“They did not talk, not because they hated conversation, but because they wanted to listen intently to the voice of God in silence; they did not dislike eating, but were feeding on the Word of God so that they did… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“The hermit said, ‘This is the way to be strong: when temptations start to speak in your mind do not answer them but get… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“Arsenius always used to say this, ‘Why, words, did I let you get out? I have often been sorry that I have spoken, never… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“Evagrius said, ‘A wandering mind is strengthened by reading, and prayer. Passion is dampened down by hunger and work and solitude. Anger is repressed… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“It is dangerous for a man to try teaching before he is trained in the good life. A man whose house is about to fall down may invite travellers inside to refresh them, but instead they will be hurt in the collapse of the house. It is the same with teachers who have not carefully trained themselves in the good… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share
“Daniel said, ‘If the body is strong, the soul weakens. If the body weakens, the soul is strong.” — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“Macarius said also, ‘If you are stirred to anger when you want to reprove someone, you are gratifying your own passions. Do not lose… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“Antony said to Poemen, ‘Our great work is to lay the blame for our sins upon ourselves before God, and to expect to be… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“They did not talk, not because they hated conversation, but because they wanted to listen intently to the voice of God in silence; they… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“Mathois said, ‘The nearer a man comes to God, the more he sees himself to be a sinner. Isaiah the prophet saw the Lord… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
“I may be wrong but I think nothing needs so much effort as prayer to God. If anyone wants to pray, the demons try… — Benedicta Ward Copy Share Image
