The Bible is a scented garden, delightful, beautiful, it enchants our ears with birdsong in a sweet, divine, and spiritual harmony, it touches our heart, comforts us in sorrow, soothes us in a moment of anger, and fills us with eternal joy.
–Saint John of Damascus (d. 750)
When you approach Scripture, examine the intention of the words, in order to measure and understand with great discernment the depth and holiness of meaning that it holds. Those who throughout their life have been led toward enlightenment by grace feel all the time a kind of spiritual ray shining through the verses, and in the Spirit they identify the words and their deep meaning.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
In all things that you find in the Holy Scriptures, seek out the purpose of the words, that you may enter into the depth of the thoughts of the saints and understand them with greater exactness. Do not approach the reading of the Divine Scriptures without prayer and asking the help of God. Consider prayer to be the key to the true understanding of that which is said in the Holy Scriptures.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Do not approach the mysterious words in the scriptures without prayer and without asking help from God, saying: “Lord, grant me to perceive the power that is in them.” Deem prayer as the key to the insight of truth in scripture.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Meditate daily on the words of your Creator. Learn the Heart of God in the words of God, that your soul may be enkindled with greater longings for heavenly joys.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
Faith consists not only of being baptized in Christ, but also in fulfilling His commandments. Holy Baptism is perfect and gives us perfection, but does not make perfect those who do not follow the commandments.
–Saint Mark the Ascetic (Fifth Century)
