You say the times are troublesome, the times are burdensome, the times are miserable, Live right, and you will change the times. The times have never [harmed] anyone. Those who are hurt are human beings; those by whom they are hurt are also human beings. So, change human beings, and the times will be changed.
— Saint Augustine (354-430)
Whenever we suffer some distress or tribulation, there we find warning and correction for ourselves. Our holy scriptures themselves do not promise us peace, security and repose, but tribulations and distress… The past times that you think were good, are good because they are not yours here and now.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
No one can pass through this life without a cross.
— Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.
— Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617)
When storms rage against us through no fault of our own, it is a kind of pledge of success in the near future.
— Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Having witnessed all the good things that spring forth from patience, let us not lose courage when we are hit by misfortunes—no matter how difficult they may be. For there is no human in misfortune who cannot find consolation from Job’s example.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
