An Athonite ascetic used to say: In attempting to control one's mind, which is very difficult to do because of temptation, it is very helpful to study the writings from the blessed fathers and mothers, especially if this study is done before prayer.
It is very helpful to read because it elevates the mind so that it is primed for prayer. It's as if these holy ones are right beside you, who struggled with all the cares, problems and questions which concern everyone.
Today we honor the
blessed servants of God
Holy Hieromartyr Dorótheos, Bishop of Tyre;
Holy Hieromartyr Boniface, Archbishop of Mainz and Enlightener of Germany
Dorótheos was Bishop of Tyre from the time of Diocletian to the time of Julian the Apostate under whom he was tortured and suffered for the Orthodox Faith. He lived on earth one hundred seven years and, pleasing God, he took up habitation in life eternal in the year 361 A.D. Dorótheos was a very educated man and wrote many instructive works in Greek and Latin. Especially famous is his Greek-Latin Syntagma.
Acts 21:26-32 KJV
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
Saint John 16:2-13 KJV
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.%20Sketch%20copy%20red%20copy.png)
Need you be reminded that Christ asks for ALL OF YOUR HEART? Are you not aware that He has already freely given you everything this life has to offer? If you can admit that you are feeble and spiritually disfigured, you will wake up from this dream, turn to Him and He will show you infinitely more - even without asking.
Our Divine Trinity, doesn't require your blood but asks that you martyr your association with this transient world - IF - you wish life eternal. Make no mistake, should you decide to accept! This is exactly what He requires and again, He makes it clear with an IF because we are free to choose! When Satan whispers praise to convince you that you are satisfied with your struggle with what you have accomplished, reply, with all your being, all your strength, all your will, to the thought saying: Get thee behind me Satan!
Is there no simple way to accomplish total devotion to Christ you may ask? Yes, the simple remembrance of Him! In doing so, all things will be given to you. And if you question your ability to accomplish unceasing remembrance of Christ, never forget....what's not possible with man is possible with God and thus the quote from the holy Athonite father Porphyrios below.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
Saint John 16:2-13 KJV
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
ALL OF YOUR HEART - ALL OF YOUR HEART
ALL OF YOUR HEART
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Consider this! If our Lord expected us to function on faith alone, would He have become taken on the flesh (a human being as we like call ourselves) to be seen by thousands of others? Did He not fast, eat, drink and tire with us? Did He not weep like us? Did He not suffer and die for us, in the same way other sons of Adam have?
His love and miracles tell us that there is far, far more, infinitely more than the senses can grasp! Don't think for a moment that if, in your heart, you exchange every last bit of your life, every jot and tittle, that you will have lost anything! He is the great Giver. Let's be honest, what do we have to offer Him? Even love came from Him and without limit, so we could give it to Him and others, without limit. Again, all of your heart means EVERY aspect of your life. In other words, desire nothing but Christ.
Never doubt! When this is accomplished, He will confirm it from within you, that you may not doubt.
Never doubt! When this is accomplished, He will confirm it from within you, that you may not doubt.
Our Divine Trinity, doesn't require your blood but asks that you martyr your association with this transient world - IF - you wish life eternal. Make no mistake, should you decide to accept! This is exactly what He requires and again, He makes it clear with an IF because we are free to choose! When Satan whispers praise to convince you that you are satisfied with your struggle with what you have accomplished, reply, with all your being, all your strength, all your will, to the thought saying: Get thee behind me Satan!
Is there no simple way to accomplish total devotion to Christ you may ask? Yes, the simple remembrance of Him! In doing so, all things will be given to you. And if you question your ability to accomplish unceasing remembrance of Christ, never forget....what's not possible with man is possible with God and thus the quote from the holy Athonite father Porphyrios below.
Elder Porphyrios of Athos
ON THE PRAYER OF JESUS
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