The double aspect of man and sinner: "There is, as it were, a double aspect: man and sinner. To be a man is God's work, to be a sinner is our doing. Blot out what you have done, so that God may restore what He has done; hate your own work in yourself and love what He has done in you."

Neighbors: "My brothers, do not think you must speak the truth to a Christian but can lie to a pagan. You are speaking to your brother, born like you from Adam and Eve. Realize that each man is your neighbor even before he is a Christian; you have no idea how God sees him."

Either God or the world: "One can love the world or love God. If we love the world, there is no room in our heart for the love of God. We cannot love God and the world, which passes away with its loves."

Is it worth it?: "Remember what will be said to those whom He places at the right hand, 'Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom,' but to those on His left, 'Depart you cursed into everlasting fire.' If you do not as yet long for His promises, at least be afraid of His threats."

Believe and then you will know: "We believe, not because we know, but so that we may come to know. For what we shall know, no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor has man's heart imagined."

With one voice: "We read, 'Praise the Lord with me, let us exalt His Name together.' To whom is the Psalmist speaking? To every member of Christ's body. And what kind of praise does he mean? That which is not jealous of another's love."

St. Augustine's prayer: "Guiding my mind by the rule of faith, I have sought you with all my heart, with all the power you have given me. I have longed to understand that which I believe."

By: Fr. Mikhail E. Mikhail, D. Min.