We open the door at the sound of his voice to receive him, when we freely assent to his promptings, whether secret or open, and when we do what we know we should do. He enters, then, to eat with us and we with him, since he lives in the hearts of his elect by the gift of love.
–Venerable Bede (c. 673-735)
The merciful person is he who gives to others what he has himself received from God, whether it be money, or food, or strength, a helpful word, a prayer, or anything else that he has through which he can express his compassion for those in need. At the same time he considers himself a debtor, since he has received more than he is asked to give. By Christ’s grace, both in the present and in the world to come, before the whole of creation he is called merciful, just as God is called merciful (cf. Lk. 6:36).
–Saint Peter of Damascus (d. 750)
We should only make use of life to grow in the love of God.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Let us thus think often that our only business in this life is to please God, that perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received…but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.
–Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226)
I want to be so good that people will say “If this is what the servant is like, what must the master be?”
–Blessed Charles De Foucauld (1858-1916)
