Additional information
| Author Name | Ignatius (Brianchaninov) |
|---|---|
| Translator | Nicholas Kotar |
| Publisher | |
| Imprint | |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 374 |
| Book Dimensions | 9 x 6 ins |
| Paperback ISBN | 9780884653769 |
| eBook ISBN | 9780884654513 |
Description
The spiritual harvest requires a heart that is harrowed by repentance, softened by compunction, and irrigated by tears.
The field is a place of cultivation and of battle. In this volume the nineteenth century Christian saint and teacher Ignatius (Brianchaninov) instructs his readers in the cultivation of the field of their hearts, with the aim of producing a harvest of virtues both pleasing to God and of benefit to all humankind. Drawing on his own military background St Ignatius recognizes that this cultivation requires discipline and awareness of the enemies that thwart our efforts to live a holy life. His words combine spiritual wisdom with reflections on nature that hint at the joy awaiting those who embrace the saint’s call.
The Field draws deeply on the teachings of the ascetic fathers of the Church, from the desert dwellers of Scetis in Egypt to St Ignatius’s Russian contemporaries, the Optina Elders. He demonstrates how their voice is one in guiding us on the Christian path. It will be impossible for either lay people or monastics to read these words without being challenged and inspired to follow Christ more fully in cultivating the Field of their own life.
Contents
Introduction
Part I
1. Emulating Our Lord Jesus Christ
2. On Reading the Gospels
3. On Reading the Holy Fathers
4. On Avoiding Books That Contain False Teaching
5. On the Commandments of the Gospel
6. On the Gospel Beatitudes
7. Truth and Spirit
8. Faith and Works
9. A Scattered Life and an Attentive Life
Part II
Reflection: The Sea of Life
10. On the Snares of the Prince of This World
11. The Pharisee
12. A Christian and His Passions
13. On Habits
14. Conscience
15. The Eight Chief Passions with Their Subdivisions and Offshoots
Part III
Reflection: Thoughts on the Shores of the Sea
16. On the Virtues That Act Against the Eight Chief Sinful Passions
17. On Loving One’s Neighbor
18. On Loving God
19. On Fasting
20. On Prayer
21. On Faith
Part IV
Reflection: Dew
22. On Repentance
23. On Humility: A Conversation Between an Elder and His Disciple
24. On True and False Humble-Mindedness
25. On Patience
26. On Purity
27. A Short Rule of Vigilance for Those Who Live in the World
Part V
Reflection: The Tree in Front of My Cell’s Window During Winter
28. The Cemetery
29. A Voice from Eternity: Thoughts on the Grave
30. Thoughts on Death
31. Proof of the Resurrection of the Body, Taken from the Effect of the Jesus Prayer
Part VI
Reflection: The Garden During Winter
32. My Cross and the Cross of Christ
33. The Cup of Christ
34. On Monasticism: A Conversation Between Two Orthodox Christians, a Layman, and a Monk
35. Words of Consolation for Sorrowing Monks
36. On Tears
37. Glory to God!
38. The Praying Mind Seeks Union with the Heart
39. A Vision of Christ
Appendix 1 – A Short Biography of St Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
Appendix 2 – My Lament
Notes
Subject Index
Scripture Index
