Discipleship, Gregory the Great (c. 540-604), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic
For to despise the present age, not to love transitory things, unreservedly to stretch out the mind in humility to God and our neighbor, to preserve patience against offered insults and, with patience guarded, to repel the pain of malice from the heart, to give one’s property to the poor, not to covet that of others, to esteem the friend in God, on God’s account to love even those who are hostile, to mourn at the affliction of a neighbor, not to exult in the death of one who is an enemy, this is the new creature whom the Master of the nations seeks with watchful eye amid the other disciples, saying: “If, then, any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.” (2Cor. 5:17)
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
Adversity, Discipleship, Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic
A small affliction borne for God’s sake is better before God than a great work performed without tribulation, because affliction willingly borne brings to light the proof of love. But a work of leisure proceeds from a self-satisfied conscience. That is why the saints were proved by tribulations for Christ’s love, and not by ease. For good works accomplished without toil are the righteousness of those in the world, who do righteous deeds with their possessions but not their bodies, thus gaining nothing within themselves. But you, O struggler, taste within yourself Christ’s suffering, that you may be deemd worthy of tasting His glory. For if we suffer with Him, then we are glorified with Him (cf. Rom. 8:17).
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), Contemplation, Discipleship, Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic
Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.
–Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Eucharist, Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic
I beg you to show the greatest possible reverence and honor for the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things, whether on earth or in heaven, have been brought to peace and reconciled with Almighty God.
–Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226)
Eucharist, Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Spiritual (life)
Let the whole world of mankind tremble the whole world shake and the heavens exult when Christ, the Son of the living God, is on the altar in the hands of a priest. O admirable heights and sublime lowliness! O sublime humility! O humble sublimity! That the Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides Himself under the little form of bread! Look, brothers, at the humility of God and pour out your hearts before Him! Humble yourselves, as well, that you may be exalted by Him. Therefore, hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves so that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally.
–Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226)
Discipleship, Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Struggle (with Sin)
To subdue the spirit is harder than to afflict the flesh
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
