To what extent is one responsible for one’s own spiritual life?

The answer

We cannot blame others for our own weaknesses. St. Ambrose says, “This is a warning that no one ought to rely on himself, for she who was made for assistance needs the protection of a man (Gen. 2:18). The head of the woman is man, who, while he believed that he would have the assistance of his wife, fell because of her (1 Cor. 11:3). Wherefore, no one ought to entrust himself lightly to another unless he has first put that person’s virtue to the test. Neither should he claim for himself in the role of protector one whom he believes is subservient to him. Rather, a person should share his grace with another. Especially is this true of one who is in the position of greater strength and one who plays the part of protector.”¹⁷⁴⁰

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty