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 Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part XV
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXVI, Part III
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part XIV
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXVI, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part XIII
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXVI
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXV, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part XII
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXV, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part XI
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXIII, Part IV and Hypothesis XXIV
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part X
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXIII, Part III
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part IX
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part VIII
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXIII, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part VII
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXII, Part V and Hypothesis XXIII, Part I
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter IV: On Obedience, Part VI
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXII, Part IV
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