The worst kind of sin…
The worst kind of sin is not to acknowledge that you are sinful.
–Saint Caesarius of Arles (460-552)
The Devil is like…
The devil is like a rabid dog tied to a chain; beyond the length of the chain he cannot seize anyone. And you: keep at a distance. If you approach too near, you let yourself be caught. Remember that the devil has only one door by which to enter the soul: the will.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
Faith flourishes in the dark…
Faith flourishes in the dark: trials, temptations, spiritual dryness and suffering are all opportunities for our faith to grow stronger. We can, of course, neglect these opportunities and allow our faith to wither and die. But those who praise God in life’s difficulties will experience the opposite effect.
–Saint Mary Magdalene De Pazzi (1566-1607)
Trials and temptations…
For our love for God is demonstrated above all by the way we endure trials and temptations.
–Saint Gregory Palamas (1296-1359)
Never despair of God’s mercy…
A sinner cannot outrage the Deity more than by despairing of divine mercy on account of the number and enormity of his crimes; for God’s clemency is far greater than the iniquity and guilt of an entire world . . . Of God’s mercy never despair.
–Venerable Blosius (1506-1566)
Deeply rooted weaknesses, passions, and defects…
We have within us deeply rooted weaknesses, passions, and defects. This can not all be cut out with one sharp motion, but patience, persistence, care and attention. The path leading to perfection is long. Pray to God so that he will strengthen you. Patiently accept your falls and, having stood up, immediately run to God, not remaining in that place where you have fallen. Do not despair if you keep falling into your old sins. Many of them are strong because they have received the force of habit. Only with the passage of time and with fervor will they be conquered. Don’t let anything deprive you of hope.
–Saint Nektarios of Aegina (1846-1920)
About
