We Must Purge Ourselves of Our Evil Inclinations


24: “We Must Purge Ourselves of Our Evil Inclinations”
                Indeed, we have “natural inclinations”. We have passions and desires that are characteristic of material beings. In fact, it is good to have these inclinations. Physical desires such as food, drink, sex, comfort, etc… are all natural and can be beneficial in our pursuit of the Devout Life. It is not the inclination, itself, that is sinful and damaging to our pursuit of the Devout Life. Instead, it is the action that flows from these inclinations that, when improperly oriented towed the ego or simple material Truth that causes the problem. We need to teach our students to be reflective and ever mindful of the purpose and reason for their actions. They can be taught how to orient their inclinations toward God so that all actions become part of a Journey toward the Devout Life.

Do we focus on the shadow or on the mountain whose shadow appears closer to us? Better still, do we even consider the light, which makes this Beautiful image possible? (photo P. Smith)


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