Day 357 -- Saint Poemen

Saint Poemen was a leader of his day. He was the leader of a group of hermits in the desert of Skete in Egypt. They lived in abandoned ruins of a pagan temple. He was noted for his strong discipline. He permitted he and his brothers to sleep only 4 hours a day. They spent the rest of time doing chores, praying, and studying He urged frequent Communion for everyone. He was known for his wise sayings. Some are below.

The beginning of evil is the lack of vigilance.

Silence is not a virtue when charity calls for speech.

A living faith consists of thinking little of self, and showing consideration for others.

Teach your heart to guard that which your tongue teaches.

Do not lay open your conscience to anyone whom you do not trust in your heart.

To throw yourself before God, not to measure your progress, to leave behind all self-will; these are the instruments for the work of the soul.

If you are silent, you will possess peace wherever you live.

"The nature of water is soft, and the nature of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above the stone, allowing the water to fall down drop by drop, it wears away the stone. So it is with the Word of God: it is soft and our heart is hard, but the man who hears the Word of God often opens his heart to the fear of God."