Messages of love

 

"Even at the very moment of someone’s death, if you see him sinning, do not judge him—not even then. For God’s judgment is unknown to men. Some have fallen openly into grave sins, yet in secret, they have performed far greater acts of goodness. Thus, those who are quick to condemn have been deceived; what they held in their hands was merely smoke, not the sun."

~ Saint John of the Ladder

 

Bless, don’t curse

"The All-Good One, my dear child, does nothing that is not for the benefit of our soul. Whether it be an illness or a temptation—whatever He allows to come upon us—He does so for our own good. Yet, often, not understanding this, we grumble, become indignant, and commit many wrongs. He, however, out of His abundant love, looks solely to the well-being of our soul. For He knows that our time here is fleeting, and that all things soon pass away." "And when this exile of ours comes to an end, and the true eyes of the soul are opened, then we shall give thanks for everything with a grateful heart."

~ Saint Joseph the Hesychast and Cave-dweller, *Expression of Monastic Experience*, Letter 50

 

On prayer

"Pray without anxiety—calmly, and with trust in the love and Providence of God. Do not grow weary in prayer."

~ Saint Porphyrios the Kausokalyvites, the clairvoyant and wonderworker.

 

Human life without God

"Without God, every form of happiness is cursed and impoverished; life is death, and joy and sweetness turn to bitterness. With God, even misfortune becomes a blessing, poverty becomes wealth, obscurity becomes glory, dishonor becomes honor, and trials are filled with consolation. Without God, it is impossible to find true rest, peace, or comfort."

~ Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Zadonsk

 

Spiritual warfare

"You must become more courageous. Stand chest-to-chest against these bodiless spirits. Do not fear them." Do you not see, with every prayer you offer, how many fall, how many turn their backs and flee? You only see how much *you* are wounded.

But they, too, are struck; they, too, flee. With every act of patience we exercise, they retreat in haste, and with every prayer, they suffer severe wounds.

Therefore, do not expect that, in the midst of war—while you are firing bullets and shells—they should respond by throwing Turkish delight and chocolates at you.

~ Elder Joseph the Hesychast

 

Patience

If a physical illness befalls you, a wise Elder advises, do not lose your patience and do not grumble. If it is God’s will that your body should suffer, why do you chafe against it? Does He not care for you? Can you even exist for a single moment apart from His will? Be patient, and pray that God may grant you whatever is most beneficial for your soul. This is what He asks of you. When the Brethren show their love for you during your illness by bringing gifts, accept them with gratitude and pray for them.

~ Gerontikon (Sayings of the Desert Fathers)

 

High-mindedness distances us from God

“Walk through your life with simplicity, and do not act as if you are wise before God. Faith dwells where there is simplicity, whereas high-mindedness accompanies the person who engages in subtle and clever reasoning—presenting things as different from what they truly are. This, however, distances him from God.”

Saint Isaac the Syrian

 On children

“If you wish to leave great wealth to your children, entrust them to the providence of God. When He sees that you place such trust in Him—recognizing Him as a co-heir—how could He fail to provide them with every good thing?”

Saint John Chrysostom

 Open the door of your heart to Christ

Often, Christ comes and knocks; you invite Him to sit in the living room of your soul, yet, absorbed in your own affairs, you forget about this great Guest.

He waits for you to appear; He waits, but when you take too long, He rises and departs. At other times, you are so preoccupied that you answer Him from the window. You don’t even have time to open it.”

Saint Amphilochios of Patmos