Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Christ's Resurrection Mystically Reproduced in Us

I was reading from the works of St. Symeon the New Theologian today and found this fascinating quote. I just wanted to share it.

"But, it you will, let us look and carefully examine what is the mystery of that resurrection of Christ our God which takes place mystically in us at all times, if we are willing, and how Christ is buried in us as in a tomb and how He unites Himself to our souls and rises again, and raises us with Himself." -- St. Symeon the New Theologian

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Attributes of Love

"When Grace is energized in the heart of the one who prays, then the love of God floods his entire being to such an extent that he may not be able to take more. Then this love is transferred to the love of the world and the human person. His love becomes so powerful that he asks to take upon himself all the suffering and unhappiness of the others so that they themselves may be relieved. He suffers with those who are in suffering even for the suffering of animals, so much so that he sheds bitter tears when he becomes aware of their pain. These are attributes of Love. But you must keep in mind that it is prayer that energized them and causes them. That is why those who have advanced in the prayer never stop praying for the World."
-- Monk Joseph in Elder Joseph the Hesychast

Monday, July 27, 2009

Speaking and Humility

"It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the anxiety to be heard. The words of the proud man impose silence upon all others, so that he alone may be heard. The humble man speaks only in order to be spoken to. The humble man asks nothing but an alms, then waits and listens." -- Thomas Merton in Thoughts in Solitude