THE EVIL WHISPERS OF THE DEVIL: SLANDER and GOSSIP. ARE WE MURDERING THE SAINTS OF CHRIST?

Summary

The video script conveys a profound message from St. Macarius the Great about the dangers of slander and gossip, comparing them to murder as they kill the soul. It narrates a story of a woman overwhelmed by negativity online and reflects on the potential loss of saintly souls due to condemnation. The speaker urges viewers to flee from slander, to see themselves as the greatest sinners, and to embrace humility and love to nurture the potential for sainthood in others, warning against the spiritual harm of gossip and its impact on the salvation of many.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The importance of fleeing from negativity and slander, as emphasized by Abba Macarius the Great.
• 🌱 The metaphorical desert as a place of spiritual refuge beyond the physical desert, symbolizing an internal escape from worldly evils.
• 📞 The impact of the pandemic and lockdowns on mental health, leading to increased feelings of isolation and negativity.
• 🌐 The overwhelming presence of negativity, hatred, and division online, affecting personal relationships and spiritual well-being.
• 💔 The destructive power of slander, equated to murder by the Holy Fathers, causing harm to both the slanderer and the listener.
• 🗣️ The comparison of slander to the devil's whisper in Eden, illustrating its corrupting influence on the soul.
• 😔 The potential loss of spiritual growth due to condemnation and gossip, hindering the journey towards repentance and holiness.
• 👼 The hypothetical fate of Saints like Mary of Egypt and Moses the Black in today's judgmental society, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding.
• 🕊️ The transformative power of love, forgiveness, and patience in nurturing the potential for sainthood in others.
• ⛪️ The Church's role as a spiritual womb, providing a nurturing environment for sinners to become Saints through repentance and self-condemnation.
• 🚫 The warning against the spiritual murder of potential Saints through condemnation, which deprives the world of their grace and intercession.

Q & A

Who is Abba Macarius the Great and what advice did he give to the brothers at Scetis?

Abba Macarius the Great is a revered figure in the Christian tradition, particularly known for his teachings and wisdom from the Desert Fathers. He advised the brothers to flee from the negativity and slander that can corrupt the soul.

What is the main issue the sister from the monastery is facing due to the pandemic and lockdowns?

The sister is struggling with the overwhelming negativity, hatred, and divisions she encounters online. This has led to feelings of isolation and separation, and even affected her relationships with loved ones.

How does the speaker describe the impact of slander and gossip on the soul?

The speaker equates slander with murder, stating that it kills the soul of both the one who spreads it and the one who listens to it, dragging them into a pit of poison.

What biblical reference is used to illustrate the destructive nature of slander?

The speaker refers to the story of the serpent in Eden, suggesting that slander is akin to the whispering that led Adam and Eve out of paradise, corrupting the soul of the listener.

What is the potential danger of slander and gossip beyond affecting the immediate parties involved?

The greater danger is the potential loss of a soul that could become a Saint. Slander and gossip can prevent individuals from reaching their spiritual potential and becoming holy figures.

How does the speaker relate the actions of those who slander to the actions of St Mary of Egypt or St Moses the Black?

The speaker suggests that if these Saints were alive today, the internet's negativity and judgment could hinder their spiritual growth and transformation, preventing them from becoming the revered figures they are known as.

What does the speaker suggest is the role of the Church in relation to sinners and potential Saints?

The Church should act as a spiritually nourishing womb, providing love, forgiveness, and examples of Christ's love to help sinners repent and grow in holiness.

What is the consequence of condemning and judging others according to the speaker?

Condemning and judging others not only harms the condemner and the listener but also potentially kills the spiritual life of the one being judged, preventing them from becoming a Saint.

How does the speaker describe the process of transformation from sinner to Saint?

The process is described as fragile, requiring time, patience, and a series of small steps. It involves moving from the depths of sin to the heights of holiness, often through years or even decades of repentance and spiritual growth.

What is the final advice given by St Macarius the Great in the script?

St Macarius advises to flee from slander and gossip, to focus on self-condemnation and repentance, and to open one's heart to God's whisper rather than the devil's.

What message does the speaker convey about the importance of not feeding on negativity and slander?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of feeding on Christ and the examples of His Saints, rather than the negativity and slander that can lead to spiritual death and the loss of potential Saints.