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The Courage to Begin Again
Repentance as the Continual Turning of the Heart Toward Christ “If he is a true laborer, he can make a new beginning at every moment.” — Abba Silouan Synopsis of Tonight’s Group on The Evergetinos Volume III Hypothesis IX D3 - Hypothesis X A-C1 There is an intensity in the Fathers that can sometimes frighten us. They speak of vigilance, struggle, examination, tears, watchfulness, and the danger of negligence. St. Synkletike tells of a servant of God who watched the movements
Father Charbel Abernethy
4 days ago5 min read
The Shore Where It All Began
Sometimes the Risen Christ leads us back to the beginning, not to recover the life we had, but to discover the life that has been quietly forming within us. “It is the Lord.” — John 21:7 There is something mysterious about the return to Galilee. After everything that has happened—the calling, the years of following, the miracles and arguments, the supper, Gethsemane, the Cross, the bewildering news of the empty tomb—the disciples find themselves again beside the sea. Galilee.
Father Charbel Abernethy
Sep 136 min read
Today I Begin
The Last Grace of the Spiritual Life “An old man became a monk and said, ‘Today I begin.’” — Saying of the Desert Fathers There is a great sorrow that can overtake a person in old age. It is not the sorrow of weakness, illness, or approaching death. It is the sorrow of becoming fixed. One ceases to be a disciple. One begins to live upon memory, upon reputation, upon all that has been accomplished and suffered. The heart quietly says, “I already know.” Nothing dies more quickl
Father Charbel Abernethy
Jun 183 min read
Begin or Die on the Road
The Refusal of Delay and the Violence of Undivided Faith “Death in battle for God’s sake is better than a shameful and sluggish life.” There is always a lion for the man who does not want to begin. Always a reason. Always a danger. Always a wiser moment to wait for. And so he remains on the road his entire life. Careful. Thoughtful. Unbloodied. Unchanged. St. Isaac is merciless here. Much wisdom can damn a soul. Not the wisdom that fears God, but the kind that calculates and
Father Charbel Abernethy
Feb 252 min read
The First Step Back Into the River
Psalm One and the Violence of Beginning Again “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1 Grail Translation There is something violent about beginning the Psalter again. Not dramatic. Not emotional. Violent in the quiet way that truth is violent when it interrupts the agreements you have made with distraction. Violent in the way light is violent when it enters a room that has been sealed for too long. Psalm One does not comfort
Father Charbel Abernethy
Feb 93 min read
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