THREE KINDS OF CARNAL MOVEMENT

The body has three kinds of carnal movements. The first is a natural movement, inherent in it, which does not produce anything sinful without the consent of the soul and merely lets it be known that it exists in the body.

The second kind of movement in the body is produced by too much food and drink, when the resulting movement in the body is an act of rebellion against the soul and urges it towards all kinds of vices.

The third movement comes from the evil spirits, who thus tempt us out of envy and tries to weaken those who have found the way, or to lead astray the path of those who wish to enter into the narrow door.

However, if a man, with patient endurance, observes the commands of Christ, the Holy Spirit will teach him how to purify his body and soul from such movements. But if he neglects the commands of Christ, then the evil one will overpower him, and befoul his soul with these three movements. 

St. Anthony the Hermit

(06-09-03)