I was answered in spiritual understanding, and it was said: What, do you wish to know your Lord’s meaning in this thing? Know it well, love was his meaning. Who reveals it to you? Love. What did he reveal you? Love. Why does he reveal it to you? For Love…. So I was taught that love is our Lord’s meaning.
–Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)
Let popes, pastors, and everyone else blush for shame at our foolishness and pride and self-indulgence, when we see such generosity, goodness, and boundless love on our Creator’s part! He showed himself to us in our own humanity as a tree laden with sweet mellow fruit, so that we wild trees might be able to engraft ourselves onto him.
–Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Help yourself and God will help you.
–Saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
He who is humble easily obeys everyone, fears to offend anyone, is at peace with everyone, is kind with all.
–Saint Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)
In mental prayer, the soul is purified from its sins, nourished with charity, confirmed in faith, and strengthened in hope; the mind expands, the affectiond dilate, the heart is purified, truth becomes evident; temptation is conquered, sadness dispelled; the senses are renovated; the drooping powers revive; tepidity ceases; the rust of vices disappears. Out of mental prayer issue forth, like living sparks, thode desires of heaven which the soul conceives when inflamed with the fire of divine love. Sublime is the excellence of mental prayer, great are its privileges; to mental prayer heaven is opened; to mental prayer heavenly secrets are manifested and the ear of God is ever attentive.
–Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)
One outcome of deep love of our Lord is a perfect charity toward our neighbor, which grows as our love for God increases, making its possessor as much at one with his brothers and sisters, as if they were members of the same body.
–Saint John of Avila (1500-1569)
