Keeping ourselves vigilant
There are certain sins that become habitual, sins that we seem to repeat over and over again. We feel powerless against temptation, and a sense of resignation overtakes us. Saint Isaac the Syrian suggests that we confront these struggles head on. “If you bear your weakness constantly in mind, you will not overstep the bounds of caution.” Part of the problem is that we allow our guard to be down, so we find ourselves repeating the same sins over and over. Yet, if we take Saint Isaac’s suggestion to heart, we will keep vigil, watching out for those situations that bring us into the arena of temptation.
When we keep ourselves vigilant we are able to avoid those very situations that cause us to stumble, and, with Christ’s help, we will triumph over even those sins that have become habitual. God’s grace is sufficient to bring about the transformation of our heart, but we must be willing to cooperate. Just as a soldier enters into combat prepared, so too must we be vigilant, keeping watch for the enemy. Then, just as the Holy Virgin received the Son of God into her womb, becoming a living tabernacle of the Most High, so too will we receive Christ into our hearts.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Thank you, Father! As we say in ballet: “on pointe!”
I find my most frequent situations located in my head, in my thinking; JUMPING to conclusions, direct & indirect JUDGMENTS of others, UNAWARENESS of such things as: self-pity, blaming people, places, things, etc.
Anyone else?
Father, do you have suggestions for us about “how to” stay aware? The only “trick” I know is: to learn to PAUSE when agitated (a little or a lot!) and WAIT, with prayer if possible, for Holy Spirit’s guidance, inspiration.
Suggestions???
Thanks, France
thank you, Father!