"A man who is well disposed toward
and loves those who revile and abuse him and cause him harm, and who prays for them, in a short time attains to great achievements.
-St. Simeon the New Theologian
For Reflection:
In this quote, St. Simeon gives us insight into two steps in the process of forgiveness. What are they? How can I implement them toward one who has caused me harm or hurt me in some other way?
Chapter One Page 9 Without humility, detachment and sound doctrine there is no deep communion with the Lord. There could not be,for quality of prayer correlates with quality of life, that is, of evangelical life, not a naturalistic substitute...Life-style and prayer grow or diminish together. If people today or in any age lack mystical prayer, it is not because it has been tried and found lacking. It is the Gospel that has not been tried.
