PHILOKALIA MINISTRIES

Desire as the true fire of the spiritual life The spiritual life does not begin with fear. It begins with desire. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Mt 5:6). Christ does not say blessed are those who are afraid , or those who never fail , but those who hunger. Hunger is not condemned in the Gospel. It is named, honored, and promised fulfillment. Fear can restrain behavior for a time. Anxiety can produce compliance. Moralism