly as an angry elder - one who looks at others with a harsh eye or is always quick to investigate trifling sins. The elder must be driven by love that makes him ever vigilant and watchful of those things that can be obstacles to the spiritual development of those in his care. He cannot be lax in fulfilling this responsibility or timid and cowardly in offering correction. He must be willing to offer counsel even when there is no thirst for understanding.  One begins to understand that such a responsibility is carried out with fear and trembling. The care of souls carries within it the Cross; it is crucified love that guides the elder and gives light to his path.  He is never a passive observer, but one who like Christ looks out and acknowledges the crowds as being sheep without a shepherd; in fact, as sheep already mauled by the wolves and in desperate need of healing. Thus, the capacity to care for others in this fashion is not something that can be set aside; nor can the abilities that God has given to an elder be buried in the ground with drawing down His wrath. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:09:34 Una: Does Father send out handouts in email? 00:10:08 Una: Could I get one at Una.McManus@gmail.com? 00:10:25 Adam Paige: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/22eb6d8c-a2f9-1ed8-1270-b5bcd86c22f6/To_the_Shepherd.01.pdf 00:10:31 Una: Thank you 00:10:43 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thank you" with 👍 00:12:22 Una: Yes for me on New Year DAy 00:12:26 Sam: Greetings from Hot 🔥 Australia Fr 00:12:39 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Greetings from Hot ..." with 🇦🇺 00:18:01 paul g.: Amen 00:21:55 Bob Cihak, AZ: Amen, Amen! 00:33:54 Mary Clare Wax: Fr. it is so refreshing listening to you. We love your contemplative spirit and your love for the desert father teachings. Thank you. We appreciate your present sharing on the priesthood. So true. 00:34:22 susan: Amen 00:36:20 Bob Cihak, AZ: Reacted to "Fr. it is so refresh..." with 👍 00:37:22 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Fr. it is so refresh..." with 👍 00:38:31 Andres Oropeza: Is it always pride when you have trouble trusting your spiritual Father because of his manner of life or that of his monks? I feel like I’m judging him/them but I also have serious misgivings. Could it be just a test of obedience where the Lord wants me to obey even with the misgivings, to have faith before understanding ? 00:41:56 Bob Cihak, AZ: As the fathers and you say, the wisdom required to be a spiritual leader is learned from and with experience, not just book learning, which usually required a lot of time. 00:43:08 MOME hermits: I (sr charista maria) believe Mary's special presence in our times helps to make up for what is lacking in the priesthood today, when we have a special relationship with her. 00:49:32 David: The orthodox later republished that as Unseen Warfare by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and Theophan the Recluse 00:49:47 Kate : Father, could you address what to do when one experiences a spiritual father who is not mentally healthy and whose guidance not sound?  In this case, I would think that one must pay attention to their misgivings.  We lived through this and sadly witnessed much damage done to souls. 00:50:24 Maureen Cunningham: Christ was betrayed 01:14:07 Victor - WV: Thanks to all, to Father as well. Merry Christmas! 🎄 🙏🏼 01:14:26 Bob Cihak, AZ: Reacted to "Thanks to all, to Fa..." with 👍 01:14:47 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Thanks to all, to Fa..." with 👍 01:16:02 Laura: Reacted to "Thanks to all, to Fa..." with 🎄 01:16:17 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thanks to all, to Fa..." with 🎄 01:20:00 Andres Oropeza: I think it was in this book where it describes the spiritual father being like Moses stretching his arms out so his child can pass through the sea unharmed. Beautiful image  Off topic, but does it make a bad confession if you feel like you should’ve confessed to your spiritual father that you judged him specifically (vs just judging people) but didn’t because of anxiety ? 01:23:26 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You 01:23:28 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂Happy Christmas everyone🎄 01:23:29 David: Thank you Father and God Bless you and your mother! Merry Christmas! As we celebrate his birth may he be reborn anew in our hearts. 01:24:17 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father! 01:24:27 Rachel: Thank you father 01:24:28 Deiren Masterson: Thank you Father. 01:24:36 liz sabath: Thank you Father!! 01:24:37 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: BleSSED Christmas~

Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of the laboratory of the desert and watching the Fathers’ struggle with the passions, in particular the passion of fornication or lust. The beauty in this, of course, is that we are placed in the privileged position of seeing their struggle from the inside; dealing with both the passion and also learning how to engage in the ascetic life in a measured fashion. It is made clear that we are to struggle with our whole being and to be fully engaged in the battle. On a physical level, this means restraining our appetites. We hear that the monks understood that they must not give themselves over to satiation in regard to bodily appetites. They must humble the mind and body in order that they might cling more to God in their prayer and trust in his grace. This meant, of course, the experience of privation; but it also opened them up to the richness of the interior life and the depth of prayer. Therefore, it was not just an act of endurance but also an expression of hope in God and his promises. More importantly we might say it is an expression of love. We are willing to make great sacrifices for the things that we hold to be precious. When we love God and the things of God, when we love virtue and prayer, we will do all in our power to attain it and maintain it. With hypothesis 26, we begin to see the fruit of their long experience in the ascetic life. They could see that they often emphasized the wrong thing in the spiritual battle or became unmeasured in their disciplines to the point of losing sight of God. One can become so fixated on overcoming a particular passion or fighting with the thoughts of the demons, that they fall into pride by failing to emphasize the one thing alone that can overcome the demons, as well as draw the natural into the supernatural; that is, the grace of God. To say that Christianity is an ascetical religion is not to say that the discipline of such a life and the exercise of our faith is an end in itself. The end of our striving is love and and theosis – intimacy, union, with the triune God. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:08:09 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 184, # 12 00:13:00 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 184, # 12 00:21:05 Adam Paige: “A clear rule for self-control handed down by the Fathers is this: stop eating while still hungry and do not continue until you are satisfied.” - St John Cassian, On the Eight Vices 00:21:43 paul g.: Reacted to "“A clear rule for se…" with ✔️ 00:21:47 Bob Cihak, AZ: Thanks, Adam. 00:21:50 paul g.: Reacted to "P. 184, # 12" with ✔️ 00:21:52 Phil: Modern medicine also says humans need 12 serving of carbs a day and half as much dairy. Bless their heart, they are trying! ... "Lord forgive them, for they know not what they do!" 00:23:30 Myles Davidson: Because people need differing amounts of sleep or food, what would you say is the thing we should be looking out for, to know we are getting the right amounts of both. Is it a clarity of mind and attention in prayer? Anything else? 00:26:16 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Thanks, Adam." with 👍 00:28:49 Andres Oropeza: Is it always a bad thing to derive comfort from food? I mean a hot meal is preferable to a cold one during winter especially. Or a hot drink really sets you at ease after being outside in the cold. Should we shun the comfort and just eat cold meals and drink cold drinks (or hot if the drink isn’t good hot). Or is the comfort only an issue when it becomes the point of eating? 00:30:48 Myles Davidson: There have been plenty of studies done on rats that reducing caloric intake extends life. 00:31:21 Adam Paige: “Stand at the brink of despair, and when you see that you cannot bear it anymore, draw back a little, and have a cup of tea.” - Saint Sophrony Sakharov 00:36:03 Carol Roper: it seems like the issue is longing. to what do we direct our longing. Advent strikes me as a season of longing. 00:40:16 Myles Davidson: @Phil What was the name of that Elder with the stages of the Jesus Prayer 00:40:37 Adam Paige: @Phil What was the name of that Elder with the stages of the Jesus Prayer Father Archimandrite Ilie Cleopa 00:40:42 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "@Phil What was the n..." with 🙏 00:44:04 Liz D: Reacted to "it seems like the ..." with ❤️ 00:48:09 Phil: Yea, Ramana died in middle age, but his extreme fasting (starting in his teenage years) does seem to have shortened his life. 00:49:12 Phil: Replying to "@Phil What was the n..."   Yes, I believe that is him! 00:49:38 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Yes, I believe that ..." with 👍 00:50:26 Phil: Yes, there are at least a half dozen videos on YouTube of Cleopa himself giving spiritual advice. 00:50:58 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Yes, there are at le..." with 👍 01:03:20 Adam Paige: The Struggle with God - Paul Evdokimov (PDF) https://jbburnett.com/resources/evdokimov_strugglewGod1966.pdf 01:03:24 Phil: "The mystics are a law unto themselves." Fr. Anthony De Mello. 01:03:56 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "The Struggle with Go..." with 👍 01:06:07 Adam Paige: “It behooves us as well to destroy the sinners in our land-namely, our fleshly feelings-on the morning of their birth, as they emerge, and, while they are still young, to dash the children of Babylon against the rock. Unless they are killed at a very tender age they will, with our acquiescence, rise up to our harm as stronger adults, and they will certainly not be overcome without great pain and effort.” St John Cassian, The Institutes (6th Book: The Spirit of Fornication) 01:16:51 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father 01:17:15 Phil: LOL, that's great! Thank you, Father. 01:18:05 ANDREW ADAMS: Thank you, Father! 01:18:08 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:18:13 Aric B: Thank you Father!

Sometimes during a group it is as if a light comes on that illuminates some aspect of life in a magnificent fashion and that speaks to each person in the group whatever their background or station in life. This was true in particular this evening as we continued to discuss St. John’s writing “To the Shepherd” on the responsibilities of a spiritual elder. As we made our way through the text, it became clear that St. John’s teaching about the care of souls applies to all of those who are responsible for the formation of others; not only priests or religious, but also parents, teachers, friends, etc.  Not one of us is free from the charge of the salvation of others; aiding them through our prayers, taking opportune moments to clarify their understanding of the faith, being living witnesses of the gospel and the love of the cross. All of us have the responsibility of seeking purity of heart and freedom from the passions in order that we might be able to discern with clarity and humility the needs of those around us. Lacking this, St. John tells us, we undermine our capacity to be well disposed and compassionate to each individual for whom we are responsible or who enters our life. How is it that we can serve others if we cannot discern good from evil and everything in between? In fact, St. John tells us it is a great disgrace for a superior to pray for or hold forward spiritual gifts to others that he himself is not acquired. How is it that he can faithfully guide others to God and to become partakers of the glory of God if he has no understanding of this within his own heart. Experience is the truest teacher and if the superior lacks that experience, he may only bring harm to others. Those who are spiritual elders, fathers, or mothers, must not be tempted to set aside this role in order to enjoy worldly friendship with those in their charge. It can be a natural thing to want companionship and to some extent this can exist. However, if a familiarity develops between the superior and others, he may lose the capacity to guide and feel constrained to do the bidding of others; never to contradict them, refuse them, or correct them. The elder must be pure of heart and able to understand the interior life and also the realities that sanctify us within the life of the church. The elder must be able to create a culture that forms a mind and heart directed toward God, the love of neighbor and the love of virtue. He must be able to discern the emotional capacity and maturity of others, so as not to push too hard and risk breaking their spirit or neglect giving counsel or correction of those who are quick witted and naturally gifted. Such purity of heart alone allows the elder to perceive supernatural realities and to understand the struggles that individuals have with multiple demons. The elder must be able to cure passions thought by others to be incurable. In this sense, he must have truly put on the mind of Christ and be the most humble and obedient member of the community. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:14:02 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 251, # 14   00:19:16 carol_000: Is much known about the repentance of Joseph's brothers or God chastising them for their treatment of Joseph   00:26:27 David: I think this is a big problem also in families. My oldest son felt I was often to hard on him. Now that he is 27 he has mentioned several times that I was the only one that loved him and was always there. It is really hard but being a father is different than being a friend only there to enjoy the good times and not try to guide someone to what has value.   00:28:48 Art: Reacted to "I think this is a bi..." with 👍   00:28:52 Catherine Eisenbrandt: Father when you are entrusted to forming children it is easy to understand friendship with angels and saints is beneficial for them but how can you explain that to a child who is suffering from isolation   00:29:17 David: Well from 15-22 we are idiots but we get smarter and as time goes on even seen as wise. ha ha   00:35:31 Anthony: The cultivation of religious imagination must be cultivated so as to distinguish this "friendship" from "imaginary friend" or a dialogue in the mind with oneself.   00:36:38 Carol Roper: My 10 year old loves those books   00:37:27 Carol Roper: They’re like graphic novels   00:37:34 David: One nice tradtion with small t is in Spain where you celebrate "Tu Santo" or your saints day with the same passion as a birthday. Cake, read the life etc. I did this with my kids when they were younger and it makes an impact later.   00:38:36 David: The saints let the light of God enter into our life and saints through the windows.   00:39:15 Una: Who is this author?   00:39:54 Myles Davidson: Replying to "Who is this author?"   https://creativeorthodox.com/   00:40:10 Una: Thank you   00:41:43 Art: https://www.themerrybeggars.com/shows/the-saints  The Saints: Adventures of Faith and Courage A daily podcast bringing the Saints to life with award-winning actors, writers, and sound designers. Thrilling and inspiring stories to ignite your family's faith. Intended for children but I really enjoy them too.  My sons really enjoyed the episode on Moses the Black.   00:42:10 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "https://www.themerry..." with 👍   00:42:11 Anna Lalonde: That's what we do!   00:43:27 David: This is nice at bed time for kids or better to read with your own voice. LibriVox   00:43:44 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "https://www.themerry..." with 👍🏼   00:44:07 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "This is nice at bed ..." with 👍🏼   00:45:07 carol_000: Thank you All for the Links   00:45:52 Art: Reacted to "This is nice at bed ..." with 👍🏼   00:46:07 Anna Lalonde: Reacted to This is nice at bed ... with "👍🏼"   00:46:20 Anna Lalonde: Thank you David!   00:49:43 Anthony: Mass media kills imagination and familyblife   00:50:28 David: The way of the Pilgrim really impacted me and how this moves the orthodox both to the divine liturgy and the Philokalhia. Where in the west se send people to St. Thomas before they can really understand it. I like the hospital of the sick how do I deal with all the 8 evil thoughts not intellectual gymnastics and memorizing proofs. As least I have always struggled with discernment I don't get a lot of that from intellect but focusing on being close to God. When I taught a mentor said: don't teach them to memorize you only need to teach "the love of learning" and learning will follow. I think the same is true for faith- learn to love God the other things fall into place.   00:53:37 Myles Davidson: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   Way of the Pilgrim had a big impact on me too   00:53:48 Carol Roper: Reacted to "https://www.themerry…" with 👍   00:53:58 Carol Roper: Reacted to "This is nice at bed …" with 👍🏼   00:54:03 David: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   👍 I thought it was just me. Thanks   00:54:16 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "👍 I thought it was ..." with 👍   00:54:55 Myles Davidson: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   @David Inspired me to pray the Jesus prayer to a much greater degree   00:55:45 Anna Lalonde: Yes, love of learning is what we do. My children are into all kinds of things now because they love learning.   00:55:54 David: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   Me too I always carry a prayer rope with me now   00:56:15 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Me too I always carr..." with 👍   00:56:44 David: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   Instead of wasting time I can dedicate that time to God. Waiting at a Dr. office with my Dad, stuck in traffic   00:56:59 Myles Davidson: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   @David Yes, me too   00:57:29 David: Replying to "The way of the Pilgr..."   Thanks ! Nice to know there are at least two of us. ha ha   00:57:40 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "Thanks ! Nice to kno..." with 🙏   00:59:17 Anthony: The Holy Trinity is subliminal. Most real & underlying reality. More real and more clear than "real life."   01:01:24 David: Replying to "Thank you David!"   My pleasure Anna I hope you find it helpful. I really struggled raising my kids alone with time   01:02:01 Vanessa: Reacted to "I think this is a bi..." with ❤️   01:04:13 Maureen Cunningham: How long was the early church . Hour or many hours   01:16:06 susan: physics break through   all atoms interacting/from beginning to end throughout all time/ action impacts all the atoms one way or another  gave me such a deeper understanding of Jesus liturgy Eucharist the actions of the Mass present to all time and how Jesus 2000 years ago can actually be Here in the Mass now  made liturgy real to me. Helps me to see Jesus real with me now (Jesus prayer)   01:16:11 Aric B: Regarding the subject of paragraph #17. I have been reading a book that is about us living with Christs mysteries as also our mysteries to be experienced throughout liturgy and the liturgical year.   01:19:11 David: It is not what we get out of the mass in entertainment but what we bring to the table of the Lord. I see this as a big difference and evangelical friends are often dumbstruck when I mention this. The book "The supper of the Lamb" has really helped many come home in my experience.   01:22:06 Victor - WV: Thank you, Father, & all.   01:22:20 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Father &  everyone   01:22:33 Alexandra: Thank you Father. I'll pray for you   01:23:11 Cindy Moran: Great session tonight! Thank you, Father.   01:23:13 Jeff O.: Thank you Father! Great to be with you all.   01:23:15 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you 😊   01:23:18 Aric B: Thank you Father!   01:23:22 David: Thank you father and may God bless you and your mother!   01:23:35 carol_000: Thank you Father   01:23:42 Alexandra: Thank you everyone   01:24:41 David: God does not speak through one of us but all of us is what my Grandmother always said. Thank you Father for being our guide  

We were taken very deep this evening; not only into our understanding of the passion of lust or fornication, but also deep into the human mind and heart and how they function. The anthropology of the Desert Fathers was astute and profound. Despite residing in the desert, far removed from converse with both men and women, they knew the nature of the human person very well. We are sexual beings; that is, our sexuality is part of the experience of ourselves within the reality of this world and in our relationships with others. We relate to others in and through our sexuality; not consciously but simply as part of the reality the shapes are perceptions. This in turn shapes are imagination and understanding - again in ways that we often do not perceive.  The Fathers teach us to keep this in mind in regard to the spiritual struggles that we have surrounding our appetites, in particular sensuality. These natural human appetites are very powerful and shapes us in both conscious and unconscious ways.  Furthermore, these realities are not unknown to the demons. They are relentless and crafty in how they try to divert the mind and the heart away from God. We were given a couple of interesting stories this evening about young boys who came to the monastery as children having never experienced or seen a woman. Yet, in both accounts, they find themselves either overwhelmed by the thoughts associated with this particular passion or having such thoughts manifest themselves in their dreams.  How is this possible one might wonder? Well at least it tells us why we must be vigilant and watch all of the movements of our minds and our hearts and what we expose ourselves to on a day-to-day basis. But it also tells us that the influence can be far more subtle than we imagine, and that we can be moved simply by the natural desire itself or by demonic provocation. The demons through the words and actions of others, or through our subtle observations of the world around us, can influence the turn of our minds to the things that take hold of the are imagination. Of course, this can be completely benign. Yet it will be used against us in the spiritual battle. Therefore, if we wonder why the Fathers emphasize the necessity of such intense vigilance and the humbling of the mind and the body through prayer and fasting, we begin to see that it is because they had no superficial understanding of the human person. They understood this realities better than we do in our own day; the mystery of the human person, the forces at work within us, the contradictions that we bear within our own minds and how we can even be drawn to things that are clearly destructive. Therefore, in an unvarnished fashion, they make it clear to us that we must create a new habit of mind, a habit of virtue. Our hearts must become attached to the Lord and the Lord alone if we desire to know the holiness and freedom that he makes possible for us. What they speak of is beautiful beyond measure - a life caught up in the eternal love of Christ. Will we seek it out for ourselves? --- Text of chat during the group:   00:01:40 Phil: Fr. who is the cloacked figure in the icon over your left shoulder?   00:02:21 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 183, # 9   00:03:39 Bob Cihak, AZ: “The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian, revised 2nd Edition” published by Holy Transfiguration Monastery, https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/635 .   00:05:03 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 183, # 9   00:17:05 Bob Cihak, AZ: “The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian, revised 2nd Edition” was published in 2011   00:19:13 Adam Paige: Reacted to "“The Ascetical Homil..." with 👍   00:28:32 Anthony: It could also be that these particular women were clandestinely visiting, and the child saw them in drowsiness.    00:37:07 Lisa: Does a person need a spiritual director (or other such person) to help with the healing of the imagination and memories?  Or does the person simply ask the Lord in prayer?   00:51:27 Anthony: Well, even Heaven is not the final goal. It's a partway point to the more perfect cohabitation and collaboration with God and men. Like this, a monastic life isn't the resting place either.   01:05:35 Vanessa: Thank you, Father.   01:05:39 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you  Father   01:06:28 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father  

We continued our reading and discussion of the treatment and cures that the spiritual father must understand for every malady that afflicts a person in the spiritual life. He must understand not only how to apply them but also the manner they are applied to each individual person with their unique needs. No person is the same and in the spiritual battle the elder must understand the subtle manifestations of spiritual illness and the manner in which various cures might be applied. One of the most striking aspects of tonight’s discussion was on the capacity of the elder to be free from and endure nausea and to be able to untiringly strive to dispel the stench of vomit. Of course, St. John is speaking about sin itself and the willingness of the elder to enter into the darkness in which the other person finds himself; to descend into their hell and to endure the stench of sin itself. The capacity to do this comes through engaging in the spiritual battle throughout the course of one’s life and attending in obedience to the counsel of one’s own spiritual father. The lack of nausea and the ability to endure the stench of the vomit of sin comes from having long been immersed in it through one’s own struggles. Compassion is born in a powerful way through the experience of common trials.  Beyond this, St. John tells that the shepherd must experience blessed dispassion. In other words, he must be free of the passions that would blind him and his ability to discern the particular needs of those in his care. This discernment allows the elder to illuminate the path that leads to repentance and so gives him the capacity to “resurrect every dead soul”. This is the identity that every Christian soul should seek to embrace. While it’s true that not everyone is called to be a spiritual elder, every Christian by virtue of their baptism is called to the holiness described here and given the responsibility for the care of souls in their midst. We are responsible for the salvation and goodwill of those around us as much as we are responsible for our own. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:47 Anna Lalonde: Well my kids learned to walk up our hallway wall today so you up for that Father? 😄   00:08:41 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 250, # 12 halfway down "An ointment...."   00:10:11 Lori Hatala: https://gmail.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df&id=3f6ad96818&e=b6af48f1a0   00:10:52 Lori Hatala: link for To the Shephard pdf   00:11:18 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 250, # 12 halfway down "An ointment...."   00:25:47 Anna Lalonde: Anyone have a link for buying this version?   00:27:09 Bob Cihak, AZ: The current book is The Ladder of Divine Ascent by Saint John Climacus at https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/products_id/569 .   00:41:33 Anna Lalonde: Replying to "The current book is ..."     Thank you! Ordered   00:43:28 Bob Cihak, AZ: Replying to "The current book is ..."   Good! It's on the expensive side, but is well worth it; the quality of the book exceeds its price.   00:45:11 Anna Lalonde: In Roman Catholic there are Spiritual Director certificates. But I love using Desert Fathers for this aspect with my clients.   00:51:23 Anna Lalonde: I prefer Catholic Coaching versus Therapy because it's an integrative of the soul as the trauma is affecting the soul.   00:55:52 Myles Davidson: Jung had very high praise for the Catholic Mass and felt that Catholicism was the closest thing to psychotherapy Interestingly enough   00:58:20 David: There is a nice podcast by Fr. Joshua Macoul called "Healing the Unresolved" but I don't know what school he ascribes to but does mention the desert fathers sometimes.   01:01:35 David: In the presence of nothing, everything is revealed. Can't remember which desert father wrote this but it stuck in my head.   01:02:40 Kate : What about the role of the grace of priesthood in shepherding of souls?  I know there are some Catholic spiritual direction training programs that train laity to be spiritual directors.  But what about the grace of priesthood in leading souls?  Isn’t this something that cannot be “trained” so to speak?   01:07:05 Anna Lalonde: I agree Father! As a certified Catholic Coach and a Certified Catholic Spiritual Director. My living the ascetic life and domestic monastics while studying desert fathers is very great so I can serve souls.   01:07:08 David: Not a criticism but it seems with all the honey, coffee, handicrafts and items monasteries produce it might be better to offer spiritual direction and donations through patreon or something?  My old parish priest mentioned he did not have capacity to offer spiritual direction to all the young people we had in catechism.  There seems to be a great lack of this for most parishes.   01:07:49 Anna Lalonde: Agree David!   01:17:26 Phil: Thank you, Father and Victor, for your responses.   01:18:16 Céline: Thank you father God Bless you.   01:18:23 Victor - WV: Thank you!   01:19:23 Bob Cihak, AZ: Sometimes it's focus, not digression.   01:19:24 Cindy Moran: Thank you Father!   01:19:37 Jeff O.: Thank you!! Great to be with you all!   01:20:10 Aric Bukiri: Thank you Father!   01:20:11 David: Thank you Father. May God bless you and your mother!   01:20:17 Rachel: Thank you!