St Diadochos of Photiki: To those who are just beginning to long for holiness...
To those who are just beginning to long for holiness the path of virtue seems very rough and forbidding. It appears like this not because it really is difficult, but because our human nature from the womb is accustomed to the wide roads of sensual pleasure. But those who have traveled more than half its length find the path of virtue smooth and easy...
Thus, when the Lord first leads us into the path of salvation. He says: 'How narrow and strait is the way leading to the kingdom and few there are who follow it'; but to those who have firmly resolved to keep His holy commandments He says: 'For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light'.
St Diadochos of Photiki
