What Is the Difference Between a Bad and a Good Monk
February 17
(Instructional Word of Saint Ephraim to Monks.)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
February 17
(Instructional Word of Saint Ephraim to Monks.)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
Just as a young tree, in order to grow better and not be shaken by the wind to and fro, needs a support, so also a young monk, in order to become established in good and flee from evil, needs support and guidance as to how he should live, what he should do, from what he should withdraw, and what he should not do. And such instruction, in accordance with what has been said, we offer to monks today. Let them listen attentively to what we shall say.
What, then, should a monk flee, and to what should he cleave?
Venerable Ephraim says:
“O friend, you have renounced the world — why then do you seek worldly comfort? The Lord called you to affliction, and you seek pleasure; He called you to nakedness, and you seek costly garments. He called you to thirst, and you desire luxurious foods; He called you to war, and you wish to fight without weapons. You were called to vigil, and you cannot be satisfied with sleep; you were called to weeping and lamentation, and you play and laugh. You were called to love, and you hate your brother; you were called to humility, and you contradict everyone. The Lord named you an heir of the Kingdom of Heaven, yet you think about carnal things.”
From this it is clear what a monk must flee; and at the same time there is an indication of what a bad monk is like.
Now let us see what a monk should hold fast to.
The same Venerable Ephraim continues:
“A monk who has acquired patience advances in every virtue: he rejoices in sorrows and is magnanimous in misfortunes; he is cheerful in adversity; ready for obedience; filled with love; he gives praise when insulted; when reproached, he humbles himself; in silence he is courageous; in chanting he is without laziness; in fasting he is enduring; in prayer diligent and patient; in services joyful; in troubles unshaken; in answers discerning; in life industrious; kind toward the brethren; pleasant in conversation; attentive in vigils; he comforts strangers; supports the weak; greets everyone first; and is cautious in discernment. Such is the one who has acquired patience!”
Here there is a clear indication of what a monk must hold fast to, and likewise of what a good monk is like.
Thus, brethren, it has been said what a monk must flee and what he must hold fast to; and it has also been said what the difference is between a bad monk and a good one. It remains to conclude the discourse. With what shall we conclude it? With the words of the same Ephraim, which should be for you very comforting and, like all that he has said, instructive. Listen, then, to what the Venerable one says in conclusion:
"Blessed is he who hates the life of the flesh and converses with God alone! Blessed is he who lives on earth like an angel and, like a Seraph, always has a pure thought! Blessed is he who meditates on the Day of Judgment and washes away his sins with tears of repentance! Blessed is he who, for the sake of pleasing the Lord, becomes free from vain worldly things! Blessed is he who prospers in abstinence and in monastic labor! Blessed is he who has set a guard upon his lips! Blessed is he who hates sin and loves virtue! Blessed is he who loves God above all! Blessed is he who by tears conquers the passions within himself! Blessed is he who sells all his possessions and buys the heavenly pearl — Christ."
To Him be glory, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
