Hey y'all, the thread subject is the title of a book I am currently reading. It's only 75 pages but I am reading it very slowly to reflect on some profound (IMO) thoughts from the author.
He is Hieromonk [priest-monk] Philotheos Grigoriatis. He was (at the time anyway, 1994) abbot of Grigoriou Monastery, Mt Athos, Greece.

One very short comment caught my attention and I have read and re-read it quite a few times. The quote's directed toward monks/nuns however I think it is relevant for all who profess themselves to be Christians:

"He also suffers for the "joys" of this world. He grieves for the amusements which really confuse the human mind; for the "entertainments" that tire and destroy the soul, instead of calming and helping it go forward."

Well folks, that's it. Quite a short quote, but one that made me think. And pray.

Thank you for sharing that.  St. Francis of Sales seemed to have a similar outlook.

EastWest, thank you for the book recommendation.  I just purchased it and look forward to reading it.

Yes, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks. When I was 17. I bought St Francis de Sales' Introduction to The Devout Life.

1982fxr, I am glad that you found it helpful.
Hopefully you found it online for a reasonable price. Unsurprisingly it's somewhat of a rare find. (My copy, the second edition, shows only 3000 units published.)

Western civilization entertains itself to death these days.  Death of body from gluttony and neglect, death of knowledge through distraction and preoccupation.  I could go on.

If America was a fertile field for the gospel, it is today a garden of weeds smothering life.

Can't say I disagree.