The saints do not contemplate to know, but to love. They do not love for the sake of loving but for the love of Him whom they love… For them, the end of ends is not to bring exultation to their intellect and nature and thus stop at themselves. It is to do the will of Another, to contribute to the good of the Good. They do not seek their own soul. They lose it.
–Jacques Maritain (1882–1973)
The fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience.
–Saint Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356)
Someone asked Abba Anthony, “What must one do in order to please God?” The old man replied, “Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.”
–Saint Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356)
Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.
–Saint Clement (First Century)
If God does not desire me to be a saint, He would not have created me a reasonable being.
–Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)
In all your acts, in all your works, in all your behavior, imitate the good; be a competitor of the saints, keep your eye on the heroism of the martyrs, follow the example of the just. It is my wish that the life and teachings of the saints be for you an encouragement to virtue.
–Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560-636)
