Branches of evil…
It is in vain that we cut off the branches of evil, if we leave intact the root, which continually produces new ones.
— Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
The devil hides…
Just as the thieves are hidden in shady areas to rob the passerby, thus the devil hides in enjoyments to overcome our soul.
–Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
Souls are like athletes…
Souls are like athletes, that need opponents worthy of them, if they are to be tried and extended and pushed to the full use of their powers, and rewarded according to their capacity.
–Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
Do not despair…
The path leading to perfection is long. Pray to God so that he will strengthen you. Patiently accept your falls and, having stood up, immediately run to God, not remaining in that place where you have fallen. Do not despair if you keep falling into your old sins. Only with the passage of time and with fervor will they be conquered. Don’t let anything deprive you of hope.
–Saint Nektarios of Aegina (1846-1920)
Weep over your sin…
Weep over your sin: it is a spiritual ailment; it is death to your immortal soul; it deserves ceaseless, unending weeping and crying; let all tears flow for it, and sighing come forth without ceasing from the depths of your heart. In profound humility I weep for all my sins, voluntary and involuntary, conscious and unconscious, covert and overt, great and little, committed by word and deed, in thought and intention, day and night, at every hour and minute of my life.
–Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
Correct sinfulness…
Now how can those who do not know their own sinfulness recognize and correct it in others? They are neither able nor willing to go against themselves.
–Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
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