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

According to the degree to which the intellect is stripped of the passions, the Holy Spirit initiates the intellect into the mysteries of the age to be.

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

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

If you are not willing to repent through freely choosing to suffer, unsought sufferings will providentially be imposed on you.

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.

The person who is unaffected by the things of this world loves stillness; and he who loves no human thing loves all men.

All sin is due to sensual pleasure, all forgiveness to hardship and distress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long-suffering and readiness to forgive curb anger; love and compassion wither it.

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

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.

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

Love and self-control purify the soul.

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

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