The principles of holy living extend to everything. For instance,
in the matter of reading, he who has given himself wholly to God,
can read only what God permits him to read. He cannot read books, however characterized by wit or power, merely to indulge an idle curiosity, or to please himself alone.
–François Fénèlon (1651-1715)
The memory of insults is the residue of anger. It keeps sins alive, hates justice, ruins virtue, poisons the heart, rots the mind, defeats concentration, paralyzes prayer, puts love at a distance, and is a nail driven into the soul. If anyone has appeased his anger, he has already suppressed the memory of insults, while as long as the mother is alive the son persists. In order to appease the anger, love is necessary.
— Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
I have seen people preserving a calm exterior . . . while beneath an appearance of quiet they are nourishing internal resentment. I regard them as more pitiable than those who give vent to their feelings. Their dreary character puts the Dove, the Holy Spirit, to flight.
–Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
Sinner one may indeed be, but no one must despair of pardon on this day which is so highly privileged. For if a thief could receive the grace of Paradise, how could a Christian be refused forgiveness?
–Saint Maximus of Turin (Fourth and Fifth Century)
