Words from the Saints -- November 2, 2023
Gerald Largent
"If a man disregards the commandment about prayer, he then commits worse acts of disobedience, each one handing him over to the next like a prisoner." --St. Mark the Ascetic
“At the door of Your compassion do I knock, Lord; send aid to my scattered impulses which are intoxicated with the multitude of the passions and the power of darkness. You can see my sores hidden within me: stir up contrition--though not corresponding to the weight of my sins, for if I receive full awareness of the extent of my sins, Lord, my soul would be consumed by the bitter pain from them. Assist my feeble stirrings on the path to true repentance, and may I find alleviation from the vehemence of sins through the contrition that comes of Your gift, for without the power of Your grace I am quite unable to enter within myself, become aware of my stains, and so, at the sight of them be able to be still from great distraction.” --St. Isaac the Syrian
"Every Christian is chosen—chosen for similar deeds, namely: to be with the Lord, through unceasing remembrance of Him and awareness of His omnipresence, through the preaching and fulfillment of His commandments, and through a readiness to confess one’s faith in Him. In those circles where such a confession is made, it is a loud sermon for all to hear." --St. Theophan the Recluse
"Not only should we observe moderation with food, but we must also abstain from every other sin so that just as we fast with our stomach, we should fast with our tongue. Likewise, we should fast with our eyes; i.e. not look at agitating things, not allow your eyes freedom to roam, not to look shamelessly and without fear. Similarly, arms and legs should be restrained from doing any evil acts." --St. Dorotheus of Gaza
"I pray You, O Merciful Lord, that You would bring to sobriety, peacefulness and love those who are angry and nursing grudges, and planning retribution for wrongs they have suffered, and that they may come to know You by the Holy Spirit." --St. Silouan of Mount Athos