That One Thing which is needful for all [cf. Lk 11:42] is Divine Love. The better part is an inward life, with loving adherence to God… But there are some foolish people who would be so inward that they would neither do anything nor serve anyone, even in the things of which their neighbor has need. Behold, these are neither hidden friends nor faithful servants of God.
–Blessed Jan van Ruusbroec (1293–1381)
With patience and compassion let the man support the frailty of the woman, and the woman support the frailties of the man. Do not disdain each other; instead, vie in showing the greater honor to each other. Bitter and contentious words should never arise between you; rather, reprove each other in the spirit of gentleness.
–Elizabeth of Schönau (1129-1165)
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves and helps, and cares for the others.
–Saint Theophane Venard (1829-1861)
For a Christian who believes in Jesus and his Gospel, war is an iniquity and a contradiction.
–Saint John XXIII (1881 – 1963)
Anger is overcome by mildness, rage is extinguished by gentleness, cruelty is subverted by goodness.
–Saint Peter Chrysologus (c. 380 – c. 450)
Therefore, the Cross is something wonderfully great and honorable. It is great because through the Cross the many noble acts of Christ found their consummation – very many indeed, for both his miracles and his sufferings were fully rewarded with victory. The Cross is honorable because it is both the sign of God’s suffering and the trophy of his victory. It stands for his suffering because on it he freely suffered unto death. But it is also his trophy because it was the means by which the devil was wounded and death conquered.
–Saint Andrew of Crete (Seventh and Eighth Century)
