"We are travellers…not yet in our native land" – St. Augustine
Ammon… brought this question to Sisois: “When I read Scripture, I am tempted to make elaborate commentaries and prepare myself to answer questions on it.”
He replied, “You don’t need to do that. It is better to speak simply, with a good conscience and a pure mind.”
– De vitis Patrum, Sive Verba Seniorum, Liber V
Sisois said… ‘Unless God glorifies man, man’s glory cannot last.’.
– De vitis Patrum, Sive Verba Seniorum, Liber V
A hermit used to say, “A lustful thought is brittle like papyrus. When it is thrust at us, if we do not accept it but throw it away, it breaks easily. If it allures us and we keep playing with it, it becomes as difficult to break as iron. We need discernment to know that those who consent lose hope of salvation and for those who do not consent, a crown is made ready”
– De vitis Patrum, Sive Verba Seniorum, Liber V
In Scetis a brother was once found guilty. They assembled the brothers, and sent a message to Moses telling him to come. But he would not come. Then the presbyter sent again saying, “Come for the gathering of monks is waiting for you.” Moses got up and went. He took with him an old basket which he filled with sand and carried it on his back. They went to meet him and said, “What does this mean, abba?” He said, “My sins run out behind me and I do not see them and I have come here today to judge another”
– De vitis Patrum, Sive Verba Seniorum, Liber V