John of Kronstadt (1829-1908), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
[E]very tree each summer unfailingly puts forth at least one shoot of considerable size, and unfailingly grows in height and dimension. It seems as though every tree tries each year to advance by the strength that God has given it; therefore, say to yourself, ‘I, too, must each day, each year, absolutely grow higher and higher morally, better and better, more and more perfect; must advance on the road to the Kingdom of Heaven, or to the Father which is in Heaven, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit dwelling and working within me.’
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
John of Kronstadt (1829-1908), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Struggle (with Sin)
What darkness, what madness, what sickness, what a terrible, deadly power is sin!
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
John of Kronstadt (1829-1908), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Struggle (with Sin)
The principal characteristic of this present, temporal life is temptation.
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (problems), Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Why is it, you ask, that one can pray for so many years with a prayer book, and still not have prayer in his heart? I think the reason is that people only spend a little time lifting themselves up to God when they complete their prayer rule, and in other times, they do not remember God. For example, they finish their morning prayers, and think that their relation to God is fulfilled by them; then the whole day passes in work, and such a person does not attend to God.
— Saint Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894)
Grace, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart’s desire.
–Saint Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Struggle (with Sin)
What I recommend most earnestly is not to lose heart when you are tempted. Do you wish to succeed? The best way is to reveal the temptations to your spiritual director immediately. The devil loves darkness. He always operates in the dark because he knows that if he is discovered he is beaten.
–Saint John Bosco (1815-1888)
