Solitude

[Hermit]

I'm attracted to the following anonymous early Desert Father teaching (as you might expect from a hermit), but wonder if it is truly in keeping with the teachings of Jesus, for example the saying that we must not hide our light under a bowl. It seems more Buddhist than Christian.

from http://www.innerlightproductions.com/thoughts/dec2197.htm

This week's selection is from an anonymous father of the Egyptian desert:

BEGIN TEXT: A certain man said that there were once three men who loved labors, and they were monks. The first one chose to go about and see where there was strife, which he turned into peace; the second chose to go about and visit the sick; but the third departed to the desert that he might dwell in quietness. Finally the first man, who had chosen to still the contentions of men, was unable to make every man to be at peace with his neighbor, and his spirit was sad. He went to the man who had chosen to visit the sick; he found him in affliction because he was not able to fulfill the law which he had laid down for himself.

Then the two of them went to the monk in the desert, and seeing each other they rejoiced, and the two men related to the third the tribulations which had befallen them in the world. They entreated him to tell them how he had lived in the desert. He was silent, but after a little he said unto them, "Come, let each of us go and fill a vessel of water." After they had filled the vessel, he said unto them, "Pour out some of the water into a basin, and look down to the bottom through it," and they did so. He then said unto them, "What do you see?" And they said, "We see nothing." After the water in the basin had ceased to move, he said to them a second time, "Look into the water," and they looked, and he said unto them, "What do you see?" They said unto him, "We see our own faces distinctly."

He said unto them, "Thus is it with the man who dwelleth with men, for by reason of the disturbance caused by the affairs of the world he cannot see his sins; but if he live in the peace and quietness of the desert he is able to see God clearly." END TEXT.

from "The Paradise of the Holy Fathers," trans. by E. A. Wallis Budge, (Seattle: St. Nectarios Press, 1984)

[Fr Averky]

Hermit,
Being a hermit, sit quietly clear your mind, and read the story again, and you will see that the first two men decided to do what was perhaps beyond their spiritual capabilities. One wanted to bring peace among othes, but if Christ Himself could not convince people to love each, how could this one person? The other had the good idea of attending to to sick, but felt that he had failed. Looking from the point of view of a monk ( I have been in this life 28 years), the monks were well-intended, but self-willed, and thus doomed to failure. The third monk took himself to the desert, where in time he could look at himself as if looking at the clear water was a mirror. In the world, people are too much like Martha, running around, trying to do good deeds, joining charitabe groups, and so on, being so pleased with themselves when the community gives them banquets and awards. I know a very good Catholic woman who, because of her "good works," is never home, never cooks for her family, rarely sees her husband and children. She is a good and kind woman, but she has many spiritual problems, but she never has time to look at herself. Jesus was not a social activist, and we know that before His service to His Father, He fasted for forty days, hence Great Lent and we know that at various times, He would go out to a desert place and pray. He came, not for social justice, but to save us. We seem to be going through a period of time in which people have arrived at the idea that if they think something is true according to their own opinion, then certainly it is the truth! As a hermit, I would hope that you have achieved inner peace. There is a story of a monk who had a very cantankerous personality, so he settled in the desert for many years. He was at peace, and felt that he had overcome his passion for anger. Then, another monk happened upon him, and they had a meal and prayed together. Later, the visitor made a chance remark and the hermit went into a rage."You see?' said the monk ( who was really an angel) 'You thought you had overcome your anger - you were just living by yourself. Better for you to live in a city and learn to look at yourself and learn how truly to be at peace."
May God bless your solitude, Hermit! Pray for me!

[Hermit]

Of course I'll pray for you, Rev. Hieromonk A., and hope you'll pray for me.

You said, "Jesus was not a social activist, and we know that before His service to His Father, He fasted for forty days, hence Great Lent and we know that at various times, He would go out to a desert place and pray. He came, not for social justice, but to save us." Yes, not a social activist in the modern sense, but solitude doesn't seem to have been a major part of his life or teachings. However we're all members of the Body of Christ, all drawn to different ways of expressing our Christianity. Some are Marthas, some are Marys, some fast and pray while others heal or preach, or give witness by their example.

I'm not a true hermit (else I wouldn't be here!) but am drawn to that kind of life. Hard to give up my comforts.

[Owen Jones]

Every Orthodox Christian must find inner solitude in obedience to Christ and to identify with Him. There is literal solitude in the desert, but everyone can practice inner solitude and indeed must as an antidote to the world and to the onslaught of the demons. Otherwise, our worship life is simply a bandage over a festering wound that never heals. To say that there are different gifts and different ministries is fine, but a common denominator of all is inner solitude and the other ascetic virtues. They are too important to leave up to a special group we might call monastics or ascetics.

In the West, this has been articulated by Pascal: the greatest cause of evil in the world is the inability of a man to sit quietly alone in his own room. Activism is the pathology and plague of the "modern" world and we must all resist the desire to join some cause, to define ourselves in terms of some ideology, or think that we can change or improve or transform the world. My particular pathology, it seems, is to wish the Church as an institution were more true and pure.

[Andonis]

hello Owen,

i am very interested in your expression that "activism is the plague of the modern world". i too have many times become confused by many whom revel in displaying outward piety, yet allow they're own home to crumble and despair. so what would God rather have us do? would he prefer that the whole world just stopped their frantic daily activities, and dedicated every minute of the day to prayer, liturgy and meditation? would he prefer to see the world come to a standstill for unceasing contemplation and worship of him? that would of course mean no academic progress, no medical progress, no more technology, economies would crumble...etc

is this the ideal world according to God? if so, what are we waiting for? i hand in my resignation at work today...

[Owen Jones]

Two things. First, activism is the idea that through political action the world can be transformed. That is the specific plague of modernity. It is not totally new, but certainly in so-called modern times it has become the dominant social, historical theme. It's the idea that we are in control of history. Of course we are not, so activism leads into increased resentment, frustration, anger and violence, and more refined means of social control over others, and the murder of all recalcitrant elements.

Frantic activity is more the commonplace temptation to be like Martha in the kitchen. It does not involve an ideology or theory.

There's nothing wrong with working hard and trying to get ahead, Andonis. Trying to improve oneself and trying to leave the world a bit more free, or prosperous, or having a moral influence on the people around you. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with wealth and prosperity even. Everything in its proper perspective.

[Andonis]

Owen

whom are the main drivers of political activism, are they atheist? are there any good books on the phenomenon of activism?

[Margaret Jackson-Roberts]

Then I suppose, Owen, that my own pathological reaction, to use your term, has been to abandon the official Church (both RC and Anglican) altogether on grounds of being an irritating distraction or diversion from the cultivation of exactly those inner virtues of which you speak. Now that the RC (and C of E) liturgy has been reduced to a virtual nullity there is nothing much left for me (as a semi-pro singer) to engage with in public worship. But I don't cease reading relevant texts (or these posts) on that account. This community provides exactly the discussion forum for serious and enlightening spiritual discourse that I found to be totally lacking in my previous parishes, busy as they were with income generation and questions of church governance. But that may be precisely why there is such a lack of bottoms on seats in churches in the UK. The spiritual hunger is there right enough in many people.

the seeker

[Owen Jones]

Science, Politics and Gnosticism, a small book by Eric Voegelin, would be a place to start, Andonis. Ancient gnosticism was otherworldly. Modern gnosticism is innerworldly. Seeks innerworldly fulfillment.

[Hermit]

"This community provides exactly the discussion forum for serious and enlightening spiritual discourse that I found to be totally lacking in my previous parishes, busy as they were with income generation and questions of church governance. But that may be precisely why there is such a lack of bottoms on seats in churches in the UK." It's been said, Margaret Jackson-Roberts, that the Catholic Church in the USA has raised up a generation of priests and bishops who are great administrators ... while what we parishioners would rather have is great saints.

But we attend church here much more than in the UK. All the churches (Catholic and Protestant) in this area that I've seen have been packed full on Sundays. I suspect that the conservative, devout satellite channel EWTN has something to do with increased Catholic attendance.

Owen, I didn't realize you have gnostic tendencies!

[Sandra June Hofstead]

As I was reading this thread of discussion I could not help but be drawn to a sticheron from this evening's Vespers: "While fasting physically brethren, let us also fast spiritually. Let us loose every knot of iniquity; let us tear up every unrighteous bond. Let us distribute bread to the hungry, and welcome into our homes those who have no roof over their heads,

[Sandra June Hofstead]

To continue: I was formerly very involved in "activism" and also "Churchianity". One extreme says"We have to do it!" the other "We have to be saved and sit back and let God do it". Then I recieved the gift of Orthodoxy and learned: We practice ascetic discipline and prayer to cleanse ourselves for union with God; then refering all back to God we work together with God. Both Martha and Mary work in synergy with the Lord. (But I have to struggle to learn to do it.) Peace to all.

[Richard McBride]

Blessed of the Lord, Sandra;

Welcome to Monochos, and thank you for the sticheron.

Pray tell, do you know of any online sites which have the preparation prayers for icon writing?

richard mcb

[demetrios karaolanis]

I have noticed something in my days and in reading this discussion. earlier adonis said


"would he prefer that the whole world just stopped their frantic daily activities, and dedicated every minute of the day to prayer, liturgy and meditation? would he prefer to see the world come to a standstill for unceasing contemplation and worship of him? that would of course mean no academic progress, no medical progress, no more technology, economies would crumble...etc

is this the ideal world according to God? if so, what are we waiting for? i hand in my resignation at work today..."

I think that this makes an interesting point. most of the things we do, and the state of the world seem to be just in vain. in the end times wont economies crumble and the worldly things we seek all go away. the world has gone astray and concentrates on many things that do not really seem to matter. we do need a living but I think that if we dedicate every waking moment to god he will provide for us.

[Fr Averky]

Adonis says that "He would prefer that the whole world stopped their frantic daily ativities... This is a nice platitude, but not within reality. Adonis - on your next holiday, do exactly that, spend "every minute of the day either praying, attending liturgy or contemplation" I would really like to know know you have fared. It is rather easy and a bit flippant to make such a statement, if one expects it of others ..but what about of one's self? We should be mindful when we make broad, general statements, God will hear it, and might send us something for which we are not prepared. St. John of Kronstadt said that "It is better to say say a few prayers well, than a lot of prayers badly." Again I ask, when we make such a statement, are we ourselves prepared to do it? Can we never again want to go to the forest, go out with friends, see a film, take a holiday, have sokeone to love, to read a book, have a beer, or a nice cup of tea, sit in the morjing sun and read the morning paper over a good cup of cofee, or dance, or sing, or go to the opera, or a concert? If a person living in the world can give up these simple every day things and only liturgize, pray, and meditate ( what is "meditation" in the Orthodox ethos anyway), I would say this would take many, many years, and only under the guidance of a good Spiritual Father.

[dianne marie debs]

Dear Father A.,

I printed out the discussions and your post and carefully read each and every one over and over again. I came to realize that even though I live far from my home and family, the familiar places of my childhood and every corner of America, I have been truly Blessed living in a community here in Lebanon that really takes a lot of daily time to achieve true inner solitude with God. As Sandra struggles, I think all Christians struggle; however, I also believe this struggle (especially, if there is a lot of falls along the way) helps and teaches us our way. As you have mentioned Father A., the guidance of a good Spiritual Father is a grace from God.

Our parish priests here in Lebanon are diligently guiding us and fortunately being such a small country there are many Orthodox monasteries within an hour's drive. The drive involves climbing the mountain roads and driving through the forest. The mountains of Lebanon Father A. are beautiful. Each thing you recall; the forest, dance, opera, books, and even coffee are all gifts from God. He created, He gave, and we have to be truly grateful. I, myself, teach my children that the Lord gave nature and everything in this world that is good. These good things remind us of Him.

I pray that Adonis takes your advice spending his free time worshiping Our Lord. Spending time, even a few minutes, to thank the Lord for our lives, in the morning before the family awakes, or at noon when we break our fast, and in the evening (unfortunately, yes, our hectic lives don’t always allow this). We have to try and try and again. And if we have a humble and pure heart the Lord will guide us even when we allow our hectic lives to take over sometimes. I have found that the true key is to remember what our lives are for. In John 15 we are reminded what a true Christian life is for. Let us worship, thank God, and spend time with Him.

Adonis go to your parish if you don’t have a monastery near by and pray one, two, three hours, and when you feel the grace of our Lord present talk to the parish priest, listen, and ask the Lord to open your ears. You will find peace. GOD IS LOVE, and may the mercy of his grace guide you.

One more point Father A., I have tried not to miss any evening prayers this Lent. One night my nine year old son was going to bed as was walking out the door to Church. He suddenly began telling me about a problem he was afraid of in school. I sat and gave him a big, big hug, and our discussion between his tears and my hugs lasted more than an hour. Of course, I didn’t make Church, but the hour spent with my son was my evening prayers. I thank our Lord for my wonderful children who teach me about him everyday.

I humbly ask that you remember my family in your prayers as I will pray for your health Father A.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Dianne.

[Fr Averky]

Beloved in Christ,
Dianne Marie

Thank you for your lovely letter. It is an inspiration, and I am humbled by your faith and love for God. Many times in my life, I have been sent out to from my monastery to help in parishes, and when standing in a small church for a feast with so very few present, I would think, at this moment, the bells of the monastery ringing, the royal doors will open, and the Archbishop will come out with twelve priests, ten deacons, twenty altar servers, and the two monastey choirs singing beautifully. The chandeliers will sparkle, lighting the walls of the church, illuminating the beuatiful scenes of the life of Chrst And then, I would come to my senses, look at the holy icons, and the coziness of the little church and the people, if only a few, filled with joy that there was a priest present to celebrate with them.. My monastery is my home, my heart, but I know that God is everywhere in all that He has created. His Grace and love covers us, blesses us, and gives us strength. God has given you such a blessing with good and devoted priests, and the presence of monasteries, for they are like Nuclear power plants, but better, they are spiritual power plants, and even despite the sins of the monks, they are depositories of God's Grace. Our monastery is very small, but it it known all over the Orthodox world. About ten years ago, shortly after the fall of Communism in Russia, a pilgrim came from Moscow. At that time, not many monasteries had been opened yet, for now there are hundreds. This man spent several days, and after services on Saturday night, we walked in the moon light, which makes the domes of the monastery church have a an amazing shimmer, almost other-worldly. This man turned to me, and said, Father, I have travelled to all the monasteries in Russsia, to many in to Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria, and have seen very large and ancient monasteries, but this little place, which looks so big in pictures,has a special Spirit. Having fled from Communism, and having preserved Russian monastic traditions in far off America, without even knowing it, each of you Fathers carries a Light, and that is the Light of Orthodoxy, of prayer, and of struggle, and I tdll you, much Grace abides here. I, for once, could say nothing but utter a silent prayer of gratitude to God for bringing me to this place,my home.

Dianne, you are far away from home, but Our God, who is everywhere, watches over you and yours. You are blessed, and Our Savior tenderly sees your good heart and your faith and graciously hears your prayers. His Most Pure Mother, the Mother of Mothers blesses you for your own loving attention to your family. The night that you stayed home to calm your child's fears was more than acceptable to God, and it brought you many blessings, it was your Prayer. You are blessed to be in the beautiful country of Lebanon, that beautiful land where Christian have suffered so much. Dianne, it is I who humbly ask you to pray for me, for I suffer greatly, but Glory to God, I am content.

In Christ our Saviour,

Hieromonk A

[dianne marie debs]

Dear Father A.
May the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus always keep you content. Remember only true inner content can come from Him.

I was so gratefully for your beautiful email. I thank you with all my heart. I've taken many things for granted many times because of my hectic life; however I do know that I have been truely blessed... I thank God every day. You are right. It doesn't matter if I live away from America, I have made Lebanon (or, in fact, any country) my home; what is important is that God loves me.

I promise to ask Father Agrabius to remember you on Wednesday evening during mass and if I don't get a chance to go to Deir El Hairif this Friday, I will send a message to the Fathers in the monestary to also pray for you.

Unfortunately, pain and suffering is the plight of the human race. God willing, may you soon recover. I will surely pray for you Father.I hope you are well soon.

God Bless You.
In the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dianne