Dullness (Spiritual)
“How then are the minds of unbelievers made dull and their sight unresponsive to the Light of Christ? In our reading, the apostle says that the “god of this world” has blinded those who are lost lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Cor 4:4). Unbelief is the result of making wealth, honor, power, pleasure of this world one’s “god.” And so, the eyesight of one’s mind and the vision of one’s heart are darkened.” (Fr. Basil)
“Contemporary culture, with its emphasis on material reality, has dulled our spiritual senses. We have gained a wealth of scientific knowledge and insight that has produced wonders of technology. At the same time, however, we have left behind other aspects of the created world in which we live and have isolated ourselves from the invisible realm in which God and the angelic hosts dwell.” (Fr. Stephen De Young)
“…the Gospel is “Good News” to which we should listen attentively—and obey. Familiarity may dull our appreciation of this, but we must always struggle against familiarity leading to spiritual laziness or inattentiveness. When (over-) familiarity turns to boredom, then we are facing a spiritual crisis of sorts. Putting aside any such temptation, let us acknowledge how privileged and blessed we are to “stand aright” in church at the Liturgy and to hear the Holy Gospel. “Let us attend!” (Fr. Stephen Kostoff)
“The natural law (2:14, 15) has been “written” by God in the heart of every human who has ever lived as the voice of conscience. It is a reliable guide to God’s righteousness for those who are pure in heart; but it can be dulled or obscured completely by habitual sin…Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). Iron is a dull metal, but it glistens when sharpened. Man's nature is like iron that becomes dull through the deceptions of sin. It is good underneath, but in need of sharpening that it may glisten and show its true nature.” (Orthodox Study Bible, “The Law”, Proverbs 27:17)
“Prosperity, more than poverty, can dull our spiritual vision because it tends to make us self-sufficient and eager to acquire still more of everything—except God. The same thing can happen in our church. Once we become successful in terms of numbers, programs, and buildings, we can easily become self-sufficient and less sensitive to our need for God. This leads us to concentrate on self-preservation rather than thankfulness and service to God.” (Life Application Study Bible, Deuteronomy 6:10-13)
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