Charity, Page: Quotes, Possessions
The Lord ate from a common bowl, and asked the disciples to sit on the grass. He washed their feet, with a towel wrapped around His waist — He, who is the Lord of the universe! He drank water from a jug of earthenware, with the Samaritan woman. Christ made use His aim, not extravagance… We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly.
–Saint Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (when), Quote Topic
Do nothing at all unless you begin with prayer.
–Saint Ephrem of Syria (c. 306-373)
Confession, Page: Quotes, Repentance
God will not hear our prayers unless we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners. We do this when we ponder on our own sins alone, and not on those of our neighbor.
–Abba Moses (330-405)
Love, Love (others), Page: Quotes
As God illumines all people equally with the light of the sun, so do those who desire to imitate God let shine an equal ray of love on all people. For wherever love disappears, hatred immediately appears in its place. And if God is love, then hatred is the devil. Therefore as one who has love has God within himself, so he who has hatred within himself nurtures the devil within himself.
–Saint Basil the Great (329-379)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (how), Quote Topic
Wherever you may be, you can pray anywhere. Only show good will, and neither place nor time will be a hindrance for you. And although you might not be bending your knees nor beating your breast, or raising your arms to heaven, but have merely displayed a fervent soul, by this you will have fulfilled everything necessary for prayer…God does not regard the place. He desires only a sincere heart and a meek soul.
–Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
Charity, Love, Page: Quotes
The works of mercy are innumerable. Their very variety brings this advantage to those who are true Christians, that in the matter of almsgiving not only the rich and affluent but also those of average means and the poor are able to play their part. Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can be equal in the love within their hearts.
–Saint Leo the Great (c. 400-461)
