16 Quotes by John Cassian

It is impossible for the mind to remain undisturbed by thoughts, but anyone serious about the matter can certainly permit them entry or drive them away, and although their origin does not lie entirely under our control we can choose to approve of them and to adopt them.

No just man suffices unto himself for the winning of justification. The divine mercy must always hold out a hand to his footsteps as they falter and almost stumble, and this is so because the weakness of his free will may cause him to lose balance, and if he falls he may perish forever.

God can be sensed when we gaze with trembling hearts at that power of his which controls, guides, and rules everything, when we contemplate his immense knowledge and his knowing look which the secrets of the heart cannot evade.

The bond between friends cannot be broken by chance; no interval of time or space can destroy it. Not even death itself can part true friends.

Humility, in its turn, can be achieved only through faith, fear of God, gentleness and the shedding of all possessions.

All of our holy fathers knew this and all with one accord teach that perfection in holiness can be achieved only through humility.

True knowledge is found only among those genuinely worshiping God.