Comments

8 responses to “It’s Not Just You”

1. 

   Tyler

   March 26, 2008

   Thank you

2. 

   Daniel

   March 26, 2008

   Thank you so much Father Stephen. Your blogs have beens such a source of encouragement and comfort to me. I recently lost a very close friend (at the age of 26). Knowing that I live in a “one-story universe” helped me to cope with my tragic loss.

   This short little passage from St. Isaac the Syrian also helps me in one of my greatest struggles… faintheartedness. St. Ambrose of Optina was the first to give me an understanding of what it means to “take the Kingdom of Heaven by force”.

   As Orthodox Christians, or even as serious seekers of Truth, we are entering into a violent battleground. For those of us that tend to be somewhat meek by nature, we need all the gentle reminders that we can get. Knowing that I should expect confrontation is half the battle. The other half of the battle is being reminded that God is everywhere present and fills all things; anything not from God is not real, and will vanish over time like smoke

3. 

   Alice C. Linsley

   March 26, 2008

   Wise words from St. Isaac the Syrian. Taking this view has changed my attitude about so many things. I now expect difficulties and prepare for them. Before, I expected things to be easy and was daunted by the smallest challenge. I pray more.

4. 

   Bijoy Thomas

   March 27, 2008

   Thank you for posting this excerpt Father Stephen. It brings to mind how man’s free will and the Grace of God work together. It starts out by saying “Whenever you wish to make a beginning in some good work” .. which is the product of our free will. But that will not sustain us in our journey to God. What sustains us is the Grace of God. In Matthew 26:41 Jesus instructed his disciples, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation”. Not just watch, but pray also. God Bless.

5. 

   fatherstephen

   March 27, 2008

   Bijoy,

   I agree. I think the author means by “prepare yourself for temptations” in fact to “watch and pray.” I can think of no better preparation.

6. 

   erica robinson

   March 27, 2008

   I kept thinking Lent would get easier and easier as the years go by. It doesn’t. If anything it is worse each year. Harder. Can’t I just crawl into some hole until its over? Sainthood seems a long way off for someone wrestling with their two year old for two hours to go to bed….

7. 

   fatherstephen

   March 28, 2008

   Erica,

   You have no idea the great grace there is for the sacrifices parents make. It, I think, is one of the greatest spiritual offerings anyone makes. Sainthood may very well be present as you wrestle with a two year old. May God give you every grace in such service to his creation.

8. Curious Meditations » What We’re Up Against

   May 18, 2010

   […] instance, the idea of the evil one attacking us when we are attempting to do good. I was reading on Fr. Stephen’s blog today, and he had a quote from St. Isaac the Syrian (7th cent) that spoke to this very thing. I’ll requote it here in […]