Self-Inventors

Living behind the mask of our own invention

We are creatures who fool around with ambition, but are too weak to work on those things that will bring about infinite joy. Like the child who plays with his toys, but refuses to learn how to read and write, our distraction keeps us from imagining the great gift that awaits us in the next life. Our desires for worldly, short term pleasures, keep us from the goals that promise to bring about lasting happiness and fulfillment.

We are like fictional characters, persons who are the invention of filmmakers and promoters. As self-inventors, we fail to develop in the image and likeness of our Creator, and remain frozen in our sickness, unable to embrace the wholeness that our God offers to us. Our ignorance of our true nature as children of God keeps us living as fictional characters, unaware of our own true purpose, the one God has chosen for us. When we stop relying on our own goodness, and stop deluding ourselves into thinking we do not need God, we can cast our entire focus on discovering our true self.

It is an ignorance of our true nature that is the base cause of our living as though we are actors on a stage, and we are afraid of what we might see if we are honest with themselves. Self-awareness can only come when we are open to letting Christ into our lives, totally. Continuing to live comfortably behind the mask of self-delusion, we are content to live in a carnal world, thinking happiness has its base in partying, making money, having sex, eating and drinking, living in the best house, and “looking good”.

We have become our own Hollywood promoter, living behind the mask of our own invention, fearing we will be less interesting to others if we are outwardly religious. We fail to realize it is not enforced austerity and deprivation that is required, but a submission in love to Christ that brings us new found freedom to be true to ourselves. Our new path leads to unspeakable joy and enduring peace.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

A note to my friends: I’m feeling better with every passing day, thanks to your prayers for my recovery.