Denying of ourselves…

This is all that is necessary in order to become a follower of Jesus Christ; the denying of ourselves, and the mortifying of self-love. Do we desire to be saved? we must conquer all, to secure all. How wretched is the soul that allows itself to be guided by self-love!
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)

The only motive…

The only motive behind my religious life is the love of God. I have tried to do everything for him. Whatever happens to me, whether I am lost or saved, I will continue to act purely for the love of God.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)