Fruit of the Vine

Moses said, "One who avoids others is like a ripe grape. One who stays in company is like a sour grape."

~~Sour Grapes by Sally Minker

Three Things

Joseph of Thebes said, "Three things are seen to be honorable by God. The first is when temptations come on someone who is weak, and are accepted thankfully. The second is when every action is pure before God, mixed with no human motive. The third is when a disciple remains obedient to a spiritual father, and gives up his self-will."

The Devil's Wiles

Macarius wanted to encourage the brothers so he said, "A little while ago a mother came here with her son who was vexed by a devil, and he said to his mother, 'Get up, let us go away from here.' But she said, 'My feet are so bad that I can't walk away.' So her son said to her, 'I will carry you.' I am amazed at the cleverness of the devil, how much he wanted them to flee from this place."

~~ Mother and Son by Georges Mazilu

Forgive Our Debtors

Hyperichius said, "Snatch your neighbor from his sins, so far as you can, and refrain from condemning him, for God does not reject those who turn to him. Let no evil word about your brother stay in your mind, so that you can say, 'Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.' (Matthew 7:12)."

The Solution is Silence

Poemen said, "Whatever hardship comes upon you, it can be overcome by silence."

Remain in Community

Syncletica said, "We ought to behave always with discretion: and remain in the community, not following our own will, nor seeking our own good. Like exiles we have been separated from things of the world and have given ourselves in faith to the one Father. We need nothing of what we have left behind. There we had a reputation and plenty to eat; here we have little to eat and not much of anything else."

For Whom the Tree Bows Down

They said there was a man in Syria who lived near the way into the desert, and it was his work faithfully to refresh every monk who came from the desert, and whatever time he came. One day a hermit arrived and he offered him food. But the hermit refused, saying, "I am fasting."

The man was saddened, and said, "Please do not pass over your servant, do not scorn me. Let us pray together. Look, here is a tree; let us obey him for whom the tree bows down when he kneels and prays."

So, the hermit knelt and prayed, but nothing happened. Then the man knelt down, and at once the tree bent its trunk. They rejoiced at the sight, and gave thanks to God who is always doing wonders.