Perhaps it is not after all so difficult for a man to part with his possessions, but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. To renounce what one has is a minor thing; but to renounce what one is, that is asking a lot.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
It avails nothing to subdue the body, if the mind allows itself to be controlled by anger.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
Meditate daily on the words of your Creator. Learn the Heart of God in the words of God, that your soul may be enkindled with greater longings for heavenly joys.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
There is an anger which is engendered of evil, and there is an anger engendered of good. Hastiness of temper is the cause of the evil, divine principle is the cause of the good.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
‘And my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’ [John 14.23] My friends, consider the greatness of this solemn feast that commemorates God’s coming as a guest into our hearts! If some rich and influential friend were to come to your home, you would promptly put it all in order for fear something there might offend your friend’s eyes when he came in. Let all of us then who are preparing our inner homes for God cleanse them of anything our wrongdoing has brought into them.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604)
