Transfiguration in the Spirit
St. Seraphim Sarovski, when speaking to Nicholas Motovilov on the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, became transfigured, and a great light enveloped he and his spiritual son, while he described the true aim of the Christian life:
“Prayer, fasting, vigil and all other Christian activities, however good they may be in themselves, do not constitute the aim of our Christian life, although they serve as the indispensable means of reaching this end. The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. As for fasts, and vigils, and prayer, and almsgiving, and every good deed done for Christ’s sake, they are only means of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God. But mark, my son, only the good deed done for Christ’s sake brings us the fruits of the Holy Spirit. All that is not done for Christ’s sake, even though it be good, brings neither reward in the future life nor the grace of God in this. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ said: He who gathers not with Me scatters (Luke 11:23). Not that a good deed can be called anything but gathering, since even though it is not done for Christ’s sake, yet it is good. Scripture says: In every nation he who fears God and works righteousness is acceptable to Him (Acts 10:35).” St. Seraphim (Entire text)
May 30th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Saint Seraphim’s rule of prayer included his own orthodox version of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I am convinced that his openness to the presence and gifts of the Holy Spirit came to him through the Mother of God. Interesting that we both posted about Saint Seraphim this week.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
I always think of St. Seraphim in connection with the Holy Spirit, but your post on him inspired me as well. Thank you Father.