The Audacity of Mercy – St. Isaac the Syrian
St. Isaac stretches love and mercy to it’s farthest limits, occasionally beyond the bounds of canonical understanding. He remains a saint of the Church and his words are very important to hear. +++ L et yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others. B e crucified, but do not crucify others. B e slandered, but do not slander others. R ejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep: such is the sign of purity. S uffer with the sick. B e afflicted with sinners. E xult with those who repent. B e the friend of all, but in your spirit remain alone. B e a partaker of the sufferings of all, but keep your body distant from all. R ebuke no one, revile no one, not even those who live very wickedly. S pread your cloak over those who fall into sin, each and every one, and shield them. A nd if you cannot take the fault on yourself and accept punishment in their place, do not destroy their character. W hat is a merciful heart? It is a heart on fire for t