There is nothing more painful than suffering, and nothing more joyful than to have suffered. Suffering is a short pain and a long joy. Suffering gives to the sufferer pain here and joy hereafter.
–Blessed Henry Suso (c. 1295–1366)
Grains of wheat, when ground in the mill, turn in the flour. With this flour we can make the wafer of the holy Eucharist. Grapes, when crushed in the winepress, yield their juice. This juice turns into wine. Similarly, suffering so crushes us that we turn into better human beings.
–Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception (1910-1946)
In Christ, therefore, do I understand and possess all truth that is in heaven and earth and hell, and in all creatures; and so great is the truth and the certainty that were the whole world to declare the contrary I would not believe it, yea, I should mock at it.
–Blessed Angela of Foligno (1248-1309)
The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.
–Flannery O’Connor (1925-1964)
How, then, should the person worthy of Christ’s great name behave? What can he do except to always discern his thoughts, words and deeds, and to see whether or not they are of Christ or are alien to him? Much skill is needed here for discernment. Anything effected, thought or said through passion has no association with Christ but bears the adversary’s mark; smearing the soul’s pearl with passion as if with mud, it corrupts the precious stone’s brightness. But a state free from every passion looks to the author of detachment, Christ. He who draws to himself thoughts as from a pure, incorruptible fountain will resemble the prototype as water drawn into a jar resembles water gushing from a fountain.
–Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335 – c. 395)
Lay this body anywhere, and take no trouble over it. One thing only do I ask of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.
— Saint Monica (331-387)
