Categories: reading, lives-of-saints
Date: 21 September 2007 12:01:54
I've just finished reading the "Life" section of Wounded by Love - The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios: and can heartily recommend it; I am greatly looking forward to reading the "Wisdom" section, though I'd say much wisdom is also to be found within the story of his life -- a life in which he ran away to Mt Athos as a teenager; was forced, due to ill-health, to return to a life away from the Mountain in the world; and worked as a chaplain and confessor for many years in a hospital. Reading his life story was a great blessing in seeing a life lived for Christ, and a life so full of joy, even in the midst of much trial, particularly with regard to his health. It was also a blessing to see the richness of Christian life that exists to the current day: Elder Porphyrios, may his memory be eternal!, lived from 1906 to 1991.
Reading the lives of holy people, throughout all ages, is something I find greatly encouraging. [Another book I can heartily recommend is Father Arseny, 1893-1973.] Christianity is indeed a corporate religion, not one on which we fight battles alone, and, in Orthodox thought, we not only have the prayers of those here on earth to help us on our way, we have saints past interceding for us. As I trudge along, seemingly making no progress whatsoever -- falling into the same sins; struggling against the same temptations -- reading their lives, and their words, the words of those who have gone before us who have indeed "fought the good fight" and shone as lights in the world, enables me, however slightly, and however awkwardly, to continue on. And thanks and praise to the blessed Trinity -- God is indeed wonderful in His saints!