unknown
2020-12-18 17:41:16 UTC
"How can we overcome the sinfulness that is already firmly established
within us? We must use force. A man labors and struggles, and so by the use
of force he escapes from destruction, always striving to raise his thoughts
to holiness. We are not forbidden to resist force with force. If in any
ascetic task we exert force, however slight, then, 'remaining in
Jerusalem', we can wait for the 'power from on high' which will come down
upon us (cf. Luke 24:49). In other words, if we persevere in unceasing
prayer and the other virtues, there will come upon us a mighty force,
infinitely stronger than any we can exert. This force cannot be described
in human language; in its great strength it overcomes our worst faults of
character and the malice of the demons, conquering both the sinful
inclinations of our soul and the disordered impulses of our body. 'There
came a sound from heaven as of a rushing violent wind' (Acts 2:2); and this
force from heaven drives out the evil that is always forcing us into sin."
St. John of Karpathos.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens
the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.
within us? We must use force. A man labors and struggles, and so by the use
of force he escapes from destruction, always striving to raise his thoughts
to holiness. We are not forbidden to resist force with force. If in any
ascetic task we exert force, however slight, then, 'remaining in
Jerusalem', we can wait for the 'power from on high' which will come down
upon us (cf. Luke 24:49). In other words, if we persevere in unceasing
prayer and the other virtues, there will come upon us a mighty force,
infinitely stronger than any we can exert. This force cannot be described
in human language; in its great strength it overcomes our worst faults of
character and the malice of the demons, conquering both the sinful
inclinations of our soul and the disordered impulses of our body. 'There
came a sound from heaven as of a rushing violent wind' (Acts 2:2); and this
force from heaven drives out the evil that is always forcing us into sin."
St. John of Karpathos.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens
the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.