God will not hear, unless we
God will not hear our prayers unless we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners. We do this when we ponder on our own sins alone, and not on those of our neighbor.
–Abba Moses (330-405)
As a handful of sand…
As a handful of sand thrown into the ocean, so are the sins of all flesh as compared with the mind of God.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Always be prepared…
That God has promised you pardon when you amend your life, I cannot deny. But tell me, pray: I agree and I grant you and I know that God has promised you forgiveness. But who has promised you tomorrow? Where you read that you will receive forgiveness, when you do penance, read for me also how much longer you have to live. It is not there, you say. Therefore you do not know how long more you have to live. Then reform your life, and be always prepared.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
God forgives sins…
See how good God is, and how easily He forgives sins; He not only restores what has been lost with his forgiveness but grants unhoped for benefits.
–Saint Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
Heal the wounds through penance…
It is not enough to remove the arrow from the body. We also have to heal the wound caused by the arrow. It is the same with the soul; after we have received forgiveness for our sins, we have to heal the wound that remains through penance.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
No sin or crime…
There is no sin or crime committed by another which I myself am not capable of committing through my weakness; and if I have not committed it, it is because God, in his mercy, has not allowed me to and has preserved me in good.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
About
