Words from the Saints -- June 6, 2024
Gerald Largent
"Jesus calls the life-giving gift of the Spirit 'living water' because mere man is parched to his very roots, rendered dry and barren of all virtue by the crimes of the devil. But now man runs back to his pristine beauty, and drinking in that which is life-giving, he is made beautiful with a variety of good things and, budding into a virtuous life, he sends out healthy shoots of love towards God." --St. Cyril of Alexandria
"So inspired was the Samaritan Woman by His words that she left her water pot, the reason for which she came, ran into the city, and drew all the people to Jesus. Observe her zeal and wisdom. She came to draw water, and when she had lighted upon the True Well, she after that despised the material one. She taught us that when we are listening to spiritual matters, we must overlook the things of this life, and make no account of them. For what the Apostles did, that, after her ability, did this woman also. They left their nets when they were called; she of her own accord, without the command of any, leaves her water pot, and elated with by joy performs the office of Evangelists. She calls not one or two, as did Andrew and Philip, but aroused a whole city and people, and so brought them to Him." --St. John Chrysostom
"Blessed is the soul that loves her brother: the Spirit of the Lord lives manifest within her, affording peace and gladness, and she weeps for the whole world." --St. Silouan of Mt. Athos
"Baptism is not magic. It requires our cooperation with God's grace. It is thus possible to lose our sanctification and our salvation. (Hebrews 6:4-5)" --The Philokalia
"Stop defiling your flesh with shameful deeds and polluting your soul with wicked thoughts; then the peace of God will descend upon you and bring you love." --St. Maximos the Confessor
"Adam was headless as guardian of Paradise, for the crafty thief stealthily entered; leaving aside the fruit -- which most men would covet -- he stole instead the Garden's inhabitant! Adam's Lord came out to seek him; He entered Sheol and found him there, then led and brought him out to set him once more in Paradise." --St. Ephraim the Syrian