A man who talks of virtue from the experience of his own labour transmits virtue to his hearer just as though he distributes money earned from his own commerce, and as it were from out of his own possessions he sows his teaching in the ears of those who give him ear. Such a man opens his mouth with boldness before his spiritual children.
The Ascentical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian
Homily One Number 38
Cover a man who stumbles, so long as your receive no harm from him, and give him encouragement; then your Master’s lovingkindness will bear you up. Support with a word the infirm, and those who are grieved at heart, in so far as this lies within your hands, then the Right Hand that sustains all will also sustain you. Through the toil of prayer and the anguish of your heart commune with those who are grieved of heart, and the Source of mercy will be opened to your petitions.
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian
Homily Two : On Thankfulness to God, In Which There Are Also Essential Elementary Lessons
Every good work, every God pleasing deed will have its obstacles and temptations. This is why the Holy Fathers had the concern that every virtue which is not received through obstacles and struggles, suffering, temptations and fears is not a true virtue.
This does not mean that we should become frightened by these obstacles, but moving forward with boldness and courage, calling for the help of God and the Saints, over-come and destroy these obstacles. From now on, when you are confronted with such temptations immerse yourself in prayer to God and the Saints.
I pray that the Grace of our Good God and the help of the Theotokos enable you worthily to fulfill your good work in these evil days.
And let us not have hope in our strength but only in God.
“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos” Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras
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