We must imitate Jesus by doing our life’s work for people’s salvation in such a way that the word ‘Jesus’ – ‘Savior’ – is the perfect expression of what we are, just as it signifies perfectly what he is.
–Blessed Charles De Foucauld (1858-1916)
Can you expect to go to Heaven for nothing? Did not our dear Savior track the whole way to it with His Blood and tears?
–Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)
Remember then how our fathers worked out their salvation; remember the sufferings through which the Church has grown, and the storms the ship of Peter has weathered because it has Christ on board. Remember how the crown was attained by those whose sufferings gave new radiance to their faith. The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without real effort no one wins the crown.
–Saint Thomas Becket (c. 1118-1170)
This is all that is necessary in order to become a follower of Jesus Christ; the denying of ourselves, and the mortifying of self-love. Do we desire to be saved? we must conquer all, to secure all. How wretched is the soul that allows itself to be guided by self-love!
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Lift your eyes up to Heaven often; you are invited to take up your cross and follow Jesus Christ. “Through many tribulations one enters the Kingdom of Heaven.”
–Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)
Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey.
–Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
