The slave of the belly ponders the menu with which to celebrate the feast. The servant of God, however, thinks of the graces that may enrich him. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
When people begin to praise us, let us hurry to remember the multitude of ours transgressions, and we will see that we are truly… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
He does not show humility who accuses himself (for who will not accept rebukes from himself?), but he who, being rebuked by another, does… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Pride is the utter poverty of soul disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
A discerning man, when he eats grapes, takes only the ripe ones and leaves the sour. Thus also the discerning mind carefully marks the… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Do not stop praying as long as, by God's grace, the fire and the water have not been exhausted, for it may happen that… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Holy love has a way of consuming some. This is what is meant by the one who said, 'You have ravished our hearts' (Sg. Of Sgs. 4:9). And it makes others bright and overjoyed. In this regard it has been said: 'My heart was full of trust and I was helped, and my flesh has revived' (Ps. 27:7). For when… — John Climacus Copy Share
The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Someone who is elated with wine speaks the truth on all subjects, even without meaning to. In the same way, anyone who is inebriated… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
It can happen that when we are at prayer some brothers come to see us. Then we have to choose either to interrupt our… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
When a man has found the Lord, he no longer has to use words when he is praying, for the Spirit Himself will intercede… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
