Monday, September 3, 2012
Judgement of this world St Gregory of Sinai
Judgment upon this world (cf. John 12:31) is synonymous with ungodly lack of faith; for 'he who lacks faith is already judged' (John 3:18).
It is also a providential visitation restraining us or turning us back from sin, and likewise a way of testing whether by inner disposition we incline towards good or evil actions; for according to the Psalmist, 'The wicked are estranged from the womb' (Ps. 58:3).
Thus God manifests His judgment either because of our lack of faith, or to discipline us, or to test which way our actions gravitate. Some He chastens, to others He is merciful; on some He bestows crowns of glory, others He visits with the torments of hell.
Those whom He chastens are the utterly godless. Those to whom He shows mercy possess faith, but at the same time they are negligent, and it is for this reason that they are compassionately chastised. Those consummate either in virtue or in wickedness receive their rewards accordingly.
St Gregory of Sinai
Saturday, September 1, 2012
St Maximos the Confessor
Since man is composed of body and soul, he is moved by two laws, that of the flesh and that of the spirit (cf. Rom. 7:23).
The law of the flesh operates by virtue of the senses; the law of the Spirit operates by virtue of the intellect.
The first law, operating by virtue of the senses automatically binds one closely to matter; the second law, operating by virtue of the intellect, brings about direct union with God.
Suppose there is someone who does not doubt in his heart (cf. Mark 11:23) - that is to say, who does not dispute in his intellect - and through such doubt sever that immediate union with God which has been brought about by faith, but who is dispassionate or, rather, has already become god through union with God by faith: then it is quite natural that if such a person says to a mountain, ‘Go to another place’, it will go (cf. Matt. 17:20).
The mountain here indicates the will and the law of the flesh, which is ponderous and hard to shift, and in fact, so far as our natural powers are concerned; is totally immovable and unshakeable.
St Maximos the Confessor
St. John Chrysostom
'There is nothing colder than a Christian who is not concerned about the salvation of others . . .
Do not say, I cannot help others: for, if you are truly a Christian it is impossible not to.
Natural objects have properties that cannot be denied; the same is true of what I have just said, because it is the nature of a Christian to act in that way. Do not offend God by deception. If you said that the sun cannot shine, you would be committing an offense against God and making a liar of Him.
It is easier for the sinner to shine or give warmth than for a Christian to cease to give light: it is easier for that to happen than for light to become darkness.
Do not say that that is impossible: what is impossible is the contrary . . . If we behave in the correct way, everything else will follow as a natural consequence.
The light of Christians cannot be hidden, a lamp shining so brightly cannot be hidden.'
St. John Chrysostom
St. Isaac the Syrian
Let this always be the aim of your conduct: to be courteous and respectful to all.
And do not provoke any man or vie zealously with him, either for the sake of the Faith, or on account of his evil deeds; but watch over yourself not to blame or accuse any man in any matter.
For we have a Judge in the heavens Who is impartial.
But if you would have that man return to the truth, be grieved over him and, with tears and love, say a word or two unto him; but do not be inflamed with anger against him, lest he see within you signs of hostility.
For love does not know how to be angry, or provoked, or passionatelyto reproach anyone. The proof of love and knowledge is profound humility, which is born of a good conscience in Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom be glory and dominion, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, even unto the ages of ages. Amen.
St. Isaac the Syrian
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