"All those who wish to embark on the toils of the virtuous life should train themselves to the task gradually, and keep on until perfection is achieved. Do not be confused by the many different paths our forefathers exemplified, and do not try to copy all of them exactly, for this would upset your way of life. No, you must choose a way of life that suits your lesser abilities. Travel your road and you will find life there, for your Lord is merciful and he will find you acceptable not only because of your achievements, but because of your heart's intentions, just as he received the poor widow's gift (Mark 12:43)."
- Evagrios Pontike, from Standing in God's Holy Fire: The Byzantine Tradition, John Anthony McGuckin
Very good observation. The widow's mite was acceptable because she believed that God would supply her needs as He said and put that belief into action by giving her last of her money. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. When we believe what He says, and live as if it's already happened, that's faith. And, if my reading and study is correct, HE puts that kind of faith IN us. Because we can't gin that up on our own. We are faith-LESS. The human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. We can't even be sure of our own motivation. "In me, that is in my flesh, dwells no good thing, for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." Amazing Grace that God cares for us as He does.
ReplyDeleteSTxAR, I hope you are correct in that God puts that kind of faith into us. I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with me.
Delete