Ask those who love Him with a sincere love, and they will tell you that they find no greater or prompter relief amid the troubles of their life than in loving conversation with their Divine Friend.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Finally, …you must plant in your heart the following four dispositions and spiritual activities, … namely: (a) never rely on yourself in anything; (b) bear always in your heart a perfect and all-daring trust in God alone; (c) strive without ceasing; and (d) remain constantly in prayer.
–Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite (1749-1809)
Faith is the womb that conceives this new life, baptism the rebirth by which it is brought forth into the light of day. The Church is its nurse; her teachings are its milk, the bread from heaven is its food. It is brought to maturity by the practice of virtue; it is wedded to wisdom; it gives birth to hope. Its home is the kingdom; its rich inheritance the joys of paradise; its end, not death, but the blessed and everlasting life prepared for those who are worthy.
–Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335 – c. 395)
Blessed is the man who knows his weakness. This knowledge becomes for him the foundation and the beginning of his coming unto all good and beautiful things. When a man knows and perceives that he really and in truth is weak… Then, however, he recognizes the greatness of God’s help by comparing it with his own weakness. –Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a scepter but a hoe.
–Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
If things always went wrong, no one could endure it; if they always went well, anyone would become arrogant.
–Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
