Words from the Saints -- October 17, 2024

"You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." --The Holy Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:12)

"The reading of Scriptures is a great means of security against sinning. Ignorance of Scripture is a great cliff, a deep abyss. It gives birth to heresies and introduces a corrupt way of life. Even one parable can help the soul to have contrition for a sin, to find a little rest from the concerns of the world. Reading Scripture each day will accomplish some great and noble good in us." --St. John Chrysostom

"What is perfection in love? Love your enemies in such a way that you would desire to make them your brothers … For so did He love, Who hanging on the Cross, said ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do'" (Luke 23:34). --St. Augustine of Hippo

"The Kingdom of Heaven is not a reward for works, but a gift of grace prepared by the Master for His faithful servants." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"How many times have I prayed for what seemed a good thing for me and not leaving it to God to do as He knows best But having obtained what I begged for, I found myself in distress because I had not asked for it to be, rather, according to God's will." --St. Nilus of Sinai

"It is possible to pray at all times, in all places, with mind and spirit. You can lift up your mind and heart to God while walking, sitting, working, in a crowd and in solitude. His door is always open, unlike man’s. We can always say to Him in our hearts 'Lord , Lord have mercy.'" --St. Tikhon of Zadonsk