“The desert aids us in ridding our soul of all
passions. If we show respect to the Desert by adjusting ourselves to it, the
Desert in turn may grant us its blessed serenity,” the Elder (Paisios)
reminisced later nostalgically. Thus in a few words he expressed his experience
of living in the Sinai Desert."
Saint Elder Paisios on Peace of Mind
- Live simply and without thinking too much, like a
child with his father. Faith without too much thinking works wonders. The
logical mind hinders the Grace of God and miracles. Practice patience without
judging with the logical mind.
- Thoughts are like airplanes flying in the air. If
you ignore them, there is no problem. If you pay attention to them, you create
an airport inside your head and permit them to land!
- Do not believe your thoughts, neither when they tell
you that you are terrible, nor when they tell you that you are a saint.
- The goal is to rise spiritually, not simply to avoid
sin.
- So in every test, let us say: "Thank you, my
God, because this was needed for my salvation."
- We have the power of the Holy Cross, our holy
symbol, the Divine Grace of Christ, only as long as we have the holy marking of
Holy Baptism, meaning we have denied the devil and sided with Christ, and
received the holy marking, the seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Christ helps those who are fighting the good fight
that all Saints embraced in order to subdue the flesh to the spirit. Even when
wounded, we must never lose our composure, but should instead ask for God’s
help in continuing with the struggle courageously. The Good Shepherd will hear
us and rush to our aid, just as a shepherd responds to the bleating of a lamb
that is lost or wounded or threatened by a wolf.
- Trust in God, simplicity, and struggle for philotimo
[Gr.virtuous way of living, striving] will lead to inner peace and security,
and then the soul fills with hope and joy…
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