Categories: orthodox-life, family, reading, spiritual-writings
Date: 02 September 2007 05:15:47
Happy 35th Anniversary to my parents, and Happy Fathers' Day to my dad: they are up in Cairns at the moment, holidaying. I, after the larger-than-expected bonus, thought I'd send them a bit farther afield than simply a week away in the Blue Mountains or similar.
I have just finished reading The Way of a Pilgrim, a very popular book among the Orthodox. And I can see why; I am looking forward to reading the sequel The Pilgrim continues his Way soon. The story is told by a pilgrim who journeys across Russia, all the while practising the Jesus Prayer, with the help of spiritual fathers and the the Philokalia. Apart from it being an enjoyable read, it does pull at the soul: the riches of the Orthodox Church's prayer life are revealed as this pilgrim learns more and more and shares with us the command of St Paul to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) -- to have prayer so much a part of one's life that one continually prays; prayer becomes indeed so much a part of the person and a part of their life that it is not burdensome, not tiresome, nor a struggle, but a joy and a comfort, and bringing with it peace.
The role of wise elders in the faith, spiritual fathers, is also highlighted: other Christian churches may not call them spiritual fathers but I believe the concept is still there: a more wise, more mature Christian whom one can seek help and guidance from. It is truly a blessing that Christianity is indeed a corporate religion and one where we are not alone -- "No man is an island, entire of itself" (John Donne): no, we are together, journeying together and helping each other on the way. I recall reading, I cannot remember where, that Christianity was originally called "The Way": not sure if this is true, but it does make sense. Being a Christian, to me, is not a once-off event nor is it a 'walk in the park', so to speak; it is a journey, of continual growth, God willing; a journey to, as Christ commanded, "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). And there are many struggles on the way.
But God has been ineffably gracious to us in providing the Church, in providing the sacraments, in providing Saints in all ages who have taught us through their wisdom and insight -- and who still do teach us through us reading their words, and in providing companions for the road to help us along. Thanks and praise indeed be to God in Trinity!