In everything we do God considers our disposition rather than our actions. And so, whether we retire mentally to God in earnest contemplation and remain at rest or whether we are intent on being of service to those around us with good works and worthy undertakings, let our object be that we are motivated only by love of Christ.
–Saint Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)
Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Though holy doctors have uncovered many mysteries and wonders, and devout souls have understood them in this earthly condition of ours, yet the greater part still remains to be unfolded by them, and even to be understood by them. We must then dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides…
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
There is no other name by which we must be saved. That we may be able always to pay attention to Christ, and be zealous in this at all times, let us call on him who is the subject of our thoughts at every moment. And of course those who call upon him need no special preparation or special place for prayer, nor a loud voice. For he is present everywhere, and is always with us; he is even nearer to those who seek him than their very heart. It is fitting, then, that we should firmly believe that our prayers will be answered.
–Saint Nicholas Cabasilas (c. 1321–1392)
God’s house is the whole world; God’s house is the Catholic Church; God’s house is also every faithful soul. But God inhabits the world in one way, the Church in another, and every faithful soul in yet a third. He is in the world as ruler of His kingdom; He is in the Church as head of the family in His own home; He is in the soul as the bridegroom in the wedding-chamber.
–Hugh of St. Victor (c. 1096–1141)
If nobody can count the sand of the sea or the raindrops or the days of eternity…, how can anyone probe the wisdom of God which exists without beginning and without end and abides forever, at once indescribable and immeasurable?
–Rabanus Maurus (c.780-856)
