---

One of my favorite Eastern Orthodox authors is Metropolitan Anthony Bloom. And my favorite book written by Metropolitan Anthony is “Living Prayer.” Unfortunately it’s not so easy to find copies of it anymore as, I believe, it is our of print. If you can’t find it, I’d recommend another of his books on prayer, “Beginning to Pray.”

“Living Prayer” is not a long book, but it just offers some beautiful insights into having a healthy — a living! — prayer life. One of the chapters includes a quote from St Ambrose of Optina concerning the Last Judgment. It’s a reminder about the importance of humility in our spiritual life. I remember when I first read this quote, it just gave me much hope and encouragement in my own spiritual life. Here’s Metropolitan Anthony, quoting from St Ambrose:

“Ambrose of Optina, one of the last Russian Staretz, said once that two categories of men will attain salvation: those who sin and are strong enough to repent, and those who are too weak even to repent truly, but are prepared, patiently, humbly and gratefully, to bear all the weight of the consequences of their sins; in their humility they are acceptable to God.”

What wonderful words to hold onto as we struggle with our own sins, particularly our habitual sins. Ultimately the thing that opens the floodgates of God’s mercy is that we embrace a humble heart.

Before and above all else, may we cultivate a spirit of humility. Anybody who can cultivate that spirit, anybody who can go through their lives with a humble heart, is capable of salvation and eternal joy.

Love in Christ,
+FrAJ