I very much appreciate your explanation of "sacrifice," because I'm one of those people who always thought it meant only something you lose or give away (like when you make a donation of time or money). And that left me wondering, of course, how praising God could be considered a "sacrifice." Now at last it makes sense!
Could you also help me understand something else about Abraham? How did he know that it was really God telling him to sacrifice Isaac, and not a spiritual deception instead?
Well, it is true that a sacrifice is always a gift, and we must sincerely give it over to God -- but we can be assured that whatever we give to Him is never lost.
As far as knowing when a divine encounter is genuine and not a deception: this is a good question, and I do not know specifically if the Fathers have answered it in the case of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac. But to speak generally: those who know God, know God, so to speak. Those of us who are far from Him by our sinful manner of life are vulnerable to spiritual deception because we are not yet familiar with Him by direct noetic perception. But those who are already familiar with him by noetic vision are not so easily deceived by demonic imitations, especially when protected by holy humility.
I very much appreciate your explanation of "sacrifice," because I'm one of those people who always thought it meant only something you lose or give away (like when you make a donation of time or money). And that left me wondering, of course, how praising God could be considered a "sacrifice." Now at last it makes sense!
Could you also help me understand something else about Abraham? How did he know that it was really God telling him to sacrifice Isaac, and not a spiritual deception instead?
Well, it is true that a sacrifice is always a gift, and we must sincerely give it over to God -- but we can be assured that whatever we give to Him is never lost.
As far as knowing when a divine encounter is genuine and not a deception: this is a good question, and I do not know specifically if the Fathers have answered it in the case of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac. But to speak generally: those who know God, know God, so to speak. Those of us who are far from Him by our sinful manner of life are vulnerable to spiritual deception because we are not yet familiar with Him by direct noetic perception. But those who are already familiar with him by noetic vision are not so easily deceived by demonic imitations, especially when protected by holy humility.
Maybe coffee hour. I wonder how my Orthodox godfather is doing. I’ll have to ask forgiveness that I went back to Old Rome, of course.
Thank you for another wonderful reminder of the fullness of the invitation Christ is offering us.
I see you now bear the title of Igumen, Father. Does this mean you are the new Abbot of the Holy Cross Monastery?
No, Fr. Seraphim is still the abbot, thank God! In my case Igumen is merely an ecclesiastical rank.