How to choose the right book for Lent: The Spiritual Father Approach

     As we approach this holy season of repentance, of coming to our senses and striving to return to our Heavenly Father, we find ourselves thirsting for God's grace like a "land barren, and untrodden, and unwatered" as the Psalmist says.

But I can do it myself, can't I?

     Although we have a wellspring of reading inspired by the Comforter and Spirit of Truth, it's usually not as simple as picking up a copy of the Ladder of Divine Ascent and wearing heavy chains on our bodies. It is God Who knows the right medicine and the right dosages necessary to heal the various wounds of our souls, and more importantly, how He is going to deliver them to us. Our intentions are often well-meaning, but we need help from someone who you could say specializes in orthodox spiritual practice.

Who (and what) is a spiritual father?

     One of the chief ways our Lord delivers these medicines to us is through the action of a spiritual father. Traditionally, the spiritual father is a priest, or in some cases a monastic, who will be a guide for us toward the holy path of repentance. He is one who will bear our burdens as though they were his own, and when necessary will prescribe the (potentially) bitter medicines offered by God.

Seek God's blessing

     It has been quite a journey from the time I first met Father John Tomasi, my spiritual father, about two and a half years ago. One of the best pieces of wisdom which he imparted to me was to seek blessings from your priest. When we approach our spiritual father and ask him for his blessing regarding various matters with the intention to follow through, we invite the Lord Jesus into our lives through humility and obedience. Of course, asking for a blessing doesn't mean that we will receive one! This is one of the beautiful things about the relationship between spiritual father and spiritual child, the opportunity to hear the word 'No,' and thereby be swayed from a potentially sinful or self-willed endeavor.

What is the ideal relationship between ourselves and our guide?

     "According to Saints Callistus and Ignatius, in the Philokalia, set down five indications of such a sincere spiritual relationship (despite this being in the context of and Elder, I find it quite edifying and therefore appropriate to mention):

1. Complete faith in one's guide and superior
2. Truthfulness - to be truthful before him in both word and deed
3. Not to do one's own will in any way, but in every way to strive to cut off one's own will - that is, not to do anything in keeping with one's own wish and understanding, but always to ask about everything, and to act according to the advice and will of one's guide and superior
4. In no way to contradict or be contentious as contradiction and contentiousness issue from thoughts mixed with unbelief and conceit
5. Complete confession of sins and the secrets of one's heart"

(From Elder Leonid of Optina by Fr. Clement Sederholm, page 43-44) 

It still applies to us

     Although the relationship described above is mentioned in the context of monastics who live apart from the world in an environment often far more conducive to warfare against the passions, all of us as Christians are nonetheless called to (and saved by!) holy obedience. 

     In summary, no situation or circumstance is too small, or too great to discuss with the spiritual father and to seek his blessing in regards to. With love, we recommend you to ask your spiritual father for some spiritual reading to accompany you as we approach this great and holy season of cleansing, whereby we might "be sprinkled with hyssop and made clean, to be washed and made whiter than snow" as the laudable and beloved Psalmist writes.

Now what?

     That being said, these three books come universally recommended in regards to this Lenten season as essential reading: 

Great Lent by Alexander Schmemann
     -A deep dive into what Lent is, why it is the way it is, and its application in our daily life.

On the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Saint Philaret of Chernigov.
     -Understanding every aspect of Christ's final teachings, His suffering, and crucifixion

Orthodox Lent, Holy Week, and Easter by Hugh Wybrew
     -Introduction to the richness of the tradition and services contained in these seasons

     All of these titles contain vital spiritual nourishment to water our souls, which have been wearied and dried out by the passions. Click here to view our Great Lent collection for a wider selection. 

     In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.