Devotion

“This is what Christ means when He says that all the Law and the Prophets are contained in these two commands–He means that the Law and the Prophets all pointed to Him, to Christ, and to His divine-human nature! Devotion to Christ is therefore the simplest touchstone for a perfect and balanced life, and the fulfillment of the Old Law, the prophecies, and of human destiny.” (Timothy G. Patitsas)

“You can overcome depression and loneliness only when you learn to love others and to be totally devoted to them. It was, is and will always be so. Any psychologist can tell you dozens of stories of how people were healed from inner crises through their service to others. And, true, at the Last Judgment we will be asked how we loved our neighbors, not how our neighbors loved us!” (Sergei Komarov)

“Tangible piety can enslave us to mere forms, like avoiding unmarked graves. To trust in pious acts more than in God’s love, or in our responsibility to care for others, is a form of death…Such formalistic piety can easily become devoid of the Spirit of God, no matter how many acts of overt devotion we perform…May we ever be guided by our life-giving Savior so that piety never dominate our souls. Instead, let our devotional acts awaken us to God and His genuine love. Outward piety – acts done out of habit or conformity – loads “men with burdens hard to bear” (Lk 11:46). Slavish attention to our behavior separates us from the stirrings of the Holy Spirit. Our pious actions must be connected to God’s self-giving love, and above all to sharing His love with others in true joy, thankfulness, and delight.” (Dynamis 11/4/20, 11/1/2023)

“I have written time and again regarding the offering of thanks. It is at the very heart of the “priesthood of all believers,” an offering made with the lips, the heart, and every form of art. It is a source of almsgiving and every form of charity. It is said by one of the early fathers that “he who feeds the poor does a greater work than he who raises someone from the dead.” With that in mind, I would suggest that the offering of thanks is perhaps the most essential and great work of life. The trinity of beauty, goodness, and truth is best perceived through the lens of thanksgiving. It is at the center of noetic perception. It forms the greater part of the devotion that “lays up treasure in heaven” in the thankfulness of almsgiving.” (Father Stephen Freeman) 

“Devotion is not an activity; it is an attitude toward God…if we would get wisdom and understanding, we should set aside our worldly attitudes and perspectives. We should give due worship to the Almighty and proper reverence to the Creator. Then with hearts that are emptied of worldly concerns and ambitions, we should pay heed to the Word of God and become acquainted with His will and ways. We should follow His teaching and obey His commandments. Then we will acquire the wisdom that God gives to those who devote themselves to learning from Him.” (Jerry Bridges, Fr. Basil)

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