A good deed is never lost. – He who sows courtesy, reaps friendship; he who plants kindness, gathers love; pleasure bestowed upon a grateful mind was never sterile, but generally gratitude begets reward.
–Saint Basil the Great (329-379)
Humanity has nothing so much in common with God as the ability to do good.
–Saint Gregory Nazianzen (329-c. 391)
It is difficult to practice obedience; but it is even more difficult to practice leadership.
–Saint Gregory Nazianzen (329-c. 391)
Discussion of theology is not for everyone, I tell you, not for everyone–it is no such inexpensive or effortless pursuit. Nor, I would add, is it for every occasion, or every audience; neither are all its aspects open to inquiry. It must be reserved for certain occasions, for certain audiences, and certain limits must be observed. It is not for all people, but only for those who have been tested and have found a sound footing in study, and, more importantly, have undergone, or at the very least are undergoing, purification of body and soul. For one who is not pure to lay hold of pure things is dangerous, just as it is for weak eyes to look at the sun’s brightness.
–Saint Gregory Nazianzen (329-c. 391)
A psalm is
a blessing on the lips of the people,
a hymn in praise of God,
the assembly’s homage,
a general acclamation,
a word that speaks for all,
the voice of the Church,
a confession of faith in song.
It is the voice of complete assent,
the joy of freedom,
a cry of happiness,
the echo of gladness.
It soothes the temper,
distracts from care,
lightens the burden of sorrow.
–St. Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
Virginity can be lost by a thought.
–Saint Jerome (c. 340-420)
