Empty that which is to be filled. Consider that God wants to fill you up with honey. But if you are already full of vinegar, where will you put the honey? What was in the vessel must be emptied out, the vessel itself must be washed out and made clean and scoured, hard work though it may be, so that it may be made for something else, whatever it may be.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
Perhaps it is not after all so difficult for a man to part with his possessions, but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. To renounce what one has is a minor thing; but to renounce what one is, that is asking a lot.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
Keep praising God with hymns, and meditating continually, and so lighten the burden of the temptations that attack you. A traveler carrying a heavy burden stops from time to time to take deep breaths, and so makes the journey easier and the burden light.
–Abba Hyperichius (A Desert Father)
If you give something to one in need, let the cheerfulness of your face precede your gift, and comfort his sorrow with kind words. When you do this, by your gift the gladness of his mind surpasses even the needs of his body.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century
The more fervent the desire, the more worthy will be its fruit. When the Apostle tells us: Pray without ceasing, he means this: Desire unceasingly that life of happiness which is nothing if not eternal, and ask it of him who alone is able to give it.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
It avails nothing to subdue the body, if the mind allows itself to be controlled by anger.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
