Categories: uncategorized
Date: 22 February 2005 07:43:31
I'm reading through Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninvov's (1807 - 1867) The Arena - An Offering to Contemporary Monasticism at the moment. I am finding it full of deep insight and wisdom. True Christianity and true monasticism consists in the practice of the commandments of the Gospel and Never cease studying the Gospel till the end of your life. Do not think you know it enough, even if you know it by heart. are two parts from it that remain in my mind as an encouragement in my Christian life.
Chapter 15 (Love for our neighbour is a means of attaining to love for God) is the last chapter I have read thus far. I found this one particularly challenging, as I am someone who all-too-often gets frustrated, especially with those closest to me, and has trouble forgiving and forgetting at times. These words, especially the last sentence, spoke and challenged me:
Love your neighbour in the following way: Do not get angry with him and do not bear resentment or a grudge against him. Do not allow yourself to say to your neighbour any reproachful, abusive, sarcastic or caustic words. Maintain peace with him as far as possible. Humble yourself in his presence. Do not try to have your revenge on him either directly or indirectly .... Whatever you do, on no account condemn anyone; do not even try to judge whether a person is good or bad, but keep your eyes on that one evil person for whom you must give an account before God -- yourself.