Edward Kleinguetl is a deacon in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and served the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh (Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic). Deacon Ed has been extensively involved in parish missions and retreats for varying age groups, both in the United States and China. He has written extensively on Eastern Christian spirituality including works on the Jesus Prayer and theosis. In connection with his interests on these topics, he has been on pilgrimage to St. Antony's monastery in Egypt (twice, Egyptian monasteries in the Wadi al Natrun, Mt. Athos in Greece, and monasteries in Romania. Ed holds a BSBA from The Ohio State University, a Diploma in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, and a MA in Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies. He was ordained to the diaconate on February 3, 2007 by His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. In secular life, Ed is a partner with Grant Thornton, LLP, working in Transaction Advisory Services.
The Fruit of Prayer
Spiritual Counsels of the Holy Fathers
by Edward Kleinguetl
The Fruit of Prayer
Spiritual Counsels of the Holy Fathers
by Edward Kleinguetl
Published Aug 07, 2021
492 Pages
Genre: RELIGION / Christianity / Catholic
Book Details
“Some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matt. 13:8)
Jesus tells us that the seed is the Word of God, planted in every human heart. If each person is made in the image of God, why is there such a difference in the quantity of fruit produced? The parable tells us that the only difference is the condition of the soil, its receptivity to the seed.
Rich soil requires hard work and constant struggle. God provides the seed and we must provide the desire and effort. The Holy Fathers provide us with the wisdom as to what is required to have a prayer life which produces fruit—a genuine encounter with Jesus and a close relationship with him. This is the work required for our salvation.
What fruit are we producing? What is the condition of our heart? How is the soil?
Let us explore what is required for a rich spiritual harvest. Let us accept the invitation of Jesus: “Go out and work in the vineyard today” (cf. Matt. 21:28). Let us reflect upon the Art of Spiritual Life, “the art of arts and science of sciences.”
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