A thought for the day
Abba Nilus said, ‘The arrows of the enemy cannot touch one who loves quietness; but he who moves about in a crowd will often be wounded.’
Theophilus of holy memory, bishop of Alexandra, journeyed to Scetis and the brethren coming together said to abba Pambo, ‘Say a word or two to the bishop, that his soul may be edified in this place.’ The old man replied, ‘If he is not edified by my silence, there is no hope that he will be edified by my words.’
A thought for the day
Sermon for Evensong Trinity XXII
Homily for the Thirtieth Sunday of Year C
A Thought for the Day from the Desert
Trinity XXI Evensong
A thought for the day from S. Ignatius of Antioch
More advice from S. Teresa of Avila
Thus Christians are hindered from prayer, and when they communicate, the time during which they ought to be obtaining graces is spent in wondering whether they are well prepared or no.
Everything such a person says seems to them on the verge of evil, and all their actions appear fruitless, however good they are in themselves. They become discouraged and unable to do any good, for what is right in others they fancy is wrong in themselves.
When you are in this state, turn your mind so far as you can from your misery and fix it on the mercy of God, His love for us, and all that He endured for our sake.
A thought for the day from S. Teresa of Avila
The more holy someone is, the more cordial they should be with others.
Although you may be pained because their conversation is not what you would wish, never keep aloof if you want to help them and win their love.
Try to think rightly about God. He does not look at such trifling matters as you suppose; do not alarm your soul or lose courage for you might lose greatly. Keep a pure intention and a firm resolve not to offend God, as I said, but do not trammel your soul for instead of advancing in sanctity you would contract a number of imperfections and would not help others as you might have done.
St Isaac of Nineveh on the Mercy of God