*From The Hellenic Voice, “The Secret Life of Grace” by Sister Joanna

Christ is risen! Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Христос воскресе!

WINNING THE INNER WAR

The Secret Life of Grace*

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Stepping through a monastery portal for the first time, one realizes that this ultimate hope of the Christian life – union with God – is not just an ancient prayer of the Divine Liturgy but vivid reality for those who seek it. The venerable stone arches themselves attest to the triumphant experience of so many generations, whose miraculous saints proved the promise of life in Christ.

Through struggle for freedom from the sinful passions, their souls were transformed into the abode of the Holy Spirit. Geronta Pavlos of St. Catherine’s Monastery emphasizes that Christians throughout the world succeed in the same struggle even today. “In the cities, in America, Australia, Canada, everywhere, living in stillness they don’t make noise, the world doesn’t know them,” he says.

One reason the world does not know them is because their holy struggle is concealed far from its gaze. Hidden within the secret reaches of the heart, it neither entertains our neighbors nor garners their commendation. Indeed, in a society occupied with good works the greatest good work of all remains almost unknown in the popular consciousness.

It is called “guarding of the heart” or “watchfulness” by the Church Fathers. It is a ceaseless vigilance to keep the heart pure of every thought not pleasing to Christ – every thought that could drive away Divine Grace, leaving inner turmoil in its place. Inner turmoil quickly becomes “outer.” Unless individuals address the war going on in their own soul, can anyone look for the end of warfare among peoples?

“Find inner peace,” St. Seraphim of Sarov famously said, “and thousands of souls around you will be saved.” Not “benefitted,” not “inspired.” “Saved.” It is a great thing to contribute to a brother’s material need, and even greater thing to contribute to his eternal salvation. The first may not be possible. The second is always within our reach, for, like turmoil, our holy peace goes out to others.

The Son of God saves the world, and Christ called the peacemakers “sons of God.” Consequently, simple watchfulness of the thoughts has the power to do infinite good. Conceivably, poverty itself would disappear, as its causes ceased to be tolerated in the hearts of man. Who can practice injustice or greed who has learned to recognize and reject the first thought of evil from his mind? The greatest sin began with a tiny thought, the desert Fathers teach. …

*From The Hellenic Voice, “The Secret Life of Grace” by Sister Joanna