The Priest Between Discipline and Gentleness in Dealing
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around how the priest deals spiritually with his children, especially regarding ecclesiastical penalties, affirming that punishment is not a goal in itself, but a means of correction, and it should be practiced in a spirit of gentleness and humility, not in a spirit of harshness or domination.
Discipline as a Means of Salvation, Not as Punishment
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the discipline must be:
- For the benefit of the confessor.
- Convincing to him that it is for his good.
- Within the limits of his physical and spiritual endurance.
If the discipline does not lead to repentance or peace of conscience, it becomes useless. The divine example is clear: God does not punish forever, but when the punishment bears fruit, He lifts it, as happened with the people of Nineveh.
Respecting the Elderly and Considering Their Weakness
The teaching stresses the necessity of respecting the elderly and not assigning them what exceeds their capacity of fasting or prostrations. Dealing with them should be in a spirit of fatherly advice, not in the form of command or rebuke, because the Scripture says: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father.”
Gentleness Is a Virtue That Does Not Contradict Truth
In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, mercy and truth are not separated. As was said about the Cross: “Mercy and truth have met together.” God executed justice, but He carried the punishment Himself. Likewise, the priest is called to exercise his authority in a spirit of meekness, so that he does not lose his humility or harm himself spiritually.
The Danger of Using Authority
Spiritual authority is a double-edged weapon. The priest may succeed in executing the command, but lose himself if he loses his love or humility. Therefore, he must be cautious in using discipline, lest the saying of the Apostle apply to him: “Lest after I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Diversity of Souls and Variety of Methods
Souls are not equal:
There is one for whom a mere indication is enough, and another who needs firmness.
There is one who benefits from discipline, and another who is harmed by it.
Therefore, laws are not applied in a rigid spirit, but in a wise pastoral spirit that considers individual differences.
The Method of Slow Fire
Spiritual correction is likened to cooking on low fire; intense fire may burn the outside and spoil the inside. But calmness and gentleness produce true maturity without wounding or humiliation.
The Core Message
The discipline that is offered within the framework of love turns into salvation. But the discipline that is practiced in a spirit of violence may alienate people from faith and corrupt the heart of the servant himself. The wise priest is the one who combines truth and tenderness, correction and humility.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
The Priest Between Discipline and Gentleness in Dealing
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around how the priest deals spiritually with his children, especially regarding ecclesiastical penalties, affirming that punishment is not a goal in itself, but a means of correction, and it should be practiced in a spirit of gentleness and humility, not in a spirit of harshness or domination.
Discipline as a Means of Salvation, Not as Punishment
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the discipline must be:
- For the benefit of the confessor.
- Convincing to him that it is for his good.
- Within the limits of his physical and spiritual endurance.
If the discipline does not lead to repentance or peace of conscience, it becomes useless. The divine example is clear: God does not punish forever, but when the punishment bears fruit, He lifts it, as happened with the people of Nineveh.
Respecting the Elderly and Considering Their Weakness
The teaching stresses the necessity of respecting the elderly and not assigning them what exceeds their capacity of fasting or prostrations. Dealing with them should be in a spirit of fatherly advice, not in the form of command or rebuke, because the Scripture says: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father.”
Gentleness Is a Virtue That Does Not Contradict Truth
In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, mercy and truth are not separated. As was said about the Cross: “Mercy and truth have met together.” God executed justice, but He carried the punishment Himself. Likewise, the priest is called to exercise his authority in a spirit of meekness, so that he does not lose his humility or harm himself spiritually.
The Danger of Using Authority
Spiritual authority is a double-edged weapon. The priest may succeed in executing the command, but lose himself if he loses his love or humility. Therefore, he must be cautious in using discipline, lest the saying of the Apostle apply to him: “Lest after I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Diversity of Souls and Variety of Methods
Souls are not equal:
There is one for whom a mere indication is enough, and another who needs firmness.
There is one who benefits from discipline, and another who is harmed by it.
Therefore, laws are not applied in a rigid spirit, but in a wise pastoral spirit that considers individual differences.
The Method of Slow Fire
Spiritual correction is likened to cooking on low fire; intense fire may burn the outside and spoil the inside. But calmness and gentleness produce true maturity without wounding or humiliation.
The Core Message
The discipline that is offered within the framework of love turns into salvation. But the discipline that is practiced in a spirit of violence may alienate people from faith and corrupt the heart of the servant himself. The wise priest is the one who combines truth and tenderness, correction and humility.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
The Priest Between Discipline and Gentleness in Dealing
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around how the priest deals spiritually with his children, especially regarding ecclesiastical penalties, affirming that punishment is not a goal in itself, but a means of correction, and it should be practiced in a spirit of gentleness and humility, not in a spirit of harshness or domination.
Discipline as a Means of Salvation, Not as Punishment
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the discipline must be:
- For the benefit of the confessor.
- Convincing to him that it is for his good.
- Within the limits of his physical and spiritual endurance.
If the discipline does not lead to repentance or peace of conscience, it becomes useless. The divine example is clear: God does not punish forever, but when the punishment bears fruit, He lifts it, as happened with the people of Nineveh.
Respecting the Elderly and Considering Their Weakness
The teaching stresses the necessity of respecting the elderly and not assigning them what exceeds their capacity of fasting or prostrations. Dealing with them should be in a spirit of fatherly advice, not in the form of command or rebuke, because the Scripture says: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father.”
Gentleness Is a Virtue That Does Not Contradict Truth
In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, mercy and truth are not separated. As was said about the Cross: “Mercy and truth have met together.” God executed justice, but He carried the punishment Himself. Likewise, the priest is called to exercise his authority in a spirit of meekness, so that he does not lose his humility or harm himself spiritually.
The Danger of Using Authority
Spiritual authority is a double-edged weapon. The priest may succeed in executing the command, but lose himself if he loses his love or humility. Therefore, he must be cautious in using discipline, lest the saying of the Apostle apply to him: “Lest after I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Diversity of Souls and Variety of Methods
Souls are not equal:
There is one for whom a mere indication is enough, and another who needs firmness.
There is one who benefits from discipline, and another who is harmed by it.
Therefore, laws are not applied in a rigid spirit, but in a wise pastoral spirit that considers individual differences.
The Method of Slow Fire
Spiritual correction is likened to cooking on low fire; intense fire may burn the outside and spoil the inside. But calmness and gentleness produce true maturity without wounding or humiliation.
The Core Message
The discipline that is offered within the framework of love turns into salvation. But the discipline that is practiced in a spirit of violence may alienate people from faith and corrupt the heart of the servant himself. The wise priest is the one who combines truth and tenderness, correction and humility.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
The Priest Between Discipline and Gentleness in Dealing
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around how the priest deals spiritually with his children, especially regarding ecclesiastical penalties, affirming that punishment is not a goal in itself, but a means of correction, and it should be practiced in a spirit of gentleness and humility, not in a spirit of harshness or domination.
Discipline as a Means of Salvation, Not as Punishment
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the discipline must be:
- For the benefit of the confessor.
- Convincing to him that it is for his good.
- Within the limits of his physical and spiritual endurance.
If the discipline does not lead to repentance or peace of conscience, it becomes useless. The divine example is clear: God does not punish forever, but when the punishment bears fruit, He lifts it, as happened with the people of Nineveh.
Respecting the Elderly and Considering Their Weakness
The teaching stresses the necessity of respecting the elderly and not assigning them what exceeds their capacity of fasting or prostrations. Dealing with them should be in a spirit of fatherly advice, not in the form of command or rebuke, because the Scripture says: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father.”
Gentleness Is a Virtue That Does Not Contradict Truth
In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, mercy and truth are not separated. As was said about the Cross: “Mercy and truth have met together.” God executed justice, but He carried the punishment Himself. Likewise, the priest is called to exercise his authority in a spirit of meekness, so that he does not lose his humility or harm himself spiritually.
The Danger of Using Authority
Spiritual authority is a double-edged weapon. The priest may succeed in executing the command, but lose himself if he loses his love or humility. Therefore, he must be cautious in using discipline, lest the saying of the Apostle apply to him: “Lest after I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Diversity of Souls and Variety of Methods
Souls are not equal:
There is one for whom a mere indication is enough, and another who needs firmness.
There is one who benefits from discipline, and another who is harmed by it.
Therefore, laws are not applied in a rigid spirit, but in a wise pastoral spirit that considers individual differences.
The Method of Slow Fire
Spiritual correction is likened to cooking on low fire; intense fire may burn the outside and spoil the inside. But calmness and gentleness produce true maturity without wounding or humiliation.
The Core Message
The discipline that is offered within the framework of love turns into salvation. But the discipline that is practiced in a spirit of violence may alienate people from faith and corrupt the heart of the servant himself. The wise priest is the one who combines truth and tenderness, correction and humility.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
The Priest Between Discipline and Gentleness in Dealing
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around how the priest deals spiritually with his children, especially regarding ecclesiastical penalties, affirming that punishment is not a goal in itself, but a means of correction, and it should be practiced in a spirit of gentleness and humility, not in a spirit of harshness or domination.
Discipline as a Means of Salvation, Not as Punishment
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the discipline must be:
- For the benefit of the confessor.
- Convincing to him that it is for his good.
- Within the limits of his physical and spiritual endurance.
If the discipline does not lead to repentance or peace of conscience, it becomes useless. The divine example is clear: God does not punish forever, but when the punishment bears fruit, He lifts it, as happened with the people of Nineveh.
Respecting the Elderly and Considering Their Weakness
The teaching stresses the necessity of respecting the elderly and not assigning them what exceeds their capacity of fasting or prostrations. Dealing with them should be in a spirit of fatherly advice, not in the form of command or rebuke, because the Scripture says: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father.”
Gentleness Is a Virtue That Does Not Contradict Truth
In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, mercy and truth are not separated. As was said about the Cross: “Mercy and truth have met together.” God executed justice, but He carried the punishment Himself. Likewise, the priest is called to exercise his authority in a spirit of meekness, so that he does not lose his humility or harm himself spiritually.
The Danger of Using Authority
Spiritual authority is a double-edged weapon. The priest may succeed in executing the command, but lose himself if he loses his love or humility. Therefore, he must be cautious in using discipline, lest the saying of the Apostle apply to him: “Lest after I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Diversity of Souls and Variety of Methods
Souls are not equal:
There is one for whom a mere indication is enough, and another who needs firmness.
There is one who benefits from discipline, and another who is harmed by it.
Therefore, laws are not applied in a rigid spirit, but in a wise pastoral spirit that considers individual differences.
The Method of Slow Fire
Spiritual correction is likened to cooking on low fire; intense fire may burn the outside and spoil the inside. But calmness and gentleness produce true maturity without wounding or humiliation.
The Core Message
The discipline that is offered within the framework of love turns into salvation. But the discipline that is practiced in a spirit of violence may alienate people from faith and corrupt the heart of the servant himself. The wise priest is the one who combines truth and tenderness, correction and humility.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
The Priest Between Discipline and Gentleness in Dealing
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around how the priest deals spiritually with his children, especially regarding ecclesiastical penalties, affirming that punishment is not a goal in itself, but a means of correction, and it should be practiced in a spirit of gentleness and humility, not in a spirit of harshness or domination.
Discipline as a Means of Salvation, Not as Punishment
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the discipline must be:
- For the benefit of the confessor.
- Convincing to him that it is for his good.
- Within the limits of his physical and spiritual endurance.
If the discipline does not lead to repentance or peace of conscience, it becomes useless. The divine example is clear: God does not punish forever, but when the punishment bears fruit, He lifts it, as happened with the people of Nineveh.
Respecting the Elderly and Considering Their Weakness
The teaching stresses the necessity of respecting the elderly and not assigning them what exceeds their capacity of fasting or prostrations. Dealing with them should be in a spirit of fatherly advice, not in the form of command or rebuke, because the Scripture says: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father.”
Gentleness Is a Virtue That Does Not Contradict Truth
In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, mercy and truth are not separated. As was said about the Cross: “Mercy and truth have met together.” God executed justice, but He carried the punishment Himself. Likewise, the priest is called to exercise his authority in a spirit of meekness, so that he does not lose his humility or harm himself spiritually.
The Danger of Using Authority
Spiritual authority is a double-edged weapon. The priest may succeed in executing the command, but lose himself if he loses his love or humility. Therefore, he must be cautious in using discipline, lest the saying of the Apostle apply to him: “Lest after I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Diversity of Souls and Variety of Methods
Souls are not equal:
There is one for whom a mere indication is enough, and another who needs firmness.
There is one who benefits from discipline, and another who is harmed by it.
Therefore, laws are not applied in a rigid spirit, but in a wise pastoral spirit that considers individual differences.
The Method of Slow Fire
Spiritual correction is likened to cooking on low fire; intense fire may burn the outside and spoil the inside. But calmness and gentleness produce true maturity without wounding or humiliation.
The Core Message
The discipline that is offered within the framework of love turns into salvation. But the discipline that is practiced in a spirit of violence may alienate people from faith and corrupt the heart of the servant himself. The wise priest is the one who combines truth and tenderness, correction and humility.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
