Counsels on the Spiritual Life, Volumes 1 and 2 (Popular Patristics Series)
Overview
The spiritual counsels of Mark, a fifth century monk in Asia Minor, are equally rich in theological insight and historical interest. His writings were deeply valued by Byzantine ascetics, were circulated during the Reformation, and were read by Lutheran divines and Roman theologians. The general level of interest in his works during the first half of the second millennium is eloquently reported in a fourteenth century manuscript, as a slogan often repeated by monastics and ascetics: “Sell everything and buy Mark.” His words on taking responsibility for one another out of love, his practical advice on the need for repentance, and his strident emphasis on the kind of unity evident in Christ directly relate to modern Christians and may provide a useful point of departure for ecumenical dialogue.
Top Highlights
“Do not try to resolve a tangled situation with contentiousness, but rather with what the spiritual law calls for: patience and prayer and unwavering hope.” (Page 93)
“When the person who is humble and does his work in a spiritual manner reads the Holy Scriptures, he will apply everything he reads to himself and not to someone else.” (Page 92)
“The person who neglects practice and leans on mere knowledge holds, not a two-edged sword [Heb 4:12], but a staff made of reeds; this, when he goes into battle, ‘will pierce his hand,’ Scripture says [2 Kings 18:21], and, entering his flesh, will inject its natural poison into him in front of his enemies.” (Page 100)
“The three strong giants of the Evil One under consideration here are those that have already been mentioned: ignorance, the mother of all evils; forgetfulness, its brother and co-worker and assistant; and laziness, which weaves the dark cloak and veil that blankets the soul like a dark cloud.” (Page 77)
“Scripture calls faith ‘the assurance of things hoped for’ [Heb 11:1], and calls those who do not acknowledge the indwelling of Christ ‘worthless’ [2 Cor 13:5].” (Page 94)
- Title: Counsels on the Spiritual Life, Volumes 1 and 2
- Author: Mark the Monk
- Series: Popular Patristics Series
- Volume: 1 & 2
- Publisher: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press
- Print Publication Date: 2009
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Spiritual life › Christianity--Early works to 1800; Theology › Early works to 1800
- ISBNs: 9780881410631, 15555755, 0881410632
- Resource ID: LLS:CNSLSSPRTLMRMNK
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:27:31Z