Talk 27: How Does One Overcome Coldness and Deadness in the Spiritual Life?
A great many Orthodox Christians who fast, confess, commune, attend the church services, and perform various ascetic labors believe that this is enough, that God is pleased with them, and that they deserve spiritual rewards and have earned their salvation. This attitude leaves them self-opinionated, self-satisfied, and utterly insensitive to any prick of conscience – in other words, spiritually dead and deceived. In this talk, Father Kosmas uses the teachings of Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov to explain how true spiritual life requires practicing the teachings of the Gospel, recognizing our own sinfulness, and cultivating a sense of repentance.
The following questions are also discussed: how does the Holy Water of the Orthodox Church differ from that of the Roman Catholic Church? Why do the Jehovah’s Witnesses and other sectarians seem so peaceful and calm? Joy in the spiritual life – holy or demonic? How can we see God? What is the difference between children of God and children of the devil? What did the saints regard as greater than miracle-working and good works? Why is it that we cannot repent? Can God still give us what we ask even when He knows it is not good for us? How are the passions spiritually beneficial?
Other topics covered in this talk include: the logical reason for the Western Church’s doubt or denial of the wonders and miracles in the lives of ancient saints; rampant pharisaism in the Orthodox Church today; the tragedy of not reading the Holy Gospels on a daily basis; how not noticing one’s vainglory is equal to having no inner spiritual life; the worthlessness of prayer without repentance; the repulsiveness of a self-opinionated person; and the deception of not wanting to sin.
Talk Duration: 196 minutes
Chanting Duration: 30 minutes
3 CD set