DAILY CONTEMPLATION
April 16, 2024 ~ Parmoute 8, 1740
Fear God out of love for Him, and not for the reputation of austerity that has been attributed to Him.
Love Him as you ought to love Him; not only for what He will give you in the future,
but also for what we have received.
And indeed, for this world alone which He has created for us, who can repay Him?
Where is His repayment to be found in our works?
Who persuaded Him in the beginning to bring us into being?
Who intercedes for us before Him when we shall possess no memory,
as though we never existed [in the state after death]?
Who will awake this our body for that life? …
O the wondrous mercy of God!
O the astonishment at the goodness of our God and Creator!
O Might for which all is possible!
St. Isaac the Syrian