Thursday, May 20, 2021

Letter to a spiritually struggling friend

Dear Friend of Mine,

Do not fret the spiritual struggles you face. You will face plenty. It is important to understand the causes of these. Part of the reasons why we struggle is because we are facing demonic temptation that we fall into. For according to the Blessed Synkletike, "just as those who want to kindle a fire choke from the smoke and the tears at the start, but later on accomplish what they are seeking, so it happens with us in precisely the same way, if we really want to ignite the Divine fire in our hearts" (Evergetinos, Hypothesis XXVIII). There was an Elder who was by someone "why am I continually negligent?" and the Elder answered, "Because you have not yet seen the sun." If we force ourselves to get closer to God, we are "like a Confessor (of the Faith") (ibid). I encourage you, friend, to keep forcing yourself to keep in this spiritual struggle. The flesh will fade away someday.

A monk once found himself in a state of negligence. He quickly reproved himself and ceased not to be negligent recalling every day could ultimately be his judgment day. He was then greatly attacked by demons one time while doing his service and when he challenged the demons as to why they attack him, they responded, "When you were in a state of negligence...we had no interest in you; but as soon as you rose up against us, we rose up against you" (XXIX). We see how frightened the demons are of us when we remain steadfast. Perhaps your minor slip is troubling you, confess this sin and conceal nothing from your confessor! No blasphemous thought, no temptation, and no sin should ever cause you shame when face to face with Our Lord in the great sacrament of reconciliation! He instituted this blessed sacrament as a weapon for our spiritual combat. Turn to Him for He already knows your fallings and your shortcomings and yet He refuses to condemn you.

Finally, remember, in the spiritual life, there are moments of calm and there are moments of storm. Do not fear the storm. Strive to remain in the stormy moments the most for it is these moments in which we are brought closer to God. Is not iron strengthened through the fire which burns it? During moments of calm is when we are most easily deceived. We step out for a moment thinking that all is safe only to realize it was but the eye of a passing hurricane. Rather than being at the end, we are in the very center and now we have found ourselves defenseless against the passions. The demons will fear your soul the most if they see it constantly forcing itself to get closer to God. Do not fear when this happens but continue to wrestle toward this goal remembering the great joys of Heaven you will be rewarded for your perseverance. Get back up again for every single time you fall that you may be found getting back up or upright when He comes for you. And remember that God loves you!

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