Geronta, what should someone answer to young children who ask if the monastic life is higher than the married life?
First, help them to understand what is man’s destiny and the meaning of life. Next, explain that the Church blesses both of these paths, because both are able to lead them to Paradise if they live according to God’s will. Let’s say that two people set out on a pilgrimage. The first goes by bus, while the other goes on foot; but they both have the same destination. God rejoices in the first just as he is amazed by the second. What’s bad is when the one who goes by footpath judges the one who goes by bus, or vice versa.
It’s good for youth who think about monasticism to know that the monk’s vocation is very great: it is to become an Angel. Christ told the Sadducees that in the next life, in Heaven, we will live as Angels. [1] For this reason many youth—those with much philotimo [2]—become monastics and begin the angelic life in this life. Read more →
Let Us Help the Youth to Follow their Calling
The Good God created man free. He is nobly unimposing. He respects man’s freedom, freely leaving each person to follow that path which brings him or her comfort. He does not force everyone stand in the same line with military discipline. For that reason, we should leave youths to themselves, without restraint, in the spiritual realm of their God-given freedom. They are not helped by constant questioning about which life[—i.e., married or monastic]—they will follow. This is a topic in which they should not be influenced by anyone. Each person has his or her calling.
Again, the parents, the Spiritual fathers, the educators, should help youths to choose whichever life is most suitable for them, and to follow that path to which they are truly called, without influencing or hindering their calling. Their choice should be their own. The rest of us should only express our humble opinions. Our only right is to help these souls find their path. Read more →