The first exercise in simplicity is to accept oneself as one is. There are two tremendous results of this: one is humility; the other is that it enables other people to accept us as we are, and in this there is real charity.
–Caryll Houselander (1901-1954)
Humility, that is lowliness or self-abasement, is an inward bowing down or prostrating of the heart and of the conscience before God’s transcendent worth… For to pay homage to God by every outward and inward act, this is the first and dearest work of humility, the most savory among those of charity, and most meet among those of righteousness.
–Blessed John Ruysbroeck (1293-1381)
If we desire to live in the dwelling-place of his kingdom there is no means of reaching it except by the way of good deeds.
–Saint Benedict (480-547)
No one has ever been accused for not providing ornaments, but for those who neglect their neighbor a hell awaits with an inextinguishable fire and torment in the company of the demons. Do not, therefore, adorn the church and ignore your afflicted brother, for he is the most precious temple of all.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
Do you wish to honor the body of Christ? Do not ignore him when he is naked. Do not pay him homage in the temple clad in silk, only then to neglect him outside where he is cold and ill-clad. He who said: ‘This is my body’ is the same who said: ‘You saw me hungry and you gave me no food’, and Whatever you did to the least of my brothers you did also to me.’ … What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger. Start by satisfying his hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar as well.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
