Saint Hesychius was a native of Jerusalem and a student of
Saint Gregory the Theologian. After the death of his mentor, he settled in one
of the Palestinian deserts. In the year 412, the Archbishop of Jerusalem consecrated
Saint Hesychius as a presbyter. In his priesthood he became well known for his
inspired sermons. He died in 433.
31. Excerpts from his teachings. To many
people it seems too difficult to restrain agitating thoughts in one’s mind.
Indeed this is not easy, because it is painfully difficult to constrain the
discarnate in a physical body not only for the uninitiated in the mysteries of
the spiritual warfare, but also for those who have attained experience in the
inner spiritual battle. (Blessed Hesychius)
31. Many do not realize that often our thoughts
are nothing but wishful sentient images of earthly objects. When we abide
longer in earnest prayer, the mind then liberates itself from irrelevant
material images and begins to discern the cunningness of its foe (demon’s
snares, coercing the mind with mundane thoughts) and begins to perceive the
benefit of prayer and contemplation of God. (Blessed Hesychius)
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