Asceticism and Vigilance

November 14, 2015 | A Word From the Desert

An old man said,
'You must not say in your heart against your brother that you are more vigilant or more ascetic than he is, but by the grace of Christ submit yourself in a spirit of poverty and sincere charity so that you may not lose your labour through the spirit of vainglory. Indeed, it is written, "Let him who thinks he is standing take heed lest he fall".' (1 Cor 10:12)

Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Artwork: Phyllis Nicoll