Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Fifty-nine Part III

“Know that in this is the entire essence of the labor over the attainment of salvation.“ These are bold words from Saint Theophan at the end of Letter 59.  However, they do not arise simply from his own experience but from the entire spiritual tradition. Part of the problem in modern times is that we have lost the clarity that is necessary for those in the spiritual battle and the weapons that we have been provided in abundance. Purity of heart, the struggle with a Passions, unceasing prayer, the invocation of the name of Christ; all of these things are part of the arsenal of the Christian and allow him to enter into the spiritual battle without fear. This lack of fear is not a natural virtue but rather comes from our awareness that we are not on the battlefield alone. We have been given access to an inexhaustible source of grace; the Holy Spirit dwells within us and not only elevates our prayer but raises us up to a radical intimacy with the Triune God. What is it that we could possibly lose in this life that is not regained immeasurably in Christ?  Perfect love cast out all fear. We dare not tolerate a worldly wisdom that would convince us that the spiritual battle presented before us is for monks alone. All who desire Christ, all who desire the love of the heavenly bridegroom, will be willing to engage in this battle regardless of the costs.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:11:22 Andrea Boring: hi!

00:11:35 Andrea Boring: it says the video was disabled by host!

00:11:47 Edward Kleinguetl: Hi!

00:14:13 The Pittsburgh Oratory: Welcome Andrea

00:14:57 Mark Cummings: Father has a lot of power

00:15:37 Andrea Boring: no :( no worries. it's ok.

00:47:20 renwitter: To this day he will suddenly appear from around a corner in his Judo pose with Judo hands :-D

00:47:41 Ashley Kaschl: 😂😂😂

00:48:30 renwitter: I was a Kempo Patate Kid, so our sparring sessions don’t work so well…and I don’t stand a chance anyway 😂😂😂

00:48:37 renwitter: Karate*

01:08:40 Eric Williams: Attend Pitt for your BS and go to the Newman Center for your MR or MRS. ;)

01:17:10 Mark Cummings: Thank you!

01:18:57 Lilly ليلي: Thank you