A collection of scriptural meditations from Saints and Fathers of the Church.

In the beginning there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God and afterwards, ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire; at first they are choked by the smoke and cry, and by this means obtain what they seek -- as it is said, 'Our God is a consuming fire' -- so we also must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.

Concern for one's soul means hardship and humility, for through these God forgives us all our sins.

Fear of the Lord conquers desire, and distress that accords with God's will repulses sensual pleasure.

Love and self-control purify the soul.

Just as desire and rage multiply our sins, so self-control and humility erase them.

Spiritual reading and prayer purify the intellect, while love and self-control purify the soul's passionate aspect.

Listlessness is an apathy of soul; and a soul becomes apathetic when sick with self-indulgence.

Blessed stillness gives birth to blessed children: self-control, love and pure prayer.

Self-love -- that is, friendship for the body -- is the source of evil in the soul.

Strive to love every man equally, and you will simultaneously expel all the passions.

I think that for those living in community obedience is a greater virtue than chastity, however perfect. Chastity carries within it the danger of pride, but obedience has within it the promise of humility.

Keep the commandments, and you will find peace; love God, and you will attain spiritual knowledge.

The person who listens to Christ fills himself with light; and if he imitates Christ, he reclaims himself.

Make the body serve the commandments, keeping it so far as possible free from sickness and sensual pleasure.

True escape from the world is for a person to know how to control his tongue, wherever he might be.

In the beginning, there is struggle and a lot of work for those who come near to God. But after that, there is indescribable joy. It is just like building a fire: at first it's smoky and your eyes water, but later you get the desired result. Thus we ought to light the divine fire in ourselves with tears and effort.

Self-control and strenuous effort curb desire; stillness and intense longing for God wither it.

Strive to love every man equally, and you will simultaneously expel all the passions.

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Archangel Michael Orthodox Church
5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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