Someone filled with resentment and unhappiness, bitter that life is not as it should be, will be deeply disillusioned. On the other hand, people who are glad for what they have received, and thank God for what befalls them will receive still more, until finally being overwhelmed by God’s generosity.
–Jacques Philippe (1947-
A divine inspiration cannot ask us to do something that contradicts what the Word of God teaches and asks of us. This means not the Word of God as compiled by each individual’s fantasy and interpretation, but Holy Scripture as transmitted and explained by the teaching authority of the Church. For example, a divine inspiration cannot ask me to commit acts that the Church considers immoral. In the same way, true inspirations always go in the direction of a spirit of obedience to the Church.
–Jacques Philippe (1947-
Happy is the spirit that attains to the perfect formlessness at the time of prayer. Happy is the spirit which, praying with distraction, goes on increasing its desire for God. Happy is the spirit that becomes free of all matter and is stripped of all at the time of prayer. Happy is the spirit that attains to complete unconsciousness of all sensible experience at the time of prayer.
–Evagrius Ponticus (345-399)
There are no retired apostles, only apostles who may change their means of working to suit their changing strength and ability.
–Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuân (1928-2002)
The discussion of prayer is so great that it requires the Father to reveal it, His firstborn Word to teach it, and the Spirit to enable us to think and speak rightly of so great a subject.
–Origen (c. 184-254)
It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop…while buying or selling…or even while cooking.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
