Riddle and Quote for the Day: Elementary

[Shin]

A brother questioned Abba Poimen:

"Abba," he told him, "there were two men: one a monk, the other a layman. One night, the monk decided to abandon the monastic vocation the next morning. The same day, the layman had decided to become a monk.

"In the meantime, they both died the same night, without being able to realize their intentions. How, then, will they be judged?" And the Elder gave this astonishing answer:

"Elementary! . . ."

"The monk died as a monk, the layman as a layman; for whatever their state at the moment of death, so they departed this world."


- The Sayings of the Desert Fathers

What was St. Poimen's answer? You can highlight the white space above just like the normal riddles to find it.

[Brigid]

Yes, but what of intentions?

[Shin]

Yes, but what of intentions?

I knew that would come up! Makes for some thought no?

[Brigid]

It sure does -   

[Shin]

Normally I'd gather a concordance together to get an answer, but that might be a toughie on this one. That's the reliable method.

I am thinking though with some thought one might discover a little more about how intentions work or count in the light of this.

Might.. Have to back it up with quotes of course though to take it seriously..

[martin]

Normally I'd gather a concordance together to get an answer, but that might be a toughie on this one. That's the reliable method.

Concordances are so helpful when pondering things like that. How clear the saints can make things seem when they all speak the same truth in their own different way.

I would think in the above case (and in all cases) that the Lord would judge the soul in the Now. Where the persons heart was at the hour of death. As we don't as yet have a tomorrow to be judged on then we have to be ready Now if the Lord should call us.  No?

[Brigid]

12 For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is.

Hebrews 4:12-13

Although as Martin mentioned, with intention there is still the possibility (since humans are 'fickle') of a change of heart at the last minute.
 

[Brigid]

In other words, we have made an outward resolution, because of our emotions in repentance but inwardly, we have failed to follow through and change ourselves so that it is truly no longer a part of our lives. 

This post of yours from another thread may shed some light on this also.

[Shin]

Honestly, that's something on my mind a good deal in my own life. God help me.

I see it as the answer to many of the reforms I so often wished to make in thought, but failed to follow through with in deed.

I nearly entitled this thread, 'As the tree falls, so shall it lie.'

So what is on my mind a good deal lately is the difference between weak repentance and strong repentance, or illusionary and real. And what truly matters.

12 For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is.

Hebrews 4:12-13

That quote is truly something isn't it? The division of the soul and the spirit.. what a thought..

All things are naked and open to His eyes..

So one can try to imagine this.. everything is done like this.