Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

grief

2 Entries

Do you see what grief arises in a humble soul and the consolation that ensues: Indeed, self-reproach on its own, when lying for a protracted time upon the soul's thoughts like some intellectual weight, crushes and presses and squeezes out the saving wine that gladdens the heart of man (Cf.. Ps. 104:15), that is to say, our inner self. This wine is compunction. Together with grief compunction crushes the passions and, having freed the soul from the weight that oppresses it, fills it with blessed joy. That is the reason why Christ says, 'Blessed are those who grieve, for they will be consoled' (Mt. 5:4). St. Gregory Palamas, Philokalia, Vol. 4

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A man who craves esteem cannot be rid of the causes of grief. St Isaac of Syria

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