#Isaac the Syrian

[dramoor]

“His face is set all the time towards forgiveness.”

~St. Isaac the Syrian

[momentsbeforemass]

Why did Jesus have to die?

Today’s Gospel is John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

It’s beautiful. But it also begs a question, one that I struggle with. Why did Jesus have to die?

When you ask why Jesus had to die, once you get past the basics (“Christ was killed for us, His death washed out our sins, and that by dying He disabled death itself.” – C.S. Lewis), the usual responses get into theories about how salvation works. Things like atonement, forgiveness, suffering, sin, reconciliation, etc.

Important stuff, to be sure. But it really doesn’t answer the question.

Why did Jesus have to die?

That is, if God is God, then God can do anything (that’s part of what it means to be God). So, couldn’t God have done it some other way?

The answer is an unqualified yes.

Then why didn’t God do it some other way?

The best answer that I have found (by “best,” I mean most unsettling, most disruptive to the preconceived notions and limits that I am way too comfortable putting on God’s love) comes from St. Isaac of Syrian.

“Not that God was unable to save us in another way, but in this way it was possible to show us His abundant love abundantly, namely, by bringing us near to Him by the death of His Son.

If God had anything more dear to Him, He would have given it to us.”

That last sentence is everything.

Through the greatest example possible (the way of salvation for all of humanity). One which is at the same moment the most personal example possible (because God would have done exactly the same thing if you or I were the only ones who needed to be saved). God shows us what love truly means.

Love is not an exchange. If it’s a transaction, it’s not love.

Love is not measured. If it’s limited, it’s not love.

To truly love, as God loves (the One whose very nature is love), means not counting the cost.

This is how you and I are called to love.

Because this is the love that God has for you.

Today’s Readings

[justana0kguy]

2023 SEPTEMBER 28 Thursday

"Rather than a garment of honor and outward splendor, [may we] adorn [ourselves] with [the Lord's] humility."

~ Isaac the Syrian, Spiritual discourses, 1st series, no. 20

[religious-extremist]

Love all men but keep distant from all men.

[orthodoxadventure]

Preserve your inner peace at any cost. Do not trade your inner peace for anything in the world. Make peace with yourself, and heaven and earth will make peace with you.

Saint Isaac the Syrian

[sidebee-hive]

"If a man does not argue with the thoughts that the enemy secretly sows in us, but by prayer to God uproots conversation with them, this is a sign that his mind has attained wisdom, and that he has found a short path."

- St. Isaac the Syrian

[anastpaul]

One Minute Reflection – 12 June – Let your … lamps burn in your hands.

One Minute Reflection – 12 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart – St Juan de Sahagun (1419-1479) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Order of the Augustinians – – Ecclesiasticus i 31:8-11; Luke 12:35-40– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ “Jesus said to His disciples: Let your … lamps burn in your hands.” – Luke 12:35 REFLECTION…

[opoloop]

[portraitsofsaints]

Saint Isaac the Syrian c. 613 - c. 700 Feast Day: January 28

Saint Isaac of Syria, also known as Isaac of Nineveh entered a monastery at a young age and received an excellent education. He then taught theology while emphasizing God’s love, mercy, and the works of the Holy Spirit. St. Isaac was installed as the Bishop of Ninevah but left after 5 months to live a life of solitude, poverty, contemplation, and total surrender to God. His writings are still treasured today for their spiritual insights. {website}

[theotokion]

[eternal-echoes]

“When a man begins to fast, he straightway yearns in his mind to enter into converse with God.”

- St. Isaac the Syrian

[dramoor]

[hieromonkcharbel]

For this is a weapon forged by God, and who shall escape blame if he neglects it? And if the Lawgiver Himself fasts, who among those who keep the law has no need of fasting? This is why the human race knew no victory before fasting, and the devil had never experienced defeat from our nature; but this weapon has made him powerless from the outset.

From: The Ascetical homilies of St Isaac the Syrian – Homily 37

[justana0kguy]

2024 OCTOBER 16 W42 Wednesday

"Do not nurture hatred for sinners; all of us are guilty. If you accuse him for love of God, weep over him. Why should you hate him? His sins are what need to be hated as you pray for him, if you want to be like Christ. Far from being angered by sinners, he prayed for them (Lk 23,34)... What reason is there, then, for you to hate the sinner, mere man that you are? Is it because he is without your virtue? But where is your virtue if charity is lacking?"

~ Isaac the Syrian, Sentences 117,118

[religious-extremist]

Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,

In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity.

[orthodoxadventure]

Thirst after Jesus, and He will satisfy you with His love.

Saint Isaac the Syrian