We have a God who is infinitely gracious, and knows all our wants. I always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will come in His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more than ever: thank Him with me for the favors He does you, particularly for the fortitude and patience which He gives you in your afflictions: it is a plain mark of the care He takes of you; comfort yourself then with Him, and give thanks for all.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
Remember that the Devil doesn’t sleep, but seeks our ruin in a thousand ways.
–Saint Angela Merici (1474-1540)
For, in truth, we shall see in Heaven for all eternity that though we have sinned grievously in this life, we were never hurt in God’s love, nor were we ever of less value in God’s sight. This falling is a test by which we shall have a high and marvelous knowing of love in God forever. That love [of God] is hard and marvelous that cannot and will not be broken for our trespasses. In love mercy allows us to fail somewhat, and in failing we fall, and in falling we die. Our failing is full of fear; our falling is marked by sin; our dying is sorrowful. Yet in all this the sweet eye of pity never departs from us and the working of mercy never ceases.
–Saint Julian of Norwich (1432-1420)
We shall be blessed with clear vision if we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, for he, as Paul teaches, is our head, and there is in him no shadow of evil. Saint Paul himself and all who have reached the same heights of sanctity had their eyes fixed on Christ, and so have all who live and move and have their being in him.
–Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335- c. 395)
Just as iron, even without willing it, is drawn by a magnet, so is a slave to bad habits dragged about by them.
–Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
The fear of God illumines the soul, annihilates evil, weakens the passions, drives darkness from the soul and makes it pure. The fear of God is the summit of wisdom. Where it is not you will find nothing good. Whoever does not have the fear of God is open to diabolical falls.
–Saint Ephrem of Syria (c. 306 – 373)
