Fundamentalism at Home and Abroad: Analysis and Pastoral Responses, a book by Fr Gerarld Arbuckle SM, has won first place in the Professional Books section at the Catholic Press Association USA awards.Prayer 
School for Prayer (13) Evagrius of Pontus (5) – The human person in Christ(0)
By Fr Craig Larkin sm, 1943 - 2015
Putting it Together
According to Evagrius’ teaching, the human person, with its strengths and struggles, can be illustrated like this:
How the Logismoi operate
The Fathers, following Evagrius, outline a number of ‘stages’ in the struggle with the logismoi.… More
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School for Prayer (12) – Evagrius of Pontus (4)
By Fr Craig Larkin sm, 1943 - 2015
Building up Resistance
Each of the logismoi is resisted or counteracted by a virtue or a good habit:
To resist the logismos of Gluttony
Be moderate in eating and drinking
Undertake fasting from time to time or don’t eat between meals
Do manual work
Develop the habit of spiritual reading
To resist the logismos of Lust
Pay attention to your thoughts; notice where these thoughts come from, and when they come to you
Watch over your body; avoid a soft and easy life
Undertake a disciplined work life
Pray for an increase in your desire/thirst for God
To resist the logismos of Avarice
Serve the poor
Make a conscious distinction between “what I need” and “what I want”
Remember death; “there are no pockets in a shroud”
To resist the logismos of Anger
Practice kindness; practice compassion;
Practice serving others in community
Do not correct others when you are angry with them
To resist the logismos of Sadness
Develop a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness
Read Scripture
To resist the logismos of Vainglory
Do works of charity in secret
Pray for a spirit of penthos, realization of sinfulness
To resist the logismos of Pride
Do not judge others
Do not always fight to control your personal space
Accept the unexpected things
Allow others to express their opinions;
Listen to others’ opinions
Consciously pray for specific people
To resist the logismos of Acedia
Develop a routine of work; stick to the task
Do manual work; do physical exercise
Develop an attitude of gratitude
Resist cynical thoughts
Making it Personal
The ascetical teaching of Evagrius is very relevant for today.… More
A School for Prayer (11) – Evagrius of Pontus (3)
By Fr Craig Larkin sm, 1943 - 2015
‘Thoughts’ or logismoi are the most significant things for Evagrius of Pontus, and he considers that these are at the beginning of difficulties for anyone on the spiritual journey. What causes us trouble is not our feelings or even our actions, but first of all our thoughts.… More
A School for Prayer (10) – Evagrius of Pontus (2)
By Fr Craig Larkin SM, 1943 - 2015
‘Thoughts’ are the most significant things for Evagrius of Pontus, and he considers that these are at the beginning of difficulties for anyone on the spiritual journey. What causes us trouble is not our feelings or even our actions, but first of all our thoughts.… More