tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38889537.post101298099356300816..comments2024-03-07T00:43:49.073-08:00Comments on a..sinner: Books I've Read(or am reading)-Thirteen: Orthodox Spirituality by Father Dimitru StaniloaeSophocleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07923381271179811989noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38889537.post-24138615590419000942008-07-13T15:43:00.000-07:002008-07-13T15:43:00.000-07:00Yes. I have found with such works that call us ab...Yes. I have found with such works that call us above ourselves to apprehend them the end result of plowing the hard soil of their seemingly unpenetrable material is that a rich harvest awaits us as we possess our patience with the work. <BR/><BR/>For me it meant tenacity and telling myself that that to understand was not impossible but altogether possible by God's grace.<BR/><BR/>Knowledge I have found has a pathway into it which in the case of the things of God deters the one not determined to learn and experience.<BR/><BR/>I have given this book out to several people the last of which was a man I sponsored recently in the Church(I'm his Koumabaro) and presented it to him on the day of his Chrismation.<BR/><BR/>For him, I urged that he not read it for several years at which time I felt for him would be good. This man is very zealous for the Faith and practices the spiritual disciplines of the Church. As well he is possesed of a keen intellect. <BR/><BR/>But the value of the book became apparent to me only because previously I had been practicing the spirituality of the Church so I made many "discoveries" in the book which I believe are "merely" the treasures awaiting one who with perseverance attains the phronema or "Mind of the Church" entailed with a humble living of the Life in Christ.<BR/><BR/>So with my friend I urged him to wait several years to read it that he would make the same discoveries after practicing the disciplines for a time. <BR/><BR/>Fruit takes a long time to grow and be edible.Sophocleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07923381271179811989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38889537.post-23210928474957424302008-07-13T15:26:00.000-07:002008-07-13T15:26:00.000-07:00I admire your tenacity. I have Fr. Dimitru's "The...I admire your tenacity. I have Fr. Dimitru's "The Experience of God" and freely admit it is way, way over my head (and heart). It didn't occur to me to approach it in the disciplined manner you describe. Perhaps I should try again. I am certain it would be a beneficial exercise. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for your explanation in best approaching Fr. Dimitru's work.Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08511317203353075644noreply@blogger.com