Words of Wisdom
Christ is Risen!
The wisdom of ancient Greek culture and its philosophical movement continues to resonate and influence contemporary thought to this day. One adage from the ancient Greek philosopher, Kleoboulos, dating back to the 6th century B.C. , is quite prevalent. "Μέτρον Άριστον" or the later iteration "Πὰν Μέτρον Άριστον" has been loosely interpreted to imply that one should live life within moderation and avoid extremes. A cursory reflection upon this popular adage, will likely not bring any doubt to the wisdom of these words. Who can refute the need for moderation in life, particularly in today's day and age of polarizing ideologies?
A need for moderation implies that in life there are two or more opposing perspectives with extremes on each end. A compromising median allows for common ground where tolerating a contradicting perspective is possible. The application of such wisdom can be effective within a secular context; however, how does this apply to our spiritual life? We know that there's only one perspective, one truth, one direction, and that is the way of Christ and no moderation is necessary.
The Three Hierarch Book Club meets on Thursday, May 19th to discuss our current book "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. Written as a religious satire, the book depicts a series of letters written by a senior level demon (Screwtape) towards a junior level demon (Wormwood) who is mastering the craft of tempting humans away from God. In one letter, Screwtape is advising Wormwood how to capitalize on his "patient's" spiritual dry spell. He instructs Wormwood to make his "patient" acquiesce in the present low temperature of his spirit and gradually become content with it, persuading him that it is not so low after all. That perhaps the initial zeal towards his faith was maybe a bit excessive. He goes on to instruct Wormwood: "Talk to him about moderation in all things. If you could once get him to the point of thinking that religion is all very well up to a point you can feel quite happy about his soul. Moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all - and more amusing."
Dwelling in spiritual moderation leads to eventual spiritual regression. Our only recourse is to amplify our zeal for Christ, preferably under the guidance of a spiritual father that can assist us on our journey in Christ and avoid the pitfalls of emotional and fleeting zeal that can mislead us. God's Wisdom will never lead us astray or perverse our soul "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 3:17
We mustn't allow ourselves to be deceived into believing that anything but extreme faith in Christ is somehow beneficial for us. Contrary to the adage of "all things in moderation" we trust in living in the fullness of God's Wisdom as opposed to living in a dystopia of compromising complacency.
As we await the Lord's Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost, I pray we remain strong in our faith and zealous for the fullness of Christ's love!
In Christ,
Fr. George
2022 Stewardship Update
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Parish Ministry for ages 50+
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