The goal of human life...

“...first of all, the source, goal, and content of human life is not spirituality or religion, liturgical ritual or ascetical regimes, but the living God Himself.” ―Olga Savin, The Way of a Pilgrim

A thought on this: the source and goal mentioned above is achieved not through separation from the body of Christ. Prayer in and of itself is meet and right within two frames... 1. Within the context of a seeker who has not found, for we read in the words of Christ that if we knock, the door will be opened. And 2. Within the framework as one who has found the Truth which is the Church (read- body) of Christ. For we also read in the scriptures that not all who cry, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of Heaven. With this in mind we take in to consideration of the writings of the desert fathers who remind us that we are responsible for what we come to know of God and our relationship to him. Therefore, the goal is achieved by those abstentions, rituals, prescriptions, and prayers but are not the end in and of themselves. They are but tools to use that God Himself ordained necessary for our humility, for it is by humility that we step out of the way and allow Him who loves mankind to do His work in our lives. This is the essence of synergy. This is the goal of life, God and man united. Working together as Father and Son.

Let us ponder on the life of our most holy Lady and how she acquired this in her life.

Happy Nativity of the Theotokos this Saturday, to one and all!