Авва Илия
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1. Abba Elijah said: “If you see any temptation in your neighbor, even with your own eyes, or hear about it, do not believe it. Keep your thoughts from bad opinions about your neighbor, knowing that they are brought by demons in order to distract the mind from seeing your sins and from striving for God” 448.
2. Two brothers, being attacked by thoughts, came to Abba Elijah for advice. The elder, seeing that they were plump in body, said as if to his disciple:
“Truly, brother, I am ashamed of you: you have fattened your body as if for slaughter. We are worm food! Humility, pale face and dry body are the adornment of a monk” 449.
Patrolog. Tom. XI, Pag. 1028.
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