Nothing is essential, real, or of any value unless ordained by God who arranges all things and makes them useful to the soul. Apart from this divine will all is hollow, empty, null, there is nothing but falsehood, vanity, nothingness, death.
–Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)
The soul must be ready to give up willingly all delight that may flow from spiritual exercises.
–Saint Louis de Blois (1506-1566)
How insignificant is the earth and earthly life in comparison with heaven, with Christ’s eternal kingdom! And yet we attach ourselves so much to the earthly things and care so little for the salvation of the soul, for eternal life!
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
It is absolutely impossible at the same time to be a man of understanding and not to be ashamed to gratify the body.
–Saint Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215)
Live simply, honestly, always remember that God sees everything, and as for the rest, do not pay attention!
–Elder Anatoly Potapov of Optina (20th Century)
