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.
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis V Part V
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-seven Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis V Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-six Part II and Letter Fifty-seven
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis V Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-five and Letter Fifty-six
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis V Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-four
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis IV and Hypothesis V
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-two Part II and Letter Fifty-three
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis III, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-one and Letter Fifty-two
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis III, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Forty-nine Part II and Letter Fifty
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis II, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Forty-nine
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis I, Part X and Hypothesis II, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Forty-eight
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis I, Part IX
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Forty-seven Part II
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