Status Updates From My Life in Christ: Moments ...

“By celebrating the sacraments carelessly we mock the Lord’s holy things.”

“How can one do anything without forcing oneself? How is it possible not to compel or inspire Christians, too, to fulfill the precepts of religion and piety? Is it not written in Scripture, “the kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violence take it by force” (Matt 11:12)?”

“Why are long prayers necessary? By prolonged, fervent prayer, we warm our cold hearts, hardened in worldly vanity.”

“(Theater) is a mirror reflecting all the passions and deformities of this world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”

“Everything heavenly, holy, bearing the stamp of Christianity is foreign to the theater.”

“Since most sins come from anger and pride, it is necessary to treat everyone who suffers from the disease of sin with kindness and love.”

“Though they may know much, let them not pride themselves upon this, but strive above all for the cleansing of their soul and body.”

“We must love our enemies; it is the devil that teaches and incites them to enmity.”

“Truth is as simple, easy, and life-giving for man as thought, as breath.”

“Do not confuse man, the image of God, with the wickedness that is in him, because the wickedness is only accidental. It is his misfortune, sickness, an illusion of the devil, but his beingthe image of God-still remains in him.”

“Always consider it a great happiness to be able to pray to the Lord, or His most pure Mother, or the angels and saints, and pray to them with joy and trembling reverence, remembering with Whom you are speaking, you who are an impure and insignificant worm.”

“Be holy, kind, wise, just, watchful, and courageous, unchangeable in good, and satisfied with everything.”

“The work of cleansing the heart is difficult, because it is connected with great privation and sorrow. Therefore, the reward is great.”

“You see very clearly that it is extremely difficult for you to change for the better. In fact, without God’s grace and your own fervent prayer and abstinence, it would be impossible.”

“Therefore you should also be indulgent, patient, and loving to those who live with you, and who also suffer from many passions.”

“Do not help the devil to spread his kingdom.”

“The most important thing in life is to be zealous for mutual love, and not to judge anyone. Everyone shall answer for himself before God, and you must look to yourself. Beware of anger.”

“You are a sinner, you continually fall, learn also how to rise; work hard to acquire this wisdom. This wisdom consists in learning by heart the Psalm ‘Have mercy on me O God, according to thy great mercy.”

“You ask how you can save yourself when you sin at every step you take? There is a simple answer to this: at every step, at every moment, call upon the Savior, remember the Savior, and you will save yourself and others.”