A proud monk needs no demon. He has turned into one, an enemy to himself.

Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it.

Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honour your patience.

It is not the self -critical who reveals his humility ( for does not everyone have some how to put up with himself? ). Rather, it is the man who continues to love the person who has criticized him.

Simplicity is an enduring habit within a soul that has grown impervious to evil thoughts.

Often the Lord heals vainglory by dishonor.

God belongs to all free beings. He is the life of all, the salvation of all ~faithful and unfaithful, just and unjust, pious and impious, passionate and dispassionate, monks and laymen, wise and simple, healthy and sick, young and old just as the effusion of light, the sight of the sun, and the changes of the seasons are for all alike; 'for there is no respect of persons with God.'