Whoever sees in himself the traces of hatred toward any man on account of any kind of sin is completely foreign to the love of God. For love toward God does not at all tolerate hatred for man.
–Saint Maximos the Confessor (580-662)
As iron is fashioned by fire and on the anvil, so in the fire of suffering and under the weight of trials, our souls receive that form which our Lord desires them to have.
–Saint Madeline Sophie Barat (1779-1865)
Can you expect to go to Heaven for nothing? Did not our dear Savior track the whole way to it with His Blood and tears?
–Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)
Remember then how our fathers worked out their salvation; remember the sufferings through which the Church has grown, and the storms the ship of Peter has weathered because it has Christ on board. Remember how the crown was attained by those whose sufferings gave new radiance to their faith. The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without real effort no one wins the crown.
–Saint Thomas Becket (c. 1118-1170)
Be compassionate. When you spot faults in others, show courteous sympathy. It is both a test and a proof of your love that you can observe such faults without experiencing shock. Others will have an opportunity to bear with your faults, many of which you may not recognize yourself. Pray for anyone who has a vice and try to practice its opposite virtue. Your actions will teach others far better than your words and suffering. Look for good in others. Don’t forget this. One person’s love can help others. If you become angry and speak hastily, correct yourself immediately and pray resolutely. This also applies to grudges you may have or your desire to be the greatest…. Cry out to Christ and correct yourself.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
I often wonder if my knowledge about God has not become my greatest stumbling block to my knowledge of God.
–Henri Nouwen (1932–1996)
