15 January 2006

Patristic Quote for the Day

An interesting Law/Gospel observation in St. Maximos:

He who is a beginner on the spiritual way must not be brought to practice the commandments by kindness alone, but must more often be induced to continue the struggle by being rigorously reminded of God's judgment. In this way he will not only be moved by love to desre what is divine, but will be moved by fear to avoid what is evil. For 'I will sing to Thee, O Lord, of mercy and judgment' (Ps 101:1, LXX) He will sing to God charmed by love, and steeled by fear he will have strength for the song. (Second Century on Theology, par. 99)

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