The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXXII, Part II

We continued our reading of hypothesis 32 and once again the words of the Fathers are piercing, very much like the words of scripture. This is what makes them ring so true. The Fathers never seek to varnish the truth. The path that we are called to walk upon is the path of Christ. We are called quite literally self-crucifixion. We are to die to self and sin, and to live for God and to live for Him alone. St Paul reminders us: “it is no longer I who lives I (ego) but Christ who lives within me.  It is for this reason that monasteries would put men to the test, making them wait long periods of time before entering. Why do you want to be here? Do you understand what it is that you were taking upon yourself and what you are setting aside?  Do any of us understand what it is to love in the way that we have been shown on the Cross and in the Holy Eucharist? --- Text of chat during the group: 00:18:35 Debra: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!   00:19:35 Debra: Wow! I didn't realize you have listeners from ALL over the World!!   00:19:58 Ambrose Little, OP: Angela, always nice to have bright sunshine in these meetings. Especially this time of year. 🙂   00:39:28 Anthony: The Rule of St. Basil is pretty stern, too. It surprised me.   00:44:12 Mitch: The Fathers are harsh but it’s refreshing in a watered down, “everything is good enough” society   00:53:52 Anthony: Perhaps this is an example of the heresy of Americanism affecting the Church's attitude to priesthood as a profession.   01:00:10 Paul Fifer: FYI… Here is a link to a pdf for the book Father mentioned “The Struggle with God”… https://jbburnett.com/resources/evdokimov_strugglewGod1966.pdf   01:16:46 Anthony: Don't we vow perfection in baptismal vow?   01:18:02 Bridget McGinley: I was thinking the same thing Anthony. THis was the early Christians way of life married or lay   01:20:58 Anthony: IS this why the demons even suggest blasphemous thoughts - to make us see our beautiful God as ugly? Or to drive us away from trying to contemplate God?   01:23:49 Bridget McGinley: Thank you. Goodnight.   01:24:06 Anthony: Thanks :)   01:24:09 Ashley Kaschl: Thanks be to God. Thank you, Father!   01:24:09 Mitch: thankyou