St Isaac the Syrian
Categories: feast-days
Date: 21 July 2008 06:07:28
Also known as St Isaac of Nineveh, another favourite Eastern Saint of mine.
While we are unsure of when he was born, he was born in what is now Qatar. He and his brother entered a monastery at a young age. After some time there, and as his fame as teacher spread, he was ordained Bishop of Nineveh by the Patriarch. Such duties apparently did not suit him, as he requested to abdicate after only five months in office. After this, he lived in solitude for many years, until blindness and old age forced him to retire to the monastery of Shabar, where he died [around 700 A.D.] and was buried.
St Isaac wrote a number of homilies, particularly on the spiritual life. I confess I have only read his work in quotes, though one day hope to get some books containing his homilies so I may read them in full. However, even though I have only read quotes, I have been greatly encouraged by his writings -- as well as being challenged to go that extra bit. Love and mercy have taken pride of place in many of the quotes of his I have read; here are some of them that have moved me:
Do not hate the sinner. We are, indeed, all laden with guilt. If for the sake of God you are moved to oppose him, weep over him. Why do you hate him? Hate his sins and pray for him, that you may imitate Christ, who was not wroth with sinners but interceded for them.
A small but always persistent discipline is a great force; for a soft drop falling persistently, hollows out hard rock.
Be persecuted, rather than be a persecutor. Be crucified, rather than be a crucifier. Be treated unjustly, rather than treat anyone unjustly. Be oppressed, rather than zealous. Lay hold of goodness, rather than justice.
A handful of sand, thrown into the sea, is what sinning is, when compared to God's Providence and mercy. Just like an abundant source of water is not impeded by a handful of dust, so does the Creator's mercy not defeated by the sins of His creations.
He who shows kindness toward the poor has God as his guardian, and he who becomes poor for the sake of God will acquire abundant treasures. God is pleased when He sees people showing concern for others for His sake. When someone asks you for something, don't think: "Just in case I might need it, I shall leave it for myself, and God — through other people — will give that person what he requires." These types of thoughts are peculiar to people that are iniquitous and do not know God. A just and generous person would not compromise the honour of helping and relinquish it to another person, and he would never pass up an opportunity to help. Every beggar and every needy person receives the necessary essentials, because God doesn't neglect anyone. But you, having sent away the destitute with nothing, spurned the honor offered to you by God and thereby, distanced yourself from His grace.
To bear a grudge and pray, means to sow seed on the sea and expect a harvest.