Naturally we all have an inclination to command, and a great aversion to obey; and yet it is certain that it is more for our good to obey than to command; hence perfect souls have always had a great affection for obedience, and have found all their joy and comfort in it.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
God has created each one of us, every human being, for greater things – to love and to be loved. But why did God make women? Because a woman’s love is one image of the love of God, and a man’s love is another image of God’s love. Both are created to love, but each in a different way. Woman and man complete each other, and together show forth God’s love more fully than each can alone.That special power of loving that belongs to a woman is seen most clearly when she becomes a mother. Motherhood is the gift of God to women. How grateful we must be to God for this wonderful gift that brings such joy to the whole world, women and men alike!
–Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)
My desire is to clearly describe matters related to prayer. This will be very difficult for the uninitiated to understand. It is best for us so not to attempt to rise by its own efforts. If the well is dry, we are not able to put water into it. Pay attention to this. If the soul tries to go forward it may actually go backward. The foundation for prayer is humility. The nearer we come to God, the more you humility we need. There is a kind of pride that makes us want to be more spiritual. God is already doing more for us than we deserve.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Mercy is born of that love which we ought to exercise towards each other. If we do not, God will require it of us at the Judgement Day; and, where He findeth not the requisite mercy, He will refuse mercy, as He Himself has said.
–Johannes Tauler (c. 1300-1361)
Jesus Christ is the consolation, the joy, the life, the peace and the breadth of our hearts! Glory to God, the Most Wise and Most Gracious, that He allows the spirit of evil and death to tempt and torment us! Otherwise we should not have sufficiently appreciated and valued the comfort of grace, the comfort of the Holy Spirit the Comforter, the Life-Giving!
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
Endeavor to have always in your hand a pious book, that with this shield you may defend yourself against bad thoughts.
–Saint Jerome (c. 340-420)
