Why do we cling to money and possessions, and disperse our intellect among a host of useless cares? Our preoccupation with such things diverts us fro… - Nilus of Sinai

But, as for us, when we lack something, instead of struggling courageously against our difficulties, we come fawning to the rich, like puppies wagging their tails in the hope of being tossed a bare bone or some crumbs. To get what we want, we call them benefactors and protectors of Christians, attributing every virtue to them, even though they may be utterly wicked.

Men ... have been given legs that bend: in this way they can descend sometimes to fulfill the needs of the body, and at other times ascend to fulfill those of the soul.

Improbable details are often included in a story because of the deeper truth they signify.