In hypothesis 1 of book 2 of The Evergetinos, we continue to hear one story after another of the humility of the fathers. Again and again, what we find emphasized is the willingness to set aside the self and the ego. We cling so fiercely to a sense of self-esteem and religious identity that gives us a sense of value or elevates us in the view of others. However, as with so many of the virtues, we find the monks, loving humility; pursuing it precisely because of what it produces within the soul and the freedom that it brings.
What it produces is not the perfection of virtue as we understand it. By letting go of the self, Christ lifts us up to share in his life and glory. Thus, we find repeated stories of monks trying to hide themselves and any recognition of their holiness by fleeing the company of men. Yet, so often they find themselves discovered because the very glory of God shines forth from their countenance.
The opposite of vice is not virtue, but rather Christ living within us. We put on Christ. We are conformed to him by Grace. If the world is attracted to anything, it is to that reality. The monks understood this. The only thing they feared was being drawn away from the path of humble obedience.
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Text of chat during the group:
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Nine, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Eight, Part II and Letter Sixty-Nine, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Eight, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Seven, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XII, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Seven, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XII, Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Six, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XII, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Five, Part III and Letter Sixty-Six, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XI, Part II and Hypothesis XII, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Five, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis X, Part II and Hypothesis XI, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Four and Letter Sixty-Five, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis IX, Part III and Hypothesis X, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Three Part II
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