“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
In time, Moses became one of the sought after Desert Fathers for his spiritual wisdom. Two visitors from Gaul, Germanos and John Cassian – who would later be recognized as a saint himself, came to Sketis to learn from him and others on how to direct monastery life. Giving up the pursuits of the world to take on the drastic toils of fasting, labor, study, and long worship and prayer vigils is an extreme that not all people are called to do in order to reach the kingdom of God. Moses does point out what is essential for monastics and non-monastics; purity of heart. “The goal of our profession is the kingdom of God. Its immediate purpose is purity of heart, for without this we cannot reach our goal.”*
In the Gospel, Matthew notes that the Lord wasn’t speaking only to His followers or select disciples. Jesus was preaching to the multitude. Likewise, the words of Moses can and should be applied to all of us. We can’t get to heaven unless our hearts are pure. “We should always have this purpose in mind; and should it ever happen for a short time our hearts turn aside from the direct path, we must bring it back again at once, guiding our lives with reference to our purpose as if it were a carpenter’s rule.”* Not everyone is called to be a monk or nun. But we are all called to pursue this.
It’s easy to expect clergy to be sinless in public as examples for others to follow. However, non believers are more likely to see a layperson than a pastor or some other minister. So everyone has to be ready to be a good example of the Christian life. We may influence someone to seek the faith we practice, or lead them to belive we are a collection of hypocrites. As well, none of knows the day nor hour when we must face our judgement from the Lord. It would be far better to be in the act or lifestyle of holiness than wickedness.
But, “nobody’s perfect.” Moses isn’t suggesting a condition where we haven’t done anything wrong. Again, “should it ever happen for a short time our hearts turn aside from the direct path,.” Even the monks and nuns can stumble in the quest for holiness. What’s helpful is that we don’t remain down for a long time when we stumble. That we don’t let a fall into temptation keep us from making a strong effort for purity.
In football, it’s said that a defensive back has to have a short memory. If he keeps in mind how a receiver burned him running a route for an open catch or touchdown, the opposing offense will continue to target him. By putting that play aside, being mindful of the fundamentals of the position, constantly reading the plays better and sticking to the assignments, the defender regains confidence. He will fail less often and perhaps make a big play or two.
Satan and his minions do burn us. When burned, we can’t stay down or we’ll simply be in his pocket to be used at his will. Instead, we are to confess and repent of our sins, listen to and practice wise instruction, and do the things that strengthen our spiritual lives. By doing these things, the evil one cannot own us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we overcome things that once enslaved us. Sure there are some temptations that are more difficult than others as there are some greate receivers and some not as good. Whomever we face, giving up is not an option. Christ empowers us for the challenge.
*The Philokalia: Volume One, On the Holy Fathers of Sketis and on Discrimination, pgs. 94,95
Desert Fathers Dispatch 