In love did He bring the world into existence; in love does He guide it during this its temporal existence; in love is He going to bring it to that wondrous transformed state, and in love will the world be swallowed up in the great mystery of Him who has performed all these things; in love will the whole course of the governance of creation be finally comprised.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Is it not true that Christ draws near with love to those who turn away from him? That he struggles with them, begs them not to scorn his love, and if they show only aversion and remain deaf to his appeals, becomes himself their advocate?
–Pseudo-Dionysius (Fifth-Sixth Century)
If physical things please you, then praise God for them, but turn back your love to Him who created them, lest in the things that please you, you displease Him.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
You say to me ‘Show me your God.’ I answer you, ‘Everything you see in your heart that might sadden God, remove.’
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
The love of God, unutterable and perfect, flows into a pure soul the way light rushes into a transparent object. The more love that it finds, the more it gives itself: so that, as we grow clear and open, the more complete the joy of heaven is. And the more souls who resonate together, the greater the intensity of their love, and, mirror-like, each soul reflects the other.
–Dante (c. 1265 – 1321)
