Last evening we picked up midway through Homily Six where St. Isaac takes up the topic of the vision of the divine in the Kingdom. Such vision and its nature is predicated on the individuals degree of perfection and its gifts. Yet, Isaac is quick to remind us that there is no division amongst us and the experience of God despite how this experience is perceived. There is no disunity or division in heaven and no comparison of gifts. Each delights in the experience and continues to be drawn into the fullness of God.
Following upon this, St. Isaac would have us understand that there exists only Gehenna and Heaven and no other state. It is foolhardy to propose an in-between state that is somehow greater than Gehenna but not yet the Kingdom. Such a notion speaks of an individual's hope that the one can live this life without a sense of urgency rooted in our ultimate end. Every moment is freighted with destiny because every moment is an opportunity to love - an opportunity embraced or set aside. To propose anything less is to foster false hope as well as mediocrity and lukewarmness.
A rather lengthy discussion ensued about the differences between Eastern and Western spirituality; in particular the use of discursive mediation and the use of imagination among Western writers and the avoidance of it among the Eastern ascetics. While largely a part of our spiritual patrimony those in the West have not been catechized in the Ascetical theology and practice of the East and the understanding of the active life as being rooted in the purification of the passions and the development of unceasing prayer. The understanding of the Church as a hospital and a place of healing and Christianity being an Ascetical religion has largely been neglected in recent generations as well as its impact on our understanding of liturgy, religious art and life as a whole.
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Three on Renunciation -Part V and Conference Four on Desires of Flesh and Spirit
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Three on Renunciation -Part IV
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Three on Renunciation -Part III
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Three on Renunciation -Part II
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Three on Renunciation -Part I
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Two Part V on Discretion
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Two Part IV on Discretion
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference Two Part III on Discretion
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference One Part V and Conference Two Part II on Discretion
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference One Part V and Conference Two Part I on Discretion
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference One Part IV - Goal of the Spiritual life (Purity of Heart)
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference One Part III - Goal of the Spiritual life (Purity of Heart)
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference One Part II - Goal of the Spiritual life (Purity of Heart)
Conferences of St. John Cassian: Conference One Part I - Purity of Heart
Introduction to the Life, Times and Writings of St. John Cassian Part II
Introduction to the Life, Times and Writings of St. John Cassian
Ladder of Divine Ascent - Step 29 On Dispassion Part II and Step 30 on Love
Ladder of Divine Ascent - Step 28 On Prayer Part II and Step 29 On Dispassion
Ladder of Divine Ascent - Step 28 On Prayer Part I
Ladder of Divine Ascent - Step 27 On Stillness Part II
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