Tag: Abba Moses
How are we to judge?
It was told of a brother who came to see Abba Arsenius at Scetis that, when he came to the church, he asked the clergy if he could visit Abba Arsenius. They said to him, ‘Brother, have a little refreshment and then go and see him.’ ‘I shall not eat anything,’ said he, ’till I… Read More ›
Where there is deep humility thither comes the Holy Spirit
“Humility is not weakness or avoidance of conflict. It enables us to respond to a situation without becoming the central feature. It extends our vision beyond ourselves and our needs to a resolution that reconciles and serves all concerned. By withdrawing from self-assertion, humility makes honest communication possible. When we let go of our desire… Read More ›
In tempation there is always help
It happened that Abba Moses the Ethiopian was struggling with the temptation of fornication. Unable to stay any long in the cell, he went and told Abba Isidore. The old man exhorted him to return to his cell. But he refused, saying, “Abba, I cannot.” Then Abba Isidore took Moses out onto the terrace and… Read More ›
To See As God Sees
A brother went to see Abba Moses in his hermitage at Scetis and begged him for a word. And the old man said: “Go and sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” What is right in front of us we see least. We take the plants in the room for granted…. Read More ›
Hidden Meaning of History
When we lay bare the hidden meaning of the history, scripture is seen to teach that the birth which distresses the tyrant is the beginning of the virtuous life. I am speaking of the kind of birth in which free will serves as the midwife, delivering the child amid great pain. For no one causes… Read More ›
Seven Instructions of Abba Moses
Seven instructions which Abba Moses sent to Abba Poeman. He who puts them into practice will escape all punishment and will live in peace, whether he dwells in the desert or in the midst of the brethren. 1. The monk must die to his neighour and never judge him at all, in any way whatever…. Read More ›