A man of discernment, meditating on the healing Divine Providence, bears with thanksgiving the misfortunes that come to him. He sees their causes in his own sins, and not in anyone else. But a mindless man, when he sins and receives the punishment for it, considers the cause of his misfortune to be God, or people, not understanding God’s care for him.
–Saint Maximos the Confessor (580-662)
Trials are sent to some so as to take away past sins, to others so as to eradicate sins now being committed, and to yet others so as to forestall sins which may be committed in the future.
–Saint Maximos the Confessor (580-662)
Do not be discouraged if physical sickness comes upon you. Who are you to take offense if your Lord and Master wishes you to be afflicted in your body? Does he not care for you in every way? Could you live without him? Resign yourself and beseech God to grant you what is appropriate, that is, according to his will; remain patiently.
–The Desert Fathers (and Mothers)
A great means to preserve continual peace and tranquility of soul is to receive everything from the hands of God, both great and small, and in whatever way it comes.
–Saint Dorotheus of Gaza (Sixth Century)
Sometimes we are unduly excited when things go well, and at other times we are too alarmed when things go badly. . . We ought to establish our hearts firmly in God’s strength, and struggle, as best we can, to place all of our hope and confidence in the Lord so that we shall be like him, as far as it is possible, even in his unchanging rest and stability.
–Blessed Jordan of Saxony (c. 1190-1237)
The difficulties of life do not have to be unbearable. It is the way we look at them – through faith or unbelief – that makes them seem so. We must be convinced that our Father is full of love for us and that He only permits trials to come our way for our own good.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
