True spiritual knowledge has sometimes flourished most grandly in some who were without eloquence and almost illiterate. And this is very clearly shown by the case of the Apostles and many holy men, who did not spread themselves out with… — John Cassian Copy Share Image
The second request of the very pure soul is to see the coming of the Father's kingdom (cf. Mt. 6:10). What this means first of all is that each day Christ should reign among holy men. And this happens when… — John Cassian Copy Share Image
...just as the edifice of all the virtues strives upward toward perfect prayer so will all these virtues be neither sturdy nor enduring unless… — John Cassian Copy Share
...the souls of the dead [are] not deprived of their intellectual faculties but... they also are not lacking in feelings such as hope and… — John Cassian Copy Share
...we should realize that there are three sources for our thoughts - God, the devil, and ourselves. — John Cassian Copy Share
In proportion as the ardor of divine love brings you nearer to God, so will a larger concourse of saintly brethren flock to you.… — John Cassian Copy Share
Everything we do, our every objective, must be undertaken for the sake of... purity of heart... we must practice the reading of the Scripture,… — John Cassian Copy Share
When we say 'hallowed be Your name' to God what we are really saying is 'Father, make us such as deserve knowledge and understanding… — John Cassian Copy Share
When the soul is solidly rooted in... peacefulness, when it is freed of the bonds of every carnal urge, when the unshaking thrust of… — John Cassian Copy Share
We are often indifferent to our brethren who are distressed or upset, on the grounds that they are in this state through no fault… — John Cassian Copy Share
The apostles were very sure that everything of theirs which had to do with salvation was a gift to them from God. 'Increase our… — John Cassian Copy Share
...we must first scrutinize thoroughly anything appearing in our hearts or any saying suggested to us. Has it come purified from the divine and… — John Cassian Copy Share
“It is not an external enemy we dread. Our foe is shut up within ourselves. An internal warfare is daily waged by us.” — John Cassian Copy Share
If you want to correct your brother when he is doing wrong? you must keep yourself calm; otherwise you yourself may catch the sickness… — John Cassian Copy Share
The thief who received the kingdom of heaven, though not as the reward of virtue, is a true witness to the fact that salvation… — John Cassian Copy Share
...whoever is guided solely by his own judgment and decision will never climb up to the summit of perfection and will not fail to… — John Cassian Copy Share
All of our holy fathers knew this and all with one accord teach that perfection in holiness can be achieved only through humility. — John Cassian Copy Share
