Isaac the Syrian quotes - page 2

Be at peace with your own soul, then heaven and earth will be at peace with you. (Isaac the Syrian)
Speech is the organ of this present world. Silence is the mystery of the world to come. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
Behold, for years and generations, the way of God has been leveled by the cross and by death. How is this with thee, that thou seest the afflictions of the way as if they were out of the way? Doest not thou wish to follow the steps of the saints? Or doest thou wish to go a way which is especially for thee, without suffering? the way unto God is a daily cross. No one can ascend unto heaven with comfort, we know where the way of comfort leads. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
If a man does not argue with the thoughts that the enemy secretly sows in us, but by prayer to God uproots conversation with them, this is a sign that his mind has attained wisdom, and that he has found a short path. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
There is no man who will not be grieved at the time of his chastisement; and there is not man who will not endure a bitter time, when he must drink the poison of temptations. Without them, it is not possible to obtain a strong will. When he has often experienced the help of God in temptations, a man also obtains strong faith. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
The Commandments of God are higher than all the treasures of the earth. Whoever has acquired them has received God within himself. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
The wisdom of the Holy Spirit is much greater than the wisdom of the entire world. Within the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, silence prevails; the wisdom of the world, however, goes astray into idle talk. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
Just as a strongly flowing fountain is not blocked up by a handful of earth, so the compassion of the Creator is not overcome by the wickedness of his creatures. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
If the heart is not occupied with study, it cannot endure the turbulence of the body's assault. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
What is a charitable heart? It is a heart which is burning with love for the whole creation, for men, for the birds, for the beasts ... for all creatures. He who has such a heart cannot see or call to mind a creature without his eyes being filled with tears by reason of the immense compassion which seizes his heart; a heart which is softened and can no longer bear to see or learn from others of any suffering, even the smallest pain being inflicted upon a creature. That is why such a man never ceases to pray for the animals ... [He is] ... moved by the infinite pity which reigns in the hearts of those who are becoming united with God. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
So then, let us not attribute to God's actions and His dealings with us any idea of requital. Rather, we should speak of fatherly provision, a wise dispensation, a perfect will which is concerned with our good, and complete love. If it is a case of love, then it is not one of requital; and if it is a case of requital, then it is not one of love. Love, when it operates, is not concerned with the requiting of former things by means of its own good deeds or correction; rather, it looks to what is most advantageous in the future: it examines what is to come, and not things that are past. (Isaac the Syrian)
Someone who bears a grudge while he prays is like a person who sows in the sea and expects to reap a harvest. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
Let there always be a preponderance of mercy with you, even though you don't feel such mercy in yourself, as God has for the world ... A cruel and merciless heart is never purified. A merciful man is the doctor of his own soul, because as it were a by a strong wind from is heart he drives out the darkness of the passions. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
If you practice an excellent virtue without perceiving the taste of its aid, do not marvel; for until a man becomes humble, he will not receive a reward for his labor. Recompense is given, not for labor, but for humility. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
Why do you increase your bonds? Take hold of your life before your light grows dark and you seek help and do not find it. This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
In the measure that love for the flesh prevails in you, you can never become brave and dauntless, on account of the host of adversaries that constantly surround the object of your love. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
Solitude is an ocean with wonderful places hidden in its depths. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
If you cannot close the mouth of one who reviles his brother, at least avoid conversation with him. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
Let us beware in ourselves, my beloved, and realize that even if Gehenna is subject to a limit, the taste of its experience is most terrible, and the extent of its bounds escapes our very understanding. Let us strive all the more to partake of the taste of God's love for the sake of perpetual reflection on Him, and let us not (have) experience of Gehenna through neglect. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
If zeal had been appropriate for putting humanity right, why did God the Word clothe himself in the body, using gentleness and humility in order to bring the world back to his Father? View quote
Isaac the Syrian
No part belonging to any single one of (all) rational beings will be lost, as far as God is concerned, in the preparation of that supernal Kingdom which is prepared for all worlds. Because of that goodness of His nature by which He brought the universe into being (and then) bears, guides and provides for the worlds and (all) created things in His immeasurable compassion, He has devised the establishment of the Kingdom of heaven for the entire community of rational beings - even though an intervening time is reserved for the general raising (of all) to the same level. (Isaac the Syrian)
A man who is truly humble is not troubled when he is wronged and he says nothing to justify himself against the injustice, but he accepts slander as truth; he does not attempt to persuade men that he is calumniated, but he begs forgiveness. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
The prayer of one who does not consider himself a sinner is not accepted by the Lord. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
True is the word of the Lord which declares that no man possessing love for the world can acquire the love of God, nor can any who has communion with the world have communion with God, nor can any who has concern for the world have concern for God. View quote
Isaac the Syrian
In all things that you find in the Holy Scriptures, seek out the purpose of the words, that you may enter into the depth of the thoughts of the saints and understand them with greater exactness. Do not approach the reading of the Divine Scriptures without prayer and asking the help of God. Consider prayer to be the key to the true understanding of that which is said in the Holy Scriptures. View quote
Isaac the Syrian

Isaac the Syrian

Occupation: Saint
Born: 640
Died: 700
Quotes count: 66
Wikipedia: Isaac the Syrian

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