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

He who fears God will pay careful attention to his soul and will free himself from communion with evil.

Worldly virtues promote human glory, spiritual virtues the glory of God.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

If, wishing to correct another, you are moved to anger, you gratify your own passion. Do not lose yourself in order to save another.

The intellect becomes a stranger to the things of this world when its attachment to the senses has been completely sundered.

Love and self-control purify the soul.

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

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

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

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.

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

Struggle until death to fulfill the commandments: purified through them, you will enter into life.

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5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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