We turn now in the Evergetinos to consider the “avoidance of idleness”. With this, of course, we are compelled to consider the nature of work, and its connection to the spiritual life and our sanctification.
Avoiding idleness is not simply keeping busy - much less busyness. It is something that allows us to prevent the mind and the heart from wandering from He who is the source of life, God. We are not angels. We are called to provide for ourselves and also to provide for the poor. And so it is by the labor of our hands that we not only keep ourselves from becoming distracted - but enable ourselves not to become a burden to others and also to offer charity to those in need.
Furthermore, keeping oneself from idleness also allows for the formation of virtues; obedience, self-control, ordering of the appetites, humility, etc. What is being presented to us, then, is connected to the overall portrait of what it is to be a human being; one whose life is directed completely toward God. The love that we have received and bear within us transforms everything about what it is to be a human being; to suffer, to love, and to work. It is our identity as Christians that must shape our perception of reality.
Text of chat during the group:
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixty-three Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixty-two Part III and Homily Sixty-three Part I
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixty-two Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixty-two Part I
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixty Part III and Homily Sixty-one
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Sixty Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-nine Part III and Homily Sixty Part I
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-nine Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-eight and Homily Fifty-nine Part I
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-seven Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-seven Part I
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-six Part III
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-six Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-five Part II and Homily Fifty-six Part I
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-four Part VI and Homily Fifty-five
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-four Part V
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-four Part IV
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-four Part III
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-four Part II
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian - Homily Fifty-two Part VI, Homily 53 and Homily 54 Part I
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