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

We must resist and avoid like deadly poison the desire to possess earthly goods.

One should nourish the soul with the word of God: for the word of God, as St. Gregory the Theologian says, is angelic bread, by which are nourished souls who hunger for God. Most of all, one should occupy oneself with reading the New Testament and the Psalter, which one should do standing up. From this there occurs an enlightenment in the mind, which is in the mind, which is changed by a Divine change.

The fathers say that a man who sets store by the gold and silver he can amass does not believe that there is a God who provides for him.

Put aside bodily considerations when you stand in prayer, lest the bite of a flea, a gnat or a fly deprive you of the greatest gain afforded by prayer.

The Scriptures were not given merely that we might have them in books, but that we might engrave them on our hearts.

Do not approach the words of the mysteries contained in the divine Scriptures without prayer and beseeching God for help, but say: 'Lord, grant me to perceive the power in them!' Reckon prayer to be the key to the true understanding of the divine Scriptures.

He who has tasted the things on high easily despises what is below. But he who has not tasted the things above finds joy in possessions.

Rivalry over material possessions has made us forget the counsel of the Lord, who urged us to take no thought for earthly things, but to seek only the kingdom of heaven (cf. Matt. 6:33).

A man who has embraced poverty offers up prayer that is pure, while a man who loves possessions prays to material images.

Holy Scripture is presented to the mind’s eye like a mirror in which the appearance of our inner being can be seen.

The desire for possessions is dangerous and terrible, knowing no satiety; it drives the soul which it controls to the heights of evil. Therefore, let us drive it away vigorously from the beginning. For once it has become master it cannot be overcome.

If you love the Sender, then also love the letter which is sent from Him to you. For the word of God is given by God to me, to you, and to everyone, so that everyone who desires to be saved may receive salvation through it.

Reading the Scriptures is a great means of security against sinning.

Reading the scriptures is a great safeguard against sin.

How destructive to the heart is even momentary attachment for anything earthly.

The more you love money, the more securely you close the Kingdom of God.

Nothing is better than to realize one's weakness and ignorance, and nothing is worse than not to be aware of them.

If you love to enjoy true and complete delight from the Scriptures, seek to read them not merely with simple understanding, but with deeds and practical realities. Moreover, seek to read them not merely for the mere love of learning but also for the sake of ascetic endeavors & discipline, as St. Mark wrote: 'Read the words of Holy Scripture with an eye to practical applications and not merely to be puffed up by any fine thought that you may receive from it.' Another Father said: 'This is why the lover of knowledge must also be a lover of discipline. For knowledge alone does not give light to a lamp.'

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

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440-526-5192 (Phone)