Divine gifts always pour forth from our God. One of the most resplendent gifts in the sacred tradition of Orthodoxy, is monasticism. These pious souls, inspired by the radiant examples set by John the Baptist and our Lord Himself, have embraced the "Angelic Life," relinquishing the temporal allure of family and worldly success.
These profound ascetic have given us certain sacred writings that are a treasure trove for the soul. While certain aspects of their attention may seem tailored for the monastic life, the greater part carries a universal message for all who seek divine communion.
As an unparalleled example of this type of writing, I would like to direct our gaze towards a revered work, "The Arena," composed by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov, a work held dear by many. To single out a chapter from this vast spiritual treasury is a humble task. But perhaps an apt example is found in the15th chapter. Its title is: "Love for Neighbor as a Means of Attaining Love for God."
Bishop Brianchaninov's wisdom flows like the living waters of divine grace, drawn from the profound well of Matthew 22:37-40. In these sacred words of Christ, we are beckoned to love the Lord with our entire being and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Bishop Ignatius fervently emphasizes that, while love for God is paramount, love for our fellow human beings forms the very foundation upon which our love for God is built. In loving our fellow beings, we come to recognize the profound truth that every human soul is an image and Icon of Christ, and the love we extend to them flows directly to the Lord Jesus Christ. To love our neighbors is to love Christ, our Eternal God.
The New Testament, a repository of divine commandments, offers a multitude of spiritual directives, as numerous as the stars in the night sky. Bishop Brianchaninov, in his pastoral wisdom, distills this wealth of spiritual guidance into a concise set of instructions, illuminating the path toward acquiring love for our fellow beings:
Love your neighbor in this way:
1-Do not get angry with him and do not bear resentment or a grudge against him.
2-Do not allow yourself to say to your neighbor any reproachful, abusive, sarcastic or caustic words.
3-Maintain peace with him as far as possible. Humble yourself in his presence.
4-Do not try to have your revenge on him either directly or indirectly. Whenever possible, yield to him.
5-Get out of the habit of arguing and quarrelling, and reject it as a sign of pride and self love.
6-Speak well of those who speak evil of you. Pay good for evil.
7-Pray for those who cause you various offences, wrongs, temptations, persecutions (Mat 5: 21-48).
8-Whatever you do, on no account condemn anyone; Do not even try to judge whether a person is good or bad.
9-Keep your eyes on that one evil person for whom you must give an account before God: yourself (Mat 7: 11).
10-Treat your neighbors as you would like them to treat you (Mat 7: 1-12).
11-Forgive and pardon men their offences against you from the depth of your heart.
12-Finally, do not harm your brother by talkativeness, gossip.
These simple yet profoundly practical instructions shine as the mystical path, illuminating the journey to theosis. It is within this spiritual ARENA, that we engage in the inner battle for our souls. The New Testament, more than a collection of theological doctrines, serves as a sacred vessel for the healing energies of God.
These divine commandments extracted by St. Ignatius from the New Testament are spiritual remedies for the wounded soul. By following these commandments, we do not accumulate merits, rather we draw closer to the divine light, attaining theosis through the love of God present in our fellow human beings. In this sacred counsel, St. Ignatius guides us toward becoming radiant with the divine image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
