August 29, 1999
Sts. Barsanuphius and John:
Spirituality in the Workplace
In this
issue, we will continue our look at the teachings of two Desert Fathers of sixth century
Palestine, Sts. Barsanuphius and John. This series will continue over several issues
as much of what they have to teach us goes right to the heart of the questions each of us
faces in our own individual pilgrimages. Today’s questions focus on relations with
other people in the workplace:
BEGIN: Q: When a brother asks me about some word or matter which I
do not know, should I reply to him or not? Likewise, when I am not asked, but I myself see
that someone is doing something badly, should I at least once speak about this to the one
who is doing badly, or not?
A: To all these questions there is a single answer: be careful not
to speak out of vainglory, but speak with humility and the fear of God. In all the cases
(about which you ask), speak and remind another, if necessary – but only in your own
monastery, and not in a different place; because those who live in one community are as it
were one body. But when you are in a different place, say nothing of yourself, so as not
to show yourself a teacher; but when you are asked, speak with humility, and God will
instruct you, O brother.
-- Q: Tell me, my Father, what it means to pay heed to one’s
thoughts? Should one be occupied with this at a definite time? And how does one do this?
A: The Fathers have assigned a time for paying heed to one’s
thoughts saying: "In the morning test yourself, how you spent the night; and in the
evening likewise, how you spent the day. And in the middle of the day, when you are
weighed down by thoughts, examine yourself."
-- Q: If I speak a sarcastic word to someone, and he doesn’t
understand it, should I repent before him, or be silent and give him no thought about
this?
A: If the brother does not understand that you spoke to him in
sarcasm, be silent and do not disturb him; but strive to repent over this before God.
-- Q: Since you have assigned me to be in this service, in the
infirmary, tell me, my Father: should I read certain medical books and teach myself to
make medicines, or is it better not to be concerned about this, as something that causes
the mind to wander, and abandon it (so that it will not arouse vainglory in me) and be
satisfied with what I already know, doing whatever is possible with the aid of oil, flour,
ointments, and in general simple remedies such as are used by those who do not read
(medical books). How should I act? For my heart trembles in this service lest I sin in
something and add to my passions yet other sins.
A: Inasmuch as we have not yet come to perfection, so as to be
entirely delivered from the captivity of passions, it is better to occupy ourselves with
medicine than with passions. But we should place our hope not in medicines but in God, Who
kills and brings to life and says: "I will strike and I will heal" (Deuteronomy
32:39). While reading medical books or asking someone about them, do not forget that
without God no one receives healing. And thus, he who devotes himself to the medical art
should give himself over to the Name of God, and God will grant him help. The medical art
does not hinder a man from being pious; but make use of it like a handiwork for the
benefit of the brethren. Whatever you do, do with the fear of God, and you will be
preserved by the prayers of the Saints. Amen.
-- Q: You told me before that the cutting off of one’s own
will consists also of not arguing out of a desire to stand on one’s own. But what
should I do, my Father: sometimes it happens that I bring a sick man something that is
apparently beneficial; but often it harms him, and I grieve that in this I have done my
own will. I see likewise that I am occupied the whole day, and this somehow does not allow
me to remember God. Also, gluttony disturbs me. Tell me, what should I do? For I believe
that in these things is my salvation.
A: If, thinking that something will bring benefit to the sick, you
act according to your will, and the opposite happens, that it brings them harm – God,
who beholds your heart, will not judge you; for He knows that you have done harm while
desiring to bring benefit. But if someone who knows (about this matter) should tell you
about it beforehand, and you should disdainfully disobey him, this would be pride and
self-will. Many have constantly heard about some city or other and then they chance to
enter it without knowing that it is that very city; so you also, O brother, spend the
whole day in remembrance of God and do not know it. To have a commandment and strive to
keep it – this is submission to and remembrance of God. Brother John has rightly said
to you: first put on leaves, and then, when God commands, you will bear fruit. If you do
not know what is profitable, follow one who knows, and this is humility, and you will
receive God’s grace. You have rightly said that your salvation lies in this; for you
did not come here of yourself, but God guided you here. "Be strong in the Lord"
(Ephesians 6:10): you receive not a little benefit from the occupation about which you
complain. As far as possible, struggle against gluttony. And the Lord will help you to
know and do what is profitable. Be manful and strengthened in the Lord.
-- Q: I am apprehensive, my Father, because I am in charge of the
infirmary, for this is something involving authority, and this might give occasion for
vainglory and familiarity. Likewise, from frequent eating of food I can be drawn into
gluttony. And so, do you not consider that, for a preliminary training of myself, I should
be first in a lower obedience, and then, when it will be easier for me, I should again
enter upon that service?
A: Listen, O brother, and be convinced in the Lord, that when we
entrusted this matter to you, our hand and our heart are with you, or to be more precise,
the hand of God, entreated by our prayers for the salvation of your soul, and that He has
strengthened you in this matter and given you success and covered you in it. You can be
saved in no other way than through this (obedience). And so, do not become discouraged,
falling and rising up, crawling and reproaching yourself, until the Lord will show you the
mercy which you desire. Only do not be negligent. Fear not, for the Lord, Who has placed
you in this work, will put it in order, and we will share the concern with you.
-- Q: If one of the brethren or one of the sick should sin, and I,
desiring to correct him, tell him something with disturbance: should I later bow down to
him (asking for forgiveness)? If it should happen that he leaves the infirmary being angry
at me, what should I do? And in general, for what faults should one make a prostration (to
the other)? For pride and self-justification darken the mind. And when one makes a
prostration, vainglory again finds an occasion for itself.
A: Do nothing with disturbance, because evil does not give rise to
good. But endure until your thought should become calm, and then speak in peace. And if
the brother should listen to you – well and good; but if not, tell him: "Would
you not like me to reveal this to the Abba, and we will do as he judges," and you
will be at peace. But if he goes away angry, tell the Abba, and he will enlighten him: but
make no bow to him (that is, do not beg forgiveness), for through this you will give him
occasion to think that you are actually guilty before him, and he will arm himself against
you even more. But from other people be careful to ask forgiveness, corresponding to the
sin: as soon as you see that your sin is great, bow down; but when it is not great, say
with your lips, with a feeling of heartfelt repentance: "Forgive me, brother."
Beware of pride and self-justification, for they hinder repentance; and it also happens
that a man gives a bow out of vainglory. Despite these three passions (pride,
self-justification, and vainglory); where necessary, make a bow with humility, fear of
God, and understanding. According to your strength, strive to remain in these virtues, and
God will help you, by the prayers of the Saints. END
from "Saints Barsanuphius and John: Guidance Toward
Spiritual Life," trans. by Fr. Seraphim Rose, (Platina, California: St. Herman
of Alaska Brotherhood, 1990), pp. 82 - 91 (selections).
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