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

The man of Christ embarks upon the path of divine perfection by overcoming, with the aid of evangelical virtues, the sin and evil within him and in the world around him. He constantly marches on from one good to another, from smaller to greater, from greater to greatest. In this progress he never pauses, for any delay would bring spiritual stagnation, numbness, death. Through every pure thought, every holy sentiment, every good desire and kindly word, he progresses toward resurrection, immortality, eternal life.

If you have received from God the gift of knowledge, however limited, beware of neglecting charity and temperance. They are virtues which radically purify the soul from passions and so open the way of knowledge continually.

If someone is judged worthy to receive the gift of knowledge but allows his heart to be full of bitterness or rancor or aversion to another, it is as if he had been struck in the eye by a thornbush. That is why knowledge is no good without charity.

Therefore, let us force ourselves. Let us make a beginning and let us desire the good with all our heart. Because, even if we are not perfect, wanting to be, is the beginning of our salvation. From wanting we come, with God’s help, to struggling and from struggling one is helped in acquiring the virtues. This is why one of the fathers says, 'Give blood and receive spirit', that is to say, 'Struggle and you will become accustomed to virtue.'

In the future, a man shall have the degree of deification corresponding to his present perfection in spiritual stature.

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

Only when you have seen your imperfection, can you be perfected.

Self-knowledge is a true idea of one's spiritual growth, and an unbroken remembrance of one's slightest sins.

One who is capable of seeing himself is better than one who has been made worthy to see angels.

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5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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