:: St. Stephen's Musings ::

:: Thursday, February 26, 2004 ::

Notes from Fr. Dn. John Part II: Journey to the Kingdom

* When we sing "Lord, have mercy" in the Liturgy all we are really saying is "Lord, we are sinners. Be unto us as you always are."

* Facing and accepting our weakness is the first step to finding God's grace. The most important thing we have to be thankful for is our limitations. Our brokenness is what we have to offer to Him.

* As St. Isaac the Syrian says, "Where do you get the idea that the afflictions on the path do not belong to the path? Do you not wish to follow in the footsteps of the saints? Do you want to travel by some special path of your own, one that does not involve suffering? The path to God is a daily cross. No one has ascended to heaven by way of ease. We know where the easy way leads!"

* This line is an amazing comfort: "It is not in vain, nor without reason, that we are subject to illness." (St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Statutes)

:: Karl :: 7:51:00 AM [Link] ::