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

Through the cheap price of doing good to men, we can acquire the priceless Kingdom of God.

St. Paul says: 'The person engaged in spiritual warfare exercises self control in all things' (I Cor. 9:25). Aware of all that is said in divine Scripture, let us lead our life with self-control, especially in regard to food.

No one can say, 'I am poor and hence I have no means of giving alms.' For even if you cannot give as the rich gave their gifts into the temple treasury, give two farthings as the poor widow did, and from you God will consider it greater gift than the gifts of the rich. And if you do not have as much as two farthings? You can take pity on the sick and give alms by ministering to them. And if you cannot do even this? You can comfort your brother by your words. 'A good word is better than the best of gifts.'

If you lay down rules for yourself, do not disobey yourself; for he who cheats himself is self-deluded.

Lack of self-control is actually an evil both ancient and modern, though it did not precede its antidote, fasting. By means of our Forefathers' self-indulgence in paradise and their contempt for the fast already in existance there, death entered the world. Sin reigned and brought in the condemnation of our nature from Adam until Christ.

No virtue makes flesh-bound man so like a spiritual angel as does self-restraint, for it enables those still living on earth to become, as the Apostle says, 'citizens of heaven' (cf. Phil. 3:20).

The beginning of evil is heedlessness.

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

Let us through almsgiving become owners of our own souls.

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

Love and self-control purify the soul.

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Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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