Blessed is he that makes his heart peaceful at the. . .
Blessed is he that makes his heart peaceful at the hour of the Mysteries, for all his debts and hateful deeds shall be forgiven him.
-St. Narsai Harp of the Spirit
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Thou hast created us for. . .
Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.
— St. Augustine
O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into. . .
“O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.”
―
Let there be a door to. . .
Let there be a door to thy mouth, that it may be shut when need arises, and let it be carefully barred, that none may rouse thy voice to anger, and thou pay back abuse with abuse.
-Saint Ambrose of Milan
Blessed the one who meditates on. . .
“Blessed the one who meditates on death each day and destroys the base passions lurking in the vines of the heart, for he will be consoled in the moment of separation.”
— Ephrem the Syrian
St. John Chrysostom: However, if the Devil does not dare to enter into the house . . .
“Moreover, if the Devil does not dare to enter into the house where the Gospel lies, much less will he ever seize upon the soul which contains such thoughts as these, and no evil spirit will approach it, nor will the nature of sin come near. Well, then, sanctify your soul, sanctify your body by having these thoughts always in your heart and on your tongue. For if foul language is defiling and evokes evil spirits, it is evident that spiritual reading sanctifies the reader and attracts the grace of the Spirit.”
+ St. John Chrysostom, Homily 32, Homilies on the Gospel of John
St. John Chrysostom: When, then, you make the sign of the cross. . .
When, then, you make the sign of the cross on the forehead, arm yourself with a saintly boldness, and reinstall your soul in its old liberty; for you are not ignorant that the cross is a prize beyond all price.
Consider what is the price given for your ransom, and you will never more be slave to any man on earth. This reward and ransom is the cross. You should not then, carelessly make the sign on the forehead, but you should impress it on your heart with the love of a fervent faith. Nothing impure will dare to molest you on seeing the weapon, which overcometh all things.
+ St. John Chrysostom
