The Spirit Moves, pt 2
[If you haven't read part one, do so now.]
And now I am being pulled back to life. I begun reading and enjoying Apostle to Zaire about Blessed Father Cosmas of Grigoriou.
And it occurred to me that contrary to claims, being Orthodox isn’t hard. I don’t know about you, but sometimes, in moments of despair, I think, “Lord, why Orthodox. I coulda been happy as a Baptist. Its so easy.” But that’s not true. 1)I wouldn’t have been happy and 2)Orthodoxy is easier.
Oh sure there are more “things to do” than in Protestant churches. Vespers, Confession, Liturgy, Fasting, services at all hours of the day, venerate this and venerate that, get the priests blessing, prayer rule, etc. But we know what to do. That was always my problem before becoming Orthodox. I had no idea what to do. I knew going to church on Sunday wasn’t enough. But The Church, in her wisdom, lays out for what we need to do to follow Christ. And where there is some flexibility she provides us with a guide who can offer advice.
So, I am going to talk to Father soon about the whole chapel thing and get his input. I’ve been hesitant until I could find a permenant spot–either at a home I own, or in agreement with the land owner. But now…well I’m still renting but things have changed somewhat.
Since this recent “reawakening” I’ve been twice confronted with this quote:
“The spread of Christ’s faith ought to be near and precious to the heart of every Christian. In this work every member of the Church ought to take a lively and heart-felt interest. “
-St. Tikhon of Moscow
As Buffalo Springfield sang (in an admittedly different context), “There’s something happening here.”
Something happening here indeed!
I think its also easier because we’re doing this together. Left on my own, my “personal” fasting and prayer rule was a joke (if I did them regularly at all). Now I have a Church family who is working through this with me.
Deb
I trust you’ve read the post on Monachos by Jim Audoboun(?) about his prayer hut and saw the pictures? Is that what is inspiring you?
For as easy as Orthodoxy may be, I still struggle because I’m so dang lazy. Then when I do pray, because it only takes me a few minutes, I feel like I’ve not done enough. Ridiculous really when you think about it.
The link works now. I think I published it, then did a little correcting then put it in draft…ooops.
Philippa, I’ve not seen Jim’s prayer hut. This idea is one I’ve been mulling since father mentioned it about 4 years ago.
And keep in mind I’m saying Orthodoxy is easy in that we don’t have to figure it out. I’m not saying we can think for ourselves, but that union with God is a pretty stright forward process (if only the evil one and my ego would let me be).
I feel you. It’s all laid out there, but like Philippa said, I’m just dang lazy.
Found your blog through oc.net. Happy upcoming birthday; sorry you never got into posting in our community.