St. John Climacus - Tumblr Posts

"We should take heed with ourselves so as not to trick ourselves into thinking we are pursuing the straight and narrow path when in truth we are following the way which is wide and broad. The following will demonstrate the meaning of the narrow path: ... the cleansing drink of dishonour, insults, condemning, derision, the deprivation of one's will, long-suffering in annoyances, unquestioning endurance of insults, disregard of sneers, and the habit when ill-treated, of enduring it hardily. Or when slandered, of not being angry. When disgraced by another, not to be upset. When reviled to be humble. Blessed are those who follow the path we have spoken of, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

+ St. John Climacus

“An angel fell from Heaven without any other passion except pride, and so we may ask whether it is possible to ascend to Heaven by humility alone, without any other of the virtues.”

+ St. John of the Ladder