Prayer and communion are not to be made or desired for the sake of the devotion we feel in them, for that is seeking self, and not God; but we must be frequent in both the one and the other in order to become humble, obedient, gentle, and patient.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Among the things we ought to ask of God, is perseverance in well-doing and in serving the Lord; because, if we only have patience, and persevere in the good life we have begun to lead, we shall acquire a most eminent degree of spirituality.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
I despair. I despair. . . I despair of myself, but I trust in God, hence, during this life which we are exposed to so many dangers of losing God, it is necessary for us to live always in great distrust in ourselves, and full of confidence in God.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
All their bear their crosses even though these crosses be different. For all who follow Christ, if they don’t want to get lost, must walk along this path that he trod.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
We should not attach much value to what we have given God, since we shall receive for the little we have bestowed upon him much more in this life and in the next.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
One should nourish the soul with the word of God: for the word of God, as St. Gregory the Theologian says, is angelic bread, by which are nourished souls who hunger for God. Most of all, one should occupy oneself with reading the New Testament and the Psalter, which one should do standing up. From this there occurs an enlightenment in the mind, which is in the mind, which is changed by a Divine change.
–Saint Seraphim of Sarov (1754-1833)
