Words from the Saints -- June 15, 2023
Gerald Largent
"Beside all this, a more wonderful grace is bestowed upon the Saints in heaven: for they know not only them with whom they were acquainted in this world, but also those whom before they never saw, and converse with them in such familiar sort as though in times past they had seen and known one another: and therefore when they shall see the ancient fathers in that place of perpetual bliss, they shall then know them by sight, whom always they knew in their lives and conversation. For seeing they do in that place with unspeakable brightness, common to all, behold God, what is there that they know not, that know him who knoweth all things?" --St. Gregory the Great
"At all times, indeed, but specially when I reflect upon the achievements of the saints, it comes over me to feel despondency concerning my own condition, because we have not even in dreams experienced the things among which those men spent their whole lives: not paying the penalty of sins, always doing rightly and yet always afflicted ...And having spoken of that which befell the apostles (see 1 Corinthians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, 12:7, Philippians 1:12, 2 Timothy 3:11) ...Elijah suffered the same thing with them (2 Kings 1:8) and the Son of Man (Matthew 8:20) ...For God has provided some better thing for us. In order that they might not seem to have the advantage from being crowned before us, He appointed one time for crowning of all ...Do you see His tender carefulness?" --St. John Chrysostom, on Hebrews 11
"God is glorified in the Saints, while the Saints have been given glory by God." --St. Silouan of Mt. Athos
"A person who is not detached from worldly cares can neither love God truly nor hate the devil as he should, for such cares are both a burden and a veil. His intellect cannot discern the tribunal which will judge him, neither can it foresee the verdict which will be given at his trial. For all these reasons, then, withdrawal from the world is invaluable." --St. Diadochos of Photiki
"It is God's task to administer the world and the soul's task to guide the body." --St. Thalassios the Libyan
"In proportion to your humility you are given patience in your woes; and in proportion to your patience the burden of your afflictions is made lighter and you will find consolation; in proportion to your consolation, your love of God increases; and in proportion to your love, your joy in the Holy Spirit is magnified." --St. Isaac the Syrian