Pray for me
by philologia
Fasting is a pain.
“Fasting is wonderful, because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth like a flower.”
Working is a pain.
“Why do you beat the air and run in vain? Every occupation has a purpose, obviously. Tell me then, what is the purpose of all the activity of the world? Answer, I challenge you! It is vanity of vanity: all is vanity.”
Keeping a clear head is a pain.
“There is nothing impossible unto those who believe; lively and unshaken faith can accomplish great miracles in the twinkling of an eye. Besides, even without our sincere and firm faith, miracles are accomplished, such as the miracles of the sacraments; for God’s Mystery is always accomplished, even though we were incredulous or unbelieving at the time of its celebration. “Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” (Rom. 3:3). Our wickedness shall not overpower the unspeakable goodness and mercy of God; our dullness shall not overpower God’s wisdom, nor our infirmity God’s omnipotence.”
Finances are a royal pain.
“In the matter of piety, poverty serves us better than wealth, and work better than idleness, especially since wealth becomes an obstacle even for those who do not devote themselves to it. Yet, when we must put aside our wrath, quench our envy, soften our anger, offer our prayers, and show a disposition which is reasonable, mild, kindly, and loving, how could poverty stand in our way? For we accomplish these things not by spending money but by making the correct choice. Almsgiving above all else requires money, but even this shines with a brighter luster when the alms are given from our poverty. The widow who paid in the two mites was poorer than any human, but she outdid them all.”
Such is life.
- Grace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe.
- It has shown to the world the riches of riches poverty;
- it has revealed to us the heights of humility.
- Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom,
- intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls!
Fr. John Chrysostom, pray to God for me.
