In the patristic writings, "pain of heart" generally refers to an elemental inward suffering, the bearing of an interior cross while following Jesus Christ, and a spirit broken in contrition. "Suffering," Fr. Seraphim stated, "is the reality of the human condition and the beginning of the true spiritual life." From Archbishop John, who had utterly crucified himself in this life, Fr. Seraphim had learned how to endure this suffering in thankfulness to God, and from him he had learned its fruits. If used in the right way, suffering can purify the heart, and the pure in heart . . . shall see God (Matt. 5:8). "The right approach," wrote Fr. Seraphim, "is found in the heart which tries to humble itself and simply knows that it is suffering, and that there somehow exists a higher truth which can not only help this suffering, but can bring it into a totally different dimension." According to St. Mark the ascetic (fifth century), "Remembrance of God is pain of heart enduring in the spirit of devotion. But he who forgets God becomes self-indulgent and insensitive." And in the words of St. Barsanuphius the Great of Egypt, whose counsels Fr. Seraphim translated into English, "Every gift is received through pain of heart."
--Father Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works, p. 471
[Note: Time stamp changed to move it up the blog.]
Posted by Clifton at March 3, 2004 06:50 PM | TrackBack