The Noonday Demon

[Byzantine]

What is it? And because I feel like they're intertwined topics, do the Western and Eastern definitions of acedia differ? Because in morality last year we were told (I think; could be wrong) that acedia was a spiritual sloth (and sinful, if I remember correctly), but the Desert Fathers seem to see it as an attack or something attempting to make us fall away or something. So, could someone clarify what's going on? Thanks!

[Groo the Wanderer]

Check out 1866, 2733, and 2755 in the CCC. Also 505 & 508 in Youcat

[BarbTherese]

[url="http://romancatholicvocations.blogspot.com.au/2007/12/beware-noonday-devil.html"]http://romancatholic...nday-devil.html[/url]

The above is an article on 'the noonday demon'.
I get very tired mentally and physically, sometimes spiritually as well, around 3.30pm until about 8pm - my 'particular cross' hours. Nowadays I laugh about it which helps me keep going "Ahhh Lord, the noonday devil once more. All for Thee Sacred Heart of Jesus, Oh My Saviour all for Thee".
Acedia is the word for "spiritual sloth". Physical and mental, spiritual, weariness is not spiritual sloth unless one gives in to them allowing them to overcome one's duties and prayer. Sometimes, of course, it is just time to take a break - prudence and wisdom (2 Gifts of The Seven Gifts o Holy Spirit at Confirmation) will inform decisions.
The Lord is not moralistic and given to legalism, He is our Loving and Merciful Friend and may our own hearts be conformed to His. If I am moralistic and legalistic with myself, I will probably transfer that to others (love others as you love yourself)

Edited May 2, 2012 by BarbaraTherese

[Gemma_Kateri]

Reading a book about this now called Acedia & Me by Kathleen Norris. [url="http://www.amazon.com/Acedia-Me-Marriage-Monks-Writers/dp/B003JTHRLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336027290&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.com/Acedia-Me-Marriage-Monks-Writers/dp/B003JTHRLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336027290&sr=1-1[/url]