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)
If you give something to one in need, let the cheerfulness of your face precede your gift, and comfort his sorrow with kind words. When you do this, by your gift the gladness of his mind surpasses even the needs of his body.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century
It is better not to allow anger, however just and reasonable, to enter at all, than to admit it in ever so slight a degree; once admitted, it will not be easily expelled, for, though at first but a small plant, it will immediately grow into a large tree.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
The more fervent the desire, the more worthy will be its fruit. When the Apostle tells us: Pray without ceasing, he means this: Desire unceasingly that life of happiness which is nothing if not eternal, and ask it of him who alone is able to give it.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
It avails nothing to subdue the body, if the mind allows itself to be controlled by anger.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
