Bonovox

 Gabriel Bunge in his spiritual work Earthen Vessels, addresses the phenomena of faith growing cold and waning in people, at the same time the sale of “spiritual” literature and an interest in “spirituality” is seeing unprecedented growth. The author states that it is when faith is no longer “practiced,” that it evaporates.

In his first chapter, entitled “No one after drinking old wine desires new,” he discusses the thought of Evagrius Ponticus regarding the spiritual life. Evagrius’ writings were focused on the spiritual life of monks, yet they hold great meaning for all who desire true spirituality. Following Evagrius, the author states the importance of studying the fathers towards that end. Their words and deeds are “a model that obliges one to imitate them.” Quoting Evagrius,

It is fitting for those who want to walk along the “way” of him who said: “I am the way and the life,” that they learn from those who previously walked along it, and converse with them about what is useful, and hear from them about what is helpful, so as not to introduce anything that is foreign to our course.

This is an important point. Western culture, particularly here in the US here is enamored with the idea of independence and individualism, to the point where your religious beliefs appear to so many to be invalid, if they are not different from your parents or social group. You often hear someone say proudly, “I’m not religious, but I am spiritual;” implying that beliefs held by a group are silly or superstitious, particularly if they are traditional; whereas the individuals beliefs are great, particularly if they are different or novel.

But for the Christian, its quite clear that we are not, or cannot be, individuals making it up as we go along; “just me and Jesus.” To become a Christian means to be grafted into the Body of Christ, which implies community and continuity. We are taught by those who have gone before us, to avoid things that are “foreign” or alien to our course. Its as the author says, “not an unthinking adherence to what has been handed down, but the preservation of a living fellowship.”

Another good point made by the author, is about how the word “spirituality” itself is misused today. Spirituality, as used in our culture, refers to thoughts, fellings and anything having to do with the “inner life” of a man or woman. But in the Christian Tradition, “spirituality” refers to anything touched and made alive by God’s Holy Spirit. The most base acitivity in the material world, is made “Spiritual” when God is allowed to be central to the activity and to transform it into a means of grace. Mowing the lawn can indeed be a spiritual endeavor, it is done prayerfully and with love for God and neighbor.