Alienation

Alienation

The root cause of alienation can be found in the ego

The collective human condition is one of alienation from God, due to the sinful nature of us all. Every problem in the world has its roots in this state of alienation. This would include the divisions within families, nations, religions, social classes, and all that keeps us apart. Only when we acquire peace, which comes with the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, can this alienation be dispelled.

The root cause of this alienation can be found in the ego. It is the ego which sees itself as the center of everything, and sees self as all important, which caused the Fall of humankind. The cure of this spiritual illness, is in the acquisition of a humble and contrite heart. When we struggle against the ego, with the prayerful desire to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, we see that all our neighbors, including those who are of other faiths, nations, and races, are our brothers and sisters (our relatives.)

We see that money, the acquisition of "things," our "social status," and our "tribe," are all part of our collective human condition of alienation from God. Even our alienation from the environment, which has resulted in the pollution of our planet, is related to our alienation from God. It is this same alienated state that is the root of our cruelty to animals, seeing them as "resources" to be used, and abused.

Our world is on the brink of disaster, and we refuse to notice, all because we are so centered on ourselves. If we wonder why there are divisions among peoples of the world, we need look no further than ourselves. When war breaks out with another country, we assume it is their fault, because, after all, "God is on our side." We are like families, always wanting to put the blame on one relative, yet refusing to believe that it might be we who are in need of change.

The only way to end this alienation, is in true repentance. When we start to speak like the Holy Apostle Paul, and say, with true conviction, "I am the chief of sinners," grace abounds, and God changes our hearts. Without the acquisition of a humble and contrite heart, for ourselves, it will always be about "them."

With love in Christ,

Abbot Tryphon

Photo: The Holy Brotherhood of the All-Merciful Saviour.