Contemplations Archives • Page 391 of 511 • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

“That is the mark of true believers: exalted splendour” – St. Augustine “For, in the splendour of high heavens, those shining with the life of righteousness, attach to Him, as do His clothes.” – St. Gregory the Great #HappyFeastoftheTransfiguration #transfiguration #whiteassnow #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“That is the mark of true believers: exalted splendour” – St. Augustine “For, in the splendour of high heavens, those …

“for, if He did not overlook the Magi, nor the Ethiopian, nor the thief, nor the harlot, much more them that work righteousness, and are willing, shall He in anywise not overlook.” St John Chrysostom #Godacceptsall #Godschildren #inHisimage #coptic #orthodox #dailyreadings

“for, if He did not overlook the Magi, nor the Ethiopian, nor the thief, nor the harlot, much more them …

“People hate the truth for the sake of whatever it is that they love more than the truth. They love truth when it shines warmly on them, and hate it when it rebukes them.” St Augustine . “In the Scriptures it is written that falsehood is from the evil one, and that He is the “Father of Lies” (John 8:44), while God is truth, for He Himself says, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). Thus you see from whom we estranged ourselves and to whom we are united by a lie. So then, if we really want to be saved, we must love truth with our whole hearts and guard ourselves from all falsehood. There are three different types of lies: in thought, in word, and in life itself. A man lies in thought when he accepts as true his own imaginations, that is his vain despite of his neighbor. Such a one, when he sees that someone is conversing with his neighbor, makes his own estimation and says, “They are talking about me.” If someone says a word, he considers that it was said to grieve him. Never believe your own guesses and interpretations, for a crooked measurement makes even the straight to be crooked. Human opinion is false and harms those who are given to it. The one who sins in word is one who, for example, when out of despondency he has not gotten up for the service, does not say, “Forgive me, I was too lazy to get up,” but says, “I had a fever, I had too much work, I hadn’t the strength to get up, I was sick,” and says ten false statements, rather than make a single prostration and be humbled. And if he should be rebuked in such a situation, he changes his words and argues, in order not to be rebuked. One who lies by his life is one who, if he is defiled, pretends to be chaste, or if he is avaricious, praises almsgiving, or if he is proud praises humility. Thus, in order to escape falsehood and be delivered from the part of the evil one, let us strive to appropriate truth, in order to have union with God.” St. Abba Dorotheos #Truth #walkintruth #ChristisTheTruth #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“People hate the truth for the sake of whatever it is that they love more than the truth. They love …

Love of God is not something that can be taught. We did not learn from someone else how to rejoice in light or want to live, or to love our parents or guardians. It is the same – perhaps even more so – with our love for God: it does not come by another’s teaching. As soon as the living creature (that is, man) comes to be, a power of reason is implanted in us like a seed, containing within it the ability and the need to love. When the school of God’s law admits this power of reason, it cultivates it diligently, skilfully nurtures it, and with God’s help brings it to perfection- St Basil . . #Jesuswithin #lovewithinus #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

Love of God is not something that can be taught. We did not learn from someone else how to rejoice …

He does not need anything of ours, but we stand in need of all things from Him. In point of fact, thanksgiving adds nothing to Him, but it brings us closer to Him. For if, when we recall the benefactions of men, we are the more warmed by affection for them; much more, when we continually bring to mind the benefits of the Master towards us, shall we be more earnest with regard to His commandments. – St John Chrysostom . . #thanksgiving #praise #bringsjoy #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox #gratitude

He does not need anything of ours, but we stand in need of all things from Him. In point of …