One of the first tricks of the enemy against us is the idea of trusting in oneself: that is, if not renouncing, then at least not feeling the need for the help of grace. The enemy as it were says: Do not go to the light where they wish to give you some kind of new powers. You are good just the way you are! And a man gives himself over to repose. But in the meantime the enemy is throwing a rock (some kind of unpleasantness) at one; others he is leading into a slippery place (the deception of the passions); for yet others he is strewing with flowers a closed noose (deceptively good conditions). Without looking around, a man strives to go further and further, and does not guess that he is falling down lower and lower until finally he goes to the very depths of evil, to the threshold of hell itself. Should one not in such a case cry out to him as to the first Adam: Man, where are you? Where have you gone? This very cry is the action of grace, which compels a sinner for the first time to look about himself. Therefore, if you desire to begin to live in a Christian way, seek grace. The minute grace descends and joins itself to your will is the minute when the Christian life is born in you — powerful, firm, and greatly fruitful. St. Theofan the Recluse The Path to Salvation A Manual of Spiritual Transformation.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 10:30:40 +0000
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