“If a monk does not think in his heart he is a sinner, God will not hear him. … When someone is occupied with his own faults, he does not see those of his neighbor.” from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers
‘Ah, this is a lesson for monks and nuns only. I don’t have to pay attention to this lesson as it is probably too difficult for ordinary people of the world.’ In particular, this quote is part of a series of lessons Moses gave to Abba Poemen, another great Desert Father. How can such a teaching apply to all laity and clergy?
⦁ Our Lord warned us about judging others; by doing so we risk being judged by the same measure we use and to become so blinded to our own great faults for the sake of looking at the smaller ones of others (Matthew 7:1-5)
⦁ In the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian, “Let me see my own sins and not condemn my brother.” If we speak such words to God while harboring the opposite in our hearts and minds, what good are our prayers? They become the much speaking the Lord warned us against and we cheat ourselves out of what we need (Matthew 6:7-8)
⦁ Although a pious man in every way, the Pharisee was not justified in his prayer as he put himself above others who were not. The tax-collector accused no one except himself and did so in bitter humility. The Lord said this man was blessed for such an appeal to God. (Luke 18:9-14)
We all are not called to be monastics just as every bassist is called to be a Jaco Pasturious or Marcus Miller. But, what such musician is not inspired by their creativity and mastery of the instrument and writting? We Christians are called to be insprired by the lives of the saints and Holy Scripture.
I find it easier to see the sins of others. Other than speeding tickets, I’ve never been afoul of the law. But as a clergyman and product of a Christian home, I know I’ll be more harshly judged by God than others (James 3:1, Luke 12:48). I won’t be able to point a finger of blame at someone else when the Judge confronts me. At when I do so in this world, three fingers on the same had point back to me.
Adam accused God and Eve when he ate of the forbidden tree. He showed no remorse or sorrow. He was duly expelled from paradise and given to death. Jesus was like us in every way except sin and cried out in anguish from the tree. He conquered sin and death and is seated at the Father’s right hand. Bearing my cross, I must do opposite of Adam and follow the Lord that I may rise with Him.
Desert Fathers Dispatch 