Words from the Saints -- January 12, 2023

"The Lord sometimes allows people who are devoted to Him to fall into such dreadful vices; and this is in order to prevent them from falling into a still greater sin--pride. Your temptation will pass and you will spend the remaining days of your life in humility. Only do not forget your sin." --St. Seraphim of Sarov

"When you sin, blame your thought, not your action. For had your mind not run ahead, your body would not have followed." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"Let us not be ashamed to confess the Crucified Christ. Be the cross our seal, made with boldness by our fingers on our brow and in everything; over the bread we eat and the cups we drink, in our comings and in goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we awake; when we are traveling, and when we are at rest." --St. Cyril of Jerusalem

"Children, I beseech you to correct your hearts and thoughts, so that you may be pleasing to God. Consider that although we may reckon ourselves to be righteous and frequently succeed in deceiving men, we can conceal nothing from God. Let us therefore strive to preserve the holiness of our souls and to guard the purity of our bodies with all fervor. Ye are the temple of God, says the divine Apostle Paul; If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy." --St. Nicholas of Myra

"The blessedness of seeing God is justly promised to the pure of heart. For the eye that is unclean would not be able to see the brightness of the true light, and what would be happiness to clear minds would be a torment to those that are defiled. Therefore, let the mists of worldly vanities be dispelled, and the inner eye be cleansed of all the filth of wickedness, so that the soul's gaze may feast serenely upon the great vision of God." --St. Leo the Great

"Acquire the Spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved." --St. Seraphim of Sarov