The things of God, they say, come of themselves, without one being aware of it. Yes, but only if the place is clean and undefiled. If the pupil of your soul’s eye is not pure, do not venture to gaze at the orb of the sun, lest you be deprived of your sight – which is simple faith, humility, confession from the heart, and your small labors according to your capacity.

The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian

Homily Two

On Thankfulness to God, In Which there are Also Elementary Lessons