If it happens that someone cannot weep, a single word from a contrite heart is enough for God. And if someone would lose the use of his tongue, God would be well pleased with the moaning of his heart.
–Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
For it is better for a man to confess his sins than to harden his heart.
–Saint Clement (First Century)
We must endure and persevere if we are to attain the truth and freedom we have been allowed to hope for; faith and hope are the very meaning of our being Christians, but if faith and hope are to bear their fruit, patience is necessary.
–Saint Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258)
Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not ‘How am I to find God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be found by him?’ The question is not ‘How am I to love God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be loved by God?’
–Henri Nouwen (1932–1996)
Christ has not only spoken to us by his life but has also spoken for us by his death.
–Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
Jesus slept in my boat, as was His wont. But how rarely will souls allow Him to sleep in peace. Wearied with making continual advances, our good Master readily avails Himself of the repose I offer Him, and in all probability will sleep on till my great and everlasting retreat; this, however, rather rejoices than grieves me.
–Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
