At the same time both signifying that it is easy for Him to raise the dead ... and also teaching us not to fear death; for that it is not death, but is henceforth become a sleep.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century


We advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering tribulation has the door of pride open before him.
-St. Isaac of Syria, Homily 57, in Ascetical Homilies, p. 283, 7th century