Saturday, November 12 : Isaac the Syrian

Blessed is the man who understands his own weakness, for such knowledge is the foundation, root and principal of all his good … When people know themselves to be deprived of divine succor then they pray all the more. And the more they pray, the more humble their heart becomes … When they understand this, they hold on to prayer like a treasure within their soul. And the greater their joy, the more their prayer is turned to thanksgiving … Carried away like this by such knowledge and wondering at God’s grace, they cry out, praising and glorifying God, telling him of their gratitude and declaring their amazement to the full. Those who, in truth and not just in imagination, have come to bear such signs as these and to know such an experience, know what I am talking about and that nothing can go against them. However, let them cease from henceforth to desire empty things; let them persevere in God in continuous prayer and in the fear of being deprived of the fullness of divine help. All these good things are granted them as soon as they are aware of their own weakness. By their great desire for God’s help they draw close to God, remaining in prayer. And the closer they draw to God by their determination, the closer God draws to them with his gifts, nor withdraws his grace on account of their great humility. For such as these are like the widow who cried out unceasingly to the judge for justice against her adversary. Our compassionate God withholds his graces so that this holding back may prompt them to draw near and remain close to him from whom flows all their good, so great is their need of him.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team