The goal of reading
The goal of reading is the application, in our lives, of what we read. Not to learn it by heart, but to take it to heart. Not to practice using our tongues, but to be able to receive the tongues of fire and to live the mysteries of God. If one studies a great deal in order to acquire knowledge and to teach others, without living the things he teaches, he does no more than fill his head with hot air. At most he will manage to ascend to the moon using machines. The goal of the Christian is to rise to God without machines.
Elder Paisios the Athonite (1924-1994)
(Via Word from the Desert.)
Conveniences
Now that conveniences have exceeded all bounds, they have become inconveniences. Machines have multiplied; distractions have also multiplied and man has been made into a machine. Machines and iron order men around, which is why their hearts have become as hard as steel.”
Elder Paisios, from “The Return to God from Earth to Heaven”
(Paedeia)
Silence
Although to know [God] be life, and joy to make mention of his name yet our soundest knowledge is to know him as indeed he is, neither can know him: and our safest eloquence concerning him is our silence
Richard Hooker (1554-1600), Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, I.2.2
SIlence
It is better to be silent and be real, than to talk and not be real. It is good to teach, if one does what one says. Now there is one such teacher, who “spoke and it happened;” indeed, even the things which he has done in silence are worthy of the Father. The one who truly possesses the word of Jesus is also able to hear his silence, that he may be perfect, that he may act through what he says and be known through his silence.
Ignatius of Antioch (c35-110), Epistle to the Ephesians 15:1-2.
Empty
No barrel can hold two different drinks. If it is to contain wine, then the water must be poured out so that the barrel is quite empty. Therefore, if you wish to be filled with God and divine joy, then you must pour the creatures out of yourself. St Augustine says: ‘Pour out, so that you may be filled. Learn not to love in order that you may learn to love. turn away, so that you may be turned towards.’ In short, if anything is to be receptive and to receive, it must be empty.
Meister Eckhart, The Book of Divine Consolation, 2
Too late
Too late I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient and ever new! Too late I loved you! And, behold, you were within me, and I out of myself, and there I searched for you.
Augustine of Hippo (354-430), Confessions X, 27
God seeks…
God seeks us, not what belongs to us
Augustine of Hippo (354-430), Sermon 42:1
The Snares
I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, ‘What can get through from such snares?’ Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Humility.’
St Anthony of Egypt (c251-356)
Knowledge
He who loves God prefers knowledge of God to all things created by him, and ever strives for it with desire.
St Maximus the Confessor (c580–662), Four Centuries on Love, 1:4
Keeping Clean
Do not corrupt your flesh with shameful deeds; do not pollute your soul with evil thoughts: and the peace of God will descend upon you, bringing with it love.
St Maximus the Confessor (c580–662), Four Centuries on Love, 1:44