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

A wise man is one who pays attention to himself and is quick to separate himself from all defilement.

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.

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

A treasure that is known is quickly spent: and even so any virtue that is commented on and made a public show of is destroyed. Even as wax is melted before the face of fire, so is the soul enfeebled by praise, and loses the toughness of its virtue.

The greatest weapons of someone striving to lead a life of inward stillness are self-control, love, prayer, and spiritual reading.

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.

Imitate the Publican and you will not be condemned with the Pharisee. Choose the meekness of Moses and you will find your heart which is a rock changed into a spring of water.

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

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

Control your stomach, sleep, anger, and tongue, and you will not 'dash your foot against a stone.'

Break the bonds of your friendship for the body and give it only what is absolutely necessary.

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

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

Patient endurance is the soul's struggle for virtue; where there is struggle for virtue, self-indulgence is banished.

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

You were commanded to keep the body as a servant, not to be unnaturally enslaved to its pleasures.

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

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)