The ancient Greek concept 'Apatheia' is often translated in the Latin as 'Puritas Cordis' or 'Purity of heart.' About 7 years ago, a group of married men engaged themselves in this pursuit. They were the first group in their church to discern a call to serve their people as married deacons. I was one of their teachers. It was a remarkable journey with so many stories I could possibly write a book. One of our first topics was to trace the ancient roots of their discernment. It is the practice of 'apatheia' which is basically the control of one's emotions and physical habits in order to purify one's heart to become closer to God. Its goal is to achieve a stillness of heart or mind before we can serve others. I don't know if we succeeded, only God can be the judge. As the reader can observe, the guys are healthy-looking and not ancient 'Mr. Twiggy' ascetics! Fasting and asceticism were/still are essential on the spiritual journey.
The discipline of apatheia is to master these passions or vices in the struggle for a life of virtue. We all desire to achieve balance in our daily lives or as an ancient writer describes "an equilibrium of the powers of the soul." Discipline is never an end in itself and it must always be judged and evaluated in terms of its realistic ability to attain its end. The men/women were not monastics. They had/still have ordinary jobs with all the demands of family life. I immersed myself in their ups and downs, their experiences of fear, sickness, disappointments and even, death. Of the 12, nine survived the intensity and scrutiny of those years. We certainly came close to a calmness of mind/heart in this pursuit of the good. I think a major test for all of us is controlling our emotions/feelings not allowing them to overpower us in our understanding of God. We yearn to find balance.
Congrats to them and their wives on their 2nd anniversary of ordination. May all of us keep on learning. The ancient practice of apatheia is still important. Our bodies, minds/feelings and hearts need not control us.
May our dedication empower us: "... for our entire lifespan is very brief when measured against the ages to come, so that our time is nothing compared with eternal life." [3rd century Athanasius' Life of Antony]
Thank you O Most gracious and benevolent teacher! After this, our 2 years of ministry in service to our Lord, we are still as 'healthy' as can be, though we still have those valleys and mountains of life.
ReplyDeleteIt is with gratitude that we continue our works for good. Not only did you bring us into the aspects of apatheia, you also instilled in us a sense of caritas and a thirst for knowledge. This thirst is not only to know things, but to know people. And that is an important distinction and necessary for ministry.
We are in your debt, Don Ronaldo, for the kind words today and the 'kick in the pants' from our lessons. Our backsides may still hurt, but our hearts are less stony than before! May God bless you and keep you safe!
A stillness of heart and mind is a good thing....and ofcourse serving others is why we are here!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing virue- 'Apatheia'! Purity of heart is a touch call to pursue. In this modern world and working in this society, needs, desires, stress, etc. imposes obstacles to this lofty goal. Congrats to those dedicated and loyal nine men who succeeded in your rigous and grueiling program. Empowerment, purity, discipline, balance, devotion, calmness, commitment, contentment, peace, and more are unbelieveable virtues to achieve and put into any practice. This is highly exemplary.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Don Ronaldo and these Men of God after 2 years of Service and the many others of study, prayer and preparation.
ReplyDeleteIn the words of one of Don Ronaldo's favorite Bible passage:-
Romans 8:28
English Standard Version (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.
Ahhh, 'Apatheia'...Thanks fr. ron++ for the guidance that you so PAITIENTLY provided us men and our wives. I know we were the best class of "kids" you have ever had the pleasure of teaching.
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note, there are not many moments go by while working in ministry that something you taught me is the tool that G-d uses in me to help the person He has sent me.
Thanks for the anniversary wishes and peace...& Merry Christmas to you and all!!
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