Words from the Saints -- January 16, 2018
Gerald Largent
"As salt is needed for all kinds of food, so humility is needed for all kinds of virtues." --St. Isaac the Syrian
"Sin has reigned over us and the inventor and father of sin has lorded it over all who dwell under the sky, provoking the transgression of the divine laws. But in Christ we see human nature, enjoying freedom of access to God." --St. Cyril of Alexandria
"The rule of life for a perfect person is to be in the image and likeness of God." --St. Clement of Alexandria
"This is the mark of Christianity—however much a man toils, and however many righteousnesses he performs, to feel that he has done nothing, and in fasting to say, 'This is not fasting,' and in praying, 'This is not prayer,' and in perseverance at prayer, 'I have shown no perseverance; I am only just beginning to practice and to take pains'; and even if he is righteous before God, he should say, 'I am not righteous, not I; I do not take pains, but only make a beginning every day.'" --St. Marcarius the Great
"When you are insulted by someone or humiliated, guard against angry thoughts, lest they arouse a feeling of irritation and so cut you off from love and place you in the realm of hatred." --St. Maximus the Confessor
"Do not claim to have acquired virtue unless you have suffered affliction, for without affliction virtue has not been tested." --St. Mark the Ascetic
"Let not one think, my fellow Christian, that only priests and monks need to 'pray with out ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and not laymen No, no; every Christian without exception ought to dwell always in prayer." --St. Gregory Palamas
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart’s desire." --St. Theophan the Recluse