Some of us believe that God is all-powerful and may do everything; and that is all wise and can do everything; but as for believing he is all love and will do everything, there we hold back. In my view nothing hinders God’s lovers more than the failure to understand this.
–Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)
Love sinners, but hate…
Love sinners, but hate their deeds, and do not disdain sinners for their failings, so that you yourself do not fall into the temptation in which they abide… Do not foster hatred for the sinner, for we are all guilty… Hate his sins, and pray for him, so that you may be made like unto Christ, who had no dislike for sinners, but prayed for them.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
The poison of temptations…
There is no man who will not be grieved at the time of his chastisement; and there is not man who will not endure a bitter time, when he must drink the poison of temptations. Without them, it is not possible to obtain a strong will. When he has often experienced the help of God in temptations, a man also obtains strong faith.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Mary is more blessed…
Mary is more blessed because she embraces faith in Christ than because she conceives the flesh of Christ.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
To forgive someone….
To forgive someone who is looking for forgiveness is the same thing as giving alms. It is an act of mercy.
–Saint Augustine (354-439)
Idolatry is worshipping…
Idolatry is worshipping anything that ought to be used, or using anything that is meant to be worshipped.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)