Unless a man gives himself entirely to the Cross, in a spirit of humility and self-abasement; unless he casts himself down to be trampled underfoot by all and despised, accepting injustice, contempt and mockery; unless he undergoes all these things with joy for the sake of the Lord, not claiming any kind of human reward whatsoever – glory or honor or earthly pleasures – he cannot become a true Christian.
–Saint Mark the Ascetic (Fifth Century)
We do not want words alone, for there are too many words among people today. What we need is action, for that is what we are looking for, not words which do not bear fruit.
–Abba James (a Desert Father)
Jesus Christ has won heaven for us, and has promised it to us if we live to the end with a living faith, a strong hope, and a burning love for God and our neighbor.
–Saint Joan Antide-Thouret (1765-1826)
A Christian is not his own master, since all his time belongs to God.
–Saint Ignatius of Antioch (First Century)
Without the Lord, the disciple no longer knows who he is.
–Adrienne von Speyr (1902-1967)
Alas, my friend. We cannot be together in Heaven unless we have begun to live so in this world. Death makes no change in that. As the tree falls, so shall it lie… My dear friend, there are not two ways of serving Jesus Christ. There is only one good way, and that is to serve Him as He Himself desires to be served.
–Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
