In a wonderful discussion of the end of homily five and the beginning of homily six, we lingered over what St. Isaac describes as the aim of our conduct: "to be courteous and respectful to all. Ans do not provoke any man or vie zealously with him, either for the sake of the Faith, or on account of his evil deeds; but watch over yourself not to blame or accuse any man in any matter. For we have a Judge in heaven who is impartial. But if you would have that man return to the truth, be grieved over him and, with tears and love, say a word or two unto him; but do not be inflamed with anger against him, lest he see within you signs of hostility. For love does not know how to be angry, or provoked, or passionately to reproach anyone. The proof of love and knowledge is profound humility, which is born of a good conscience in Jesus Christ our Lord...".
We are to win over souls not with anger or hostility or with argument, but rather with a genuine love for the other and a desire for their well being. We should grieve over the sins of others and not use them as an opportunity to berate or condescend.
Isaac continues to revolve around the virtues of humility and purity of heart in Homily Six and how they take root within us. He warns that God will allow us to experience the fruit of our negligence and the sorrow that is born of sin in order to draw is back to Himself. We must understand that asceticism without a heart truly consecrated to God is wasted.
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Seven, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XVIII, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Six, Part II and Letter Seventy-Seven, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Five, Part II and Letter Seventy-Six, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XVIII, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XVII
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Five, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part V and Hypothesis XVI
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Four
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Three, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Two, Part II and Letter Seventy-Three, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-One, Part III and Letter Seventy-Two, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-One, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part VI and Hypothesis XIV, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy, Part II and Seventy-One, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part V
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Straight TV
The Tangent on Veritas Catholic Network
Life After Ministry
Beyond the Broomstick - with Medium Matilda
Conspirituality