People are much greater and stronger than we imagine, and when unexpected tragedy comes we see them often grow to a stature that is far beyond anything we imagined. We must remember that people are capable of greatness, of courage, but not in isolation. They need the conditions of solidly linked human unit in which everyone is prepared to bear the burden of others.
Humility and charity are the two master-chords: one, the lowest; the other, the highest; all the others are dependent on them. Therefore it is necessary, above all, to maintain ourselves in these two virtues; for observe well that the preservation of the whole edifice depends on the foundation and the roof.
–Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
It is not necessary for being with God to be always at church. We may make an oratory of our heart wherein to retire from time to time to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Every one is capable of such familiar conversation with God, some more, some less. He knows what we can do.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
So why do you still remain in yourself where you cannot stay? Cast yourself, all of yourself, with confidence into God and he will sustain you, heal you and make you safe.
— Saint Albert the Great (c. 1206-1280)
Temptation passes through three stages: suggestion, pleasure in the temptation, and consent.
— Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
The heart itself is only a small vessel, yet dragons are there, and lions; there are poisonous beasts and all the treasures of evil; there are rough and uneven roads; there are precipices; but there, too, are God and the angels; life is there, and the Kingdom; there, too, is light, and heavenly cities, and treasures of grace. All things lie within that little space.
–Saint Macarius the Great (c. 300-391)
