The Pharisee

Shall a Christian go and live apart from the world, so that he may not be tried by false brethren? Shall he who has progressed in a righteous life separate himself from the rest so that he need not suffer from anyone?  Perhaps people suffered from him before he was converted.  Has no one anything to put up with from you?  It would surprise me - but  if it is so, then you are stronger and thus able to endure other people's failings.

Do you propose to shut out bad men from good men's company?  If that is what you say, see if you can shut out all evil thoughts from your own heart.  Every day we fight with our own heart.

You say you will go apart with a few good men and admit no wicked brother to your society.  How do you recognize the man you wish to exclude?  Do all come to you with their hearts bare?  Those who wish to come do not know themselves, they cannot be proved unless they are tried. 

Nowhere in this life are we secure, except in God's promise - only when we have attained to it, when the gates of Jerusalem are shut behind us, shall we be perfectly safe.

Beloved, mark the apostle's words: 'Support one another in charity.'  You forsake the world of men and separate yourself from it.  Whom will you profit?  Would you have got so far if no one had profited you? 

  DAILY READING WITH

St Augustine --- The Heart at Rest

Verses And Fathers Sayings - St Mary's Feast

For He who is mighty has done great
things for me, and holy is His name.
(Luke 1: 49)


Great is the honor of Mary, above all the saints,
for she was found worthy to receive, God the Word.

The Father looked from heaven,
and found no one like you,
He sent His only begotten, who came

 and took flesh from you.

From Wednesday Theotokia

HOW GREAT IS THE SEAL OF THE SPIRIT!

From the inspiration of Ezekiel (9)

How great is the seal of Your Holy Spirit on me!
You had me sealed in the Sacrament of 'Myron.'*
And so counted m as Your possession!
Your cross on my forehead is the mark of membership in Your spiritual corps!
And on it is the sign "Holy to The Lord"!
By You I became fearful;
No enemy can destroy me as long as I am with You!

I fear that my black attire may judge me;
I fear lest I become slothful, under the cover of the priestly attire!
Guard me; I am in danger!

How awesome are You, O the Holy One;
In chastisement, You start with Your priests;
You are firm with Your disciples for the sake of their edification!
But You are the High Priest working in them.
You are sweet even in Your chastisements.
The wounds of Your chastisements are sweeter than the kisses of the enemy!
Let Your left arm chasten me, and Your right arm embrace me, O the Groom of my soul. 

Fr. Tadros Malaty
From the Inspiration of The Book of Ezekiel

* Myron= Chrism = A mixture of Holy Oil consecrated and used in the Orthodox Church for anointing at baptism  and also for anointing the sick.

Verses And Fathers Sayings

Henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
(Luke 1: 48)

 

Hail to you, who contained Him, Who cannot
be contained in your holy virginal womb.

(St. Cyril of Alexandria)