The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis XIII, Part II

Philokalia Ministries

Only the most stalwart and patient of souls can follow along with this evening’s readings without being troubled. Once again it is repeated for us that our life is to be one of constant repentance; that is, turning toward God. Systematically the fathers break down every illusion that we might have about ourselves as having no need of such repentance. Even if we fulfill the work of the day, our response must be like the servants in the gospel: “we are unworthy and have only fulfilled what is our duty.”

Our state of mind can only be that of gratitude for the gift of God’s mercy and grace. He has bestowed upon us an abundance of love despite the fact that we have often, as the scriptures tell us, treated him as “enemies”. Indeed our infidelity and the depths to which it reaches eludes are perception.

Even our growth in virtue should instill within us a greater urgency for this repentance. Growth shows previous inadequacy and negligence. We cannot be prideful or glorious about what we achieve; acknowledging that it is but a pale shadow of the love that God has bestowed upon us.

Such an attitude also leads us to a deeper understanding of the need to embrace affliction. The gospel does not promise the security of this world or its comforts. In fact, just the opposite. To live for God, to embody the beatitudes is to find ourselves scorned and mocked by the world. The narrow way that leads to the kingdom passes inevitably through Calvary.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:06:45 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 112, 3rd paragraph 00:25:55 Lilly: What page are we on? 00:26:11 Lilly: Thank you 00:58:49 Kate : Father, I am thinking about the Sacrament of Penance. My experience has been very legalistic and not really focused on this repentance, this turning towards of God that you are speaking about. Do you have any recommendations on how to prepare for Confession that would be focused on this kind of repentance? 01:02:47 Lilly: I personally found the Eastern sacrament of penance humiliating-in a good way-as we are face to face with the priest, and depending on the father has us under his mantle and full body prostration 01:07:39 Forrest Cavalier: O Lord, I believe and profess that you are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first. Accept me today as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess you: Remember me, O Lord, when you come in your kingdom. Remember me, O Master, when you come in your kingdom. Remember me, O Holy One, when you come in your kingdom. 01:07:50 Forrest Cavalier: May the partaking of your holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation but for the healing of soul and body. O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly your most precious body and your life-giving blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting. Amen. O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. 01:08:25 Forrest Cavalier: From https://parma.org/prayer 01:15:32 Maureen Cunningham: Thank you Father Blessing 01:15:44 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father 01:15:48 Cameron Jackson: Thank you 01:16:02 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂