Talking with Geronta Pavlos of Sinai:

Q Is it really a heavy thing to keep the commandments of God?

A Many times, isn't it?

Q But doesn't Christ say, “My yoke is easy and My burden light”?

A It becomes light with the grace of God, when a person has the will and decides to do that which God wills, saying, "Whether it's easy or difficult I will do it" - then it becomes easy.

The airplane, in order to overcome the earth's gravity, in the beginning, at take-off, puts out all its power in order to lift off the ground. And then, once it achieves altitude, it goes more easily, do you see? It's the same thing for a person. To escape the pull which sin has, to put off the weight which is pressing one down, requires strength, much strength, and decision and will. It's not an easy thing.

Q More and more, people in western culture seem to take refuge in the agnostic theism that says a ‘higher power’ exists, but cannot be known by us.

A Certainly, we may not be able to understand God, because God is infinite, but we can have interaction with Him, communication with Him. With prayer, with the keeping of His commandments ... these bring fellowship with Him, communication. God wants this. And it is easy.

Q How then does one get his spiritual airplane off the ground?

A With our own effort, first and foremost, by wanting to. By understanding that in serving sin, our passions, we have lost our freedom. We must understand that, and want to break free from this slavery. And then, with the grace of God, we will progress. We will struggle according to our strength as people, waging our spiritual campaign, and with the help of God, we will arrive at freedom.

Photo: Elder Pavlos with pilgrims near the Burning Bush, which is immediately outside the Monastery's main church, and visible in the previous posts. (Photo by Peter G. Angelides)