Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. ping
I most always enjoy Fr. Freeman's observations. Thanks for this. Fr. Stephen and St. Ephraim remind us of a couple of things which the West seems to forget. First that we are indeed intended to become like God; that is our created purpose. And second, that God is "small" or put another way, humble. This quote from Archimandrite Sophrony, who spent many years in Great Britain speaks to this and is worth remembering:
"The Holy Spirit comes when we are receptive. He does not compel. He approaches so meekly that we may not even notice. If we would know the Holy Spirit we need to examine ourselves in the light of the Gospel teaching, to detect any other presence which may prevent the Holy Spirit from entering into our souls. We must not wait for God to force Himself on us without our consent. God respects and does not constrain man. It is amazing how God humbles Himself before us. He loves us with a tender love, not haughtily, not with condescension. And when we open our hearts to Him we are overwhelmed by the conviction that He is indeed our Father. The soul then worships in love."