Tag: Conferences
Recognize the power of the evil demon
[Abba John] related with regard to another old man living in the desert, that he had asked God to grant him never to become sleepy during a spiritual conference, but, if someone uttered slanderous or useless words, to be able to go to sleep at once, so that his ears should never be touched by… Read More ›
Prayer without Ceasing: O God, Come to my assistance
. . . this was delivered to us by a few of those who were left of the oldest fathers, so it is only divulged by us to a very few and to those who are really keen. And so for keeping up continual recollection of God this pious formula is to be ever set… Read More ›
Which is the greatest of all virtues?
Some elders came to St. Antony and asked him, “Which is the greatest of all virtues?” Each one then gave an opinion, some saying that “fasting and keeping of vigils” best help one come near to God; others said “voluntary poverty” and “detachment”; others said “compassion.” Last of all, Anthony gave his reply: “All that… Read More ›
The Eight Demons of St. John Cassian
My life, along with many others (though I forget this often), has been a continual struggle with sin. I am not alone in this, and there is a kind of comfort in that. I found this out especially when I stumbled upon some writings of St. John Cassian in the Philokalia, arguably the most important spiritual… Read More ›
The hardest mortification: that of one’s own judgment
I have never met with anyone who did not value his own judgment, except two persons who confessed to me that they had no judgment. And once one of these having come to see me, said to me, “Sir, I beg of you to tell me a little about such a thing; for I have… Read More ›
DVD Conferences
Sister Maria Tasto OSB, a Ferdinand Benedictine, has released A Transformed Life a three-DVD set and guidebook of six conferences based on her experience as a founding member of the Resource Faculty of Contemplative Outreach, inspired by the work of Abbot Emeritus Thomas Keating OCSO. To reserve a copy or read more about the conferences, visit the website…. Read More ›
Love never fails
“Charity never faileth.” For all gifts are given for a time as use and need require, but when the dispensation is ended they will without doubt presently pass away: but love will never be destroyed. For not only does it work usefully in us in this world; but also in that to come, when the… Read More ›
Contemplation of Divine Things
. . . As long then as this inequality lasts in this world, [works of charity and mercy] will be needful and useful to the man that practises it, as it brings to a good purpose and pious will the reward of an eternal inheritance: but it will come to an end in the life… Read More ›
The way to Perfection
. . .perfection is not arrived at simply by self-denial, and the giving up of all our goods, and the casting away of honours, unless there is that charity, the details of which the Apostle describes, which consists in purity of heart alone. For “not to be envious,” “not to be puffed up, not to… Read More ›
Pray with closed doors
Before all things however we ought most carefully to observe the Evangelic precept, which tells us to enter into our chamber and shut the door and pray to our Father, which may be fulfilled by us as follows: We pray within our chamber, when removing our hearts inwardly from the din of all thoughts and… Read More ›