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

Repentance and humility establish the soul. Charity and meekness strengthen it.

If it is a mark of extreme meekness, even in the presence of one’s offender, to be peacefully and lovingly disposed towards him in one’s heart, then it is certainly a mark of hot temper when a person continues to quarrel and rage against his offender, both by words and gestures, even when by himself.

Unless a man keeps the commandments of God, he cannot progress, even in a single virtue.

Meekness consists in praying calmly and sincerely for a neighbor when he causes many turmoils.

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

The heart which is constantly guarded, and is not allowed to receive the forms, images and fantasies of the dark and evil spirits, is conditioned by nature to give birth from within itself to thoughts filled with light. For just as coal engenders a flame, or a flame lights a candle, so will God, who from our baptism dwells in our heart, kindle our mind to contemplation when He finds it free from the winds of evil and protected by the guarding of the intellect.

Guard your mind with extreme intensity of attention.

The heart of a man who oversees his soul at all times is made joyous by revelations.

In the hearts of the meek the Lord finds rest, but a turbulent soul is a seat of the devil.

Strive to walk worthily of the vocation to which you were called.

Your enemy, the evil one, the father of lies, does not slumber; and endeavors, by every means open to him, to harden your heart --- to make it false and crafty, to drive out from it faith and hope in God - together with love for Him and love and sympathy for your neighbor - and to occupy you with worldly, temporal interests. Watch yourself, watch the thoughts of your heart, and do not bind yourself in the chains of worldly desires and pleasures. Let your happiness be in the one God and the human soul.

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

Continually take careful note of your inner intention: watch carefully which way it inclines, and discover whether it is for God and the sake of goodness itself and the benefit of your soul...

Watchfulness cleanses the conscience and makes it lucid. Thus cleansed, it immediately shines like a light that has been uncovered, banishing such darkness. Once this darkness has been banished through constant and genuine watchfulness, the conscience then reveals things hidden from us.

Meekness and humility of heart are virtues without which it is impossible to inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, to be happy on earth, or to experience inner calm.

We must accomplish the course of our earthly pilgrimage with the greatest attention and watchfulness over ourselves, unceasingly calling upon God in prayer for help.

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

We must vigilantly guard our heart from unfitting thoughts and impressions, according to the word of the writer of Proverbs: ‘Keep thine heart with the utmost care; for out of these are the issues of life,’ (Proverbs 4:23).

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5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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