Mark the Ascetic (5th century) from the Philokalia:
Every word of Christ shows us God’s mercy,
justice and wisdom and, if we listen gladly, their power enters into us. That
is the unmerciful and the unjust, listening to Christ with repugnance, were not
able to understand the wisdom of God, but even crucified Him for teaching it.
So we, too, should ask ourselves whether we listen to Him gladly. For He said, ‘He
who loves me will keep My commandments, and he will be loved by my Father, and
I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him’ (cf. John 14:21). Do you see
how He has hidden His manifestation in the commandments? Of all the
commandments, therefore, the most comprehensive is to love God and our neighbor.
This love is made firm through abstaining from material things, and through stillness
of thoughts.
– On Those who Think that They are Made
Righteous by Works
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