We open the door at the sound of his voice to receive him, when we freely assent to his promptings, whether secret or open, and when we do what we know we should do. He enters, then, to eat with us and we with him, since he lives in the hearts of his elect by the gift of love.
–Venerable Bede (c. 673-735)
Holy Scripture is the table of Christ, from whence we are nourished, from whence we learn what we should love and what we should desire, to whom we should have our eyes raised.
–Saint Alcuin (c. 735-804)
The merciful person is he who gives to others what he has himself received from God, whether it be money, or food, or strength, a helpful word, a prayer, or anything else that he has through which he can express his compassion for those in need. At the same time he considers himself a debtor, since he has received more than he is asked to give. By Christ’s grace, both in the present and in the world to come, before the whole of creation he is called merciful, just as God is called merciful (cf. Lk. 6:36).
–Saint Peter of Damascus (d. 750)
What truly matters is not how to get the most out of life, but how to recollect yourself so that you can fully give yourself.
— Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
The purpose of life is not to live. The feet of the children of God are not bound to this wretched earth. It is not a question of living, but of dying. Not a question of building the cross, but hanging from it and giving what we have joyfully.
–Paul Claudel (1868-1955)
We should only make use of life to grow in the love of God.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
