“The extent to which we’re focused on fulfilling the Gospel and living by it is the extent to which we draw nearer to God. Our mind should be swimming in the words of the Gospel, as St. Seraphim of Sarov said. There’s no special Gospel written for monastics. The Gospel was given to all. So think about who to please—yourself or God. Sleep longer, eat more, plan your leisure time—or go to church and show mercy to those in need?”
(Schema-Archimandrite Iliy Nozdrin+, collected quotes)