The cross must be borne by everyone who wishes to be saved, in accord with the good pleasure of God the grace He gives them, though all are aiming at the goal, yet each one goes by their own road, as God guides them.
–Saint John of God (1495-1550)
As one sees a river pass into the ocean, lose itself in it, its water for a time distinguished from that of the sea, till it gradually becomes transformed into the same sea, and possesses all its qualities; so was my soul lost in God, who communicated to it His qualities, having drawn it out of all that it had of its own. Its life is an inconceivable innocence, not known or comprehended of those who are still shut up in themselves or only live for themselves.
–Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717)
If knowing answers to life’s questions is absolutely necessary to you, then forget the journey. You will never make it, for this is a journey of unknowables—of unanswered questions, enigmas, incomprehensibles, and most of all, things unfair.
–Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717)
Satisfaction consists in the cutting off of the causes of the sin. Thus, fasting is the proper antidote to lust; prayer to pride, to envy, anger and sloth; alms to covetousness.
–Saint Richard of Chichester (c. 1197-1253)
For the salvation of our souls God in his goodness calls us to the joys of everlasting blessedness.
–Ambrosiaster (Fourth Century)
It is a great thing to pray without distraction but yet greater to sing without distraction.
–Evagrius Ponticus (345-399)
