This is the mark of Christianity: however much a man toils and however many righteousnesses he performs to feel that he has done nothing and in fasting to say This is not fasting and in praying This is not prayer and in perseverance at prayer I have shown no perseverance; I am only just beginning to practice and to take pains; and even if he is righteous before God he should say I am not righteous not I; I do not take pains but only make a beginning every day. He should every day have the hope and the joy and the expectation of the coming kingdom and deliverance and to say If today I have not been delivered I shall tomorrow.’ – St. Macarius the Great of Egypt #hope #perseverance #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox