June 13, 2016 - "THE HOLY AND GREAT SYNOD" The malfuction caused by foolish zeal under the pretext of divine inspiration

THE HOLY AND GREAT SYNOD
1^st Pastoral Thought

June 13, 2016

THE MALFUCTION CAUSED BY FOOLISH ZEAL UNDER THE PRETEXT OF DEVINE INSPIRATION

A zealous man will never reach peace of mind, and he who is a stranger to peace is also a stranger to joy. For if peace of mind is called perfect health and zeal is the opposite of peace, then whoever  is moved by zeal suffers from a severe illness. O Man, although you think you are manifesting your zeal against the infirmities of persons, you have expelled the health of your soul. However, if you wish to heal the sick, know that the sick are in need of care rather than rebuke. By doing otherwise, while not helping others, you bring upon yourself a greater anguishing illness. Zeal is not considered among persons as a form of wisdom, but as one of the illnesses of the soul which exposes narrow- mindedness and great ignorance.

The beginning of divine wisdom is clemency and gentleness which comes from magnanimity of the soul and the ability to bear human weaknesses; because it is said, “those of you that are strong, bear the infirmities of the weak” and he that has fallen, “restore him in the spirit of meekness.” The Apostle numbers peace and patience among the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5.22)

St. Isaac the Syrian
Homily 58

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