Have you ever been mistreated by someone, and it seems like you can almost taste your anger over what happened? St. John Climacus warns us that our bitterness literally disfigures us. He says, Wrath is a reminder of hidden hatred, that is to say, remembrance of wrongs. Wrath is a desire for the injury of [...]
When we read about someone being angry in a novel, we frequently read that “his face was twisted with rage,” or “her face became dark with anger,” or some other description showing that a person’s appearance is warped when angry. St. John Climacus says the same thing happens to our soul: Wrath is a reminder [...]
In this episode of the real life podcast, we talk about how joy develops through our relationships with others.
Lorenzo Scupoli says that when we see sunsets or mountains we can reflect that all this visible beauty is the work of the invisible and most beautiful creative Spirit, in Whom lies the cause of all external beauty. Then, filled with joy, say: ‘O rich streams flowing from an uncreated source! O life-giving rain drawn [...]
St. Gregory the Dialogist explains how you can become an all-new person: For it suits the old man to seek the present world, to love transitory things through desire, to raise the mind in pride, not to have patience, to ponder through pain of spite on the injury of a neighbor, not to give one’s [...]
In this episode of the real life podcast, we talk about how joy develops through our relationships with others.
I love attending baptisms, and particularly those where an adult is rejoicing in being baptized into Christ. It’s good to remember that this isn’t just a “one-and-done” event: it’s the start of a clean life. St. Cyril of Jerusalem tells us, The past wounds therefore of soul and body God heals by Baptism; against future [...]
Orthodox Christianity is truly an active faith. What we believe is very important, of course, but we need to do more than merely believe Church teachings—we need to “put feet” to our faith. Here’s what St. Gregory of Sinai says: A man has no right to be called faithful, if his faith is a bare [...]
Someone once had me write down each thought that crossed my mind. When I looked at my list I was horrified by the number of sinful images and desires I found there. Am I a lost cause because these things cross my mind? St. John the Solitary helps with this: Be attentive to the thoughts [...]
One of the most common accusations made against Christianity is that it is oppressive to women, that it glorifies men but somehow dehumanizes women. But listen to what St. Kosmas Aitolos says, God created woman equal with man, not inferior. My Christian, you must love your wife as your companion, and not consider her as [...]
