How is it that we do not die of love in seeing that God Himself could do no more than shed His divine blood for us drop by drop? When as man He was preparing for death, He made Himself our food in order to give us life. God becomes food, bread for his creatures. Is this not enough to make us die of love?
–Saint Teresa of the Andes (1900-1920)
Spiritual childhood is the fundamental attitude of a disciple; it is the result of mature faith; it means self-surrender to the will of God; it is the joyful confidence of a small child. This childlike spirit disturbs human logic and stands in opposition to temptations of pride and domination that are at the root of evil and oppression in our world.
–Little Sister Magdeleine (1898–1989)
Most people know the sheer wonder that goes with falling in love, how not only does everything in heaven and earth become new, but the lover himself becomes new. It is literally like the sap rising in the tree, putting forth new green shoots of life.
–Caryll Houselander (1901-1954)
Refusing to accept God’s love because we’re unworthy – of course we’re unworthy! – is another golden calf.
–Madeline L’Engle (1918-2007)
I will glory not because I am righteous but because I am redeemed; I will glory not because I am free from sins but because my sins are forgiven me. I will not glory because I have done good nor because someone has done good to me but because Christ is my advocate with the Father and because the blood of Christ has been shed for me.
–Saint Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
Some people living carelessly in the world have asked me: ‘We have wives and are beset with social cares, and how can we lead the solitary life?’ I replied to them: ‘Do all the good you can; do not speak evil of anyone; do not steal from anyone; do not lie to anyone; do not be arrogant towards anyone; do not hate anyone; do not be absent from the divine services; be compassionate to the needy; do not offend anyone; do not wreck another man’s domestic happiness, and be content with what your own wives can give you. If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven.
–Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
