Thursday, April 28, 2016

Saint Quote of the Day- Be Watchful

'And so after Easter we must be watchful and awake, pray and be stirred to compunction, weep and be illumined, always bearing in our bodies the death of the Lord Jesus, [2 Cor. 4:10.] dying each day by choice, always journeying from the body and dwelling with the Lord through leaving the thoughts of the flesh. Do not say, "It is not Lent now". It is always Lent for the watchful. Do not say, "I have spent hours in ascetic activity and it is necessary to rest". There is no rest here. Do not say, "I have grown old in virtue and I am not afraid". There is always fear of reversal; and Satan in one instant has cast into the deep of sin many who had grown old in virtue. So let the one who thinks they stand beware lest they fall, [1 Cor. 10:12.] and the one who thinks they have been guarded see to it that they are not off their guard. So let there be guard and attention and moderation with regard to sleep, to food, to drink and to whatever else, so that the body may be kept under control and brought into servitude, [Cf. 1 Cor. 9:27.] lest, like a colt in fine condition which takes the bit between its teeth, it push us down the precipice of sin.'
St. Theodore the Studite

 

Apocalypse (Revelation) 3:2
Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God.