Because we cannot endure perpetually the hardships of life, we seek rest in some earthly thing. It may be our house, our family, our children, a little farm, an orchard, or a book we have published. God allows us to suffer tribulations even in these innocent delights in order that we may love only life eternal. Otherwise, as travelers going to their country, we might choose the inn – this world – instead of our true home: eternal life.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
Why do you have so low an opinion of yourself, when you are so precious to God? Why do you so dishonor yourself when you are so honored by God?
–Saint Peter Chrysologus (c. 380 – c. 450)
As God sees the world tottering to ruin because of fear, he acts unceasingly to bring it back by love, to invite it by grace, to hold it by charity and clasp it firmly with affection.
–Saint Peter Chrysologus (c. 380 – c. 450)
When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give.
–Saint Peter Chrysologus (c. 380 – c. 450)
If we desire to live in the dwelling-place of his kingdom there is no means of reaching it except by the way of good deeds.
–Saint Benedict (480-547)
‘And my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’ [John 14.23] My friends, consider the greatness of this solemn feast that commemorates God’s coming as a guest into our hearts! If some rich and influential friend were to come to your home, you would promptly put it all in order for fear something there might offend your friend’s eyes when he came in. Let all of us then who are preparing our inner homes for God cleanse them of anything our wrongdoing has brought into them.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
