We will recognize that, whether we like it or not, what happens happens; to be upset about it is useless, and moreover deprives us of the crown of patience and shows us to be in revolt against the will of God.
–Saint Peter of Damascus (12th Century)
They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud.
— John Flavel (c.1627–1691)
When the corn is nearly ripe it bows the head and stoops lower than when it was green. When the people of God are near ripe for heaven, they grow more humble and self-denying… Paul had one foot in heaven when he called himself the chiefest of sinners and least of saints.
–John Flavel (c.1627–1691)
When we hear people talk of riches, honors and amusements of the world, let us remember that all things have an end, and let us then say: ‘My God, I wish for You alone and nothing more.’
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Some people think that in prayer, you are the one giving to God. You give him words, you give him time, you give him emotions. But in reality, prayer in its true depth is a process of taking from God. He is the Giver, not the taker. The person who prays and feels that he has taken from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and feels that he has received power from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives blessings from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives repentance from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives holiness in their life from God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer. The person who prays and receives a spiritual connection between themselves and God, is the one who succeeds in their prayer.
— Pope Shenouda III (1923-2012) [Coptic Orthodox Church]
Grace and the divine indwelling go together and advance together; the degree of one corresponds to the degree of the other. The more a soul buries itself in the depths of God, the more God buries himself in the depths of the soul.
–Charles Journet (1891–1975
