Do not approach the mysterious words in the scriptures without prayer and without asking help from God, saying: “Lord, grant me to perceive the power that is in them.” Deem prayer as the key to the insight of truth in scripture.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
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)
A pure soul is like a fine pearl. As long as it is hidden in the shell, at the bottom of the sea, no one thinks of admiring it. But if you bring it into the sunshine, this pearl will shine and attract all eyes. Thus the pure soul, which is hidden from the eyes of the world, will one day shine before the Angels in the sunshine of eternity.
–Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
Never let your home be without a crucifix upon its walls, to the end that all who enter it may know that you are a disciple of a Crucified Lord, and that you are not ashamed to own it.
–Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
All of the Israelites left Egypt, but in the desert many of them had second thoughts and wanted to return. In the same way, some resolve to avoid sin, but they look back at Sodom even while fleeing it. They give up their sins, but go right on talking about them, desiring them. If you want to live a devout life, you are not only required to stop sinning but also to lose your appetite for it.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Anyone who complains or grumbles is not perfect, nor even a good Christian.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
