WORDS OF WISDOM

 Words of Wisdom by St. Macarius, bishop

Photo: R. Massaro

When a house has no master living in it, it becomes dark, vile and contemptible, choked with filth and disgusting refuse. So too is a soul which has lost its master, who once rejoiced there with his angels. This soul is darkened with sin, its desires are degraded, and it knows nothing but shame.

WOE to the path that is not walked on, or along which the voices of men are not heard, for then it becomes the haunt of wild animals.

WOE to the soul if the Lord does not walk within it to banish with his voice the spiritual beasts of sin.

WOE to the house where no master dwells, to the field where no farmer works, to the pilotless ship, storm-tossed and sinking.

WOE to the soul without Christ as its true pilot; drifting in the darkness, buffeted by the waves of passion, storm-tossed at the mercy of evil spirits, its end is destruction.

WOE to the soul that does not have Christ to cultivate it with care to produce the good fruit of the Holy Spirit. Left to itself, it is choked with thorns and thistles; instead of fruit it produces only what is fit for burning. 

WOE to the soul that does not have Christ dwelling in it; deserted and foul with the filth of the passions, it becomes a haven for all the vices. 

When a farmer prepares to till the soil he must put on clothing and use tools that are suitable. So Christ, our heavenly king, came to till the soil of mankind devastated by sin. He assumed a body and, using the cross as his plowshare, cultivated the barren soul of man...

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, O.C.D.S.