Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

parable_of_the_prodigal_son

Well it is said that he [the Prodigal Son] went into a foreign country who is cut off from the sacred altar, for this is to be separated from that Jerusalem which is in heaven, from the citizenship and home of the saints. For which reason the Apostle says: 'Therefore now ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of "the household of God." "And," it is said, "wasted his substance." Rightly, for he whose faith halts in bringing forth good works does consume it. For, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." And faith is a good substance, the inheritance.of our hope. St.. Ambrose of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Book II