Imagine an absolutely clear glass filled with water. One look will tell whether the water is clean or not, and if dirty, how dirty. So will it be with us when we cross into the other world. Every impulse, however transient, of our heart, every thought, leaves its mark on the general sum of our life. Suppose that just once during the whole course of my earthly existence and evil thought crossed my mind…this single thought will leave a black spot on the body of my life, unless it be wiped out by repentant self-condemnation. Nothing can be hidden. We often reassure ourselves with the thought that nobody saw us, no one knows what we think or do. But when we begin to strive our utmost to prepare for eternity, everything is different and we yearn to be rid of all that is soiled within us. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). Through sincere repentance and vigorous self-conviction before God and our fellows the inner man is cleansed – the water in the glass, passed through the spiritual filter or repentance, becomes pure again…So long as we have life there is the possibility of reformation.
—Elder Sophrony, of blessed memory
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“Fear of God is fear of separation from God.”
— Elder Sergei of Vanves -
“When people have these kind of problems, it’s time to stop asking what’s wrong with them and time to start asking what happened to them.”
— Dr. Robert Anda -
“The love of God is not taught. No one has taught us to enjoy the light or to be attached to life more than anything else. And no one has taught us to love the two people who brought us into the world and educated us. Which is all the more reason to believe that we did not learn to love God as a result of outside instruction.”
+St. Basil the Great -
…listen to the cause: for a small gain they travel far; for eternal life many will scarcely lift a foot from the ground. They seek a petty reward, and sometimes fight shamefully in law courts for a single piece of money. They are not afraid to work day and night for a trifle or an empty promise. But, for an unchanging good, for a reward beyond estimate, for the greatest honor and for glory everlasting, it must be said to their shame that men begrudge even the least fatigue. Be ashamed, then, lazy and complaining servant, that they should be found more eager for perdition than you are for life, that they rejoice more in vanity than you in truth.
—Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ -
“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
—Jim Rohn -
Things happen in our lives—moments happen—we’re saved from certain things. God touches our hearts in certain ways, and yet there is no change. …Why? Because change means I need to change. Something in my life has to change. …It might mean that I have to change certain things about myself—certain behaviors, certain relationships. …It might mean I need to have a real hard think about the way I’m living my life. …It might mean I might have to look like a fool socially. …it may mean that I have to look at that thing in my life which I know is not appropriate, but it gives me joy and it gives me pleasure, and so I keep it there. Change is required.
We Need Change
Sunday Homilies, 4 Feb 18
February 4, 2018 • Fr. Daniel Fanous -
My own definition of success is “leaving your corner of the world better than you found it.” Your “corner” may be focused on a single town or a neighborhood within a city, or it may carry you to dozens of countries. Whatever your sphere of influence, when you are seeking to enrich the lives of others through relationships, you will find the most satisfying form of success.
Love as a Way of Life
Gary Chapman
SO GOOD QUOTES 