Sayings of The Holy Fathers:
It is very useful to spend time reading the word of God in solitude and to read the whole Bible with understanding. In return for this exercise alone, without the addition of any other virtuous deeds, the Lord grants man His mercy and fills him with the gift of understanding. When a man provides his soul with the word of God, then he is granted the understanding of what is good and what is evil.
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Modern Orthodox Saints, Vol. 5.
An old man was asked, "How can a fervent brother not be shocked when he sees others returning to the world?" And he said, "Watch the dogs who chase hares. When one of them has seen a hare, he pursues it until he catches it, without being concerned with anything else. The others, seeing the dog launched in pursuit, run with it for a short time and soon come back. Only the one who has seen the hare follows it till he catches it, not letting himself be turned from his course by those who go back, and not caring about the ravines, rocks, and undergrowth. So it is with him who seeks Christ as Master; ever mindful of the Cross, he cares nothing about any of the scandals that occur, till he reaches the Crucified One."
The Desert Fathers
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Modern Orthodox Saints, Vol. 5.
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An old man was asked, "How can a fervent brother not be shocked when he sees others returning to the world?" And he said, "Watch the dogs who chase hares. When one of them has seen a hare, he pursues it until he catches it, without being concerned with anything else. The others, seeing the dog launched in pursuit, run with it for a short time and soon come back. Only the one who has seen the hare follows it till he catches it, not letting himself be turned from his course by those who go back, and not caring about the ravines, rocks, and undergrowth. So it is with him who seeks Christ as Master; ever mindful of the Cross, he cares nothing about any of the scandals that occur, till he reaches the Crucified One."
The Desert Fathers
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