Just as fish die when they remain out of water too long, so too monks lose the intensity of their inner peace when they loiter outside their cells or spend their time with worldly people.

— Anthony the Great (251–356), Wüstenvater

Source: Benedicta Ward, The Sayings of the Desert Fathers

Topics: Peace & Rest, Discipleship, Growth & Character

Occasions: For Reflection

All quotes by Anthony the Great (1)

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Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass away. God never changes. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.

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God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

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Darkness cannot be overcome with more darkness, only with light. Violence cannot be overcome with more violence, only with peace.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Security in the ultimate gives serenity in the penultimate.

Romano Guardini

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