Vainly …do conceited people wander about claiming that they have abolished sin through their ascetic accomplishments and their free will. Sin is abolished only through the grace of God, for it was made dead through the mystery of the Cross. This is why that luminary of the Church, Saint John Chrysostom, says, ‘A man’s readiness and commitment are not enough if he does not enjoy help from above as well’ ….So holiness is woven of these two strands. Thus I entreat you neither to entrust everything to God and then fall asleep, nor to think, when you are striving diligently, that you will achieve everything by your own efforts.
~Saint Theodoros Bishop of Edessa AKA the Great Ascetic
(hat tip: Daily Dynamis)
Filed under: Christian, Eastern Orthodox, faith, humility, Jesus Christ, quotes, saints, spiritual life Tagged: Cross of Christ, dynamis, grace of god, saint john chrysostom, saint theodoros
