Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Struggle (with Sin)
If you want to do something good, do it; and if you cannot do it, then resolve to do it, and you will have achieved the resolution even if you do not fulfill the action itself. Thus a habit, whether good or bad, can gradually and spontaneously be overcome. If this were not the case, no criminals would ever be saved, whereas in fact not only have they been saved, but many have become conspicuous for their excellence. Think what a great gulf separates the criminal from the saint; yet resolution finally overcame habit.
–Saint Peter of Damascus (d. 750)
Page: Quotes, Possessions, Quote Topic, Struggle (with Sin)
Solicitude for material things distracts the soul and divides it. The devil seizes the divided soul and drags it to hell.
–Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Page: Quotes, Possessions, Spiritual (life)
Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul.
–Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Detachment, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic
When we hear people talk of riches, honors and amusements of the world, let us remember that all things have an end, and let us then say: ‘My God, I wish for You alone and nothing more.’”
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Detachment, Discipleship, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic
Let us attach ourselves to God alone, and turn our eyes and our hopes to Him.
–Saint Madeline Sophie Barat (1779-1865)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Of this ardor there springs unity of heart; for we cannot achieve true unity unless the Spirit of God blows to a flame His fire in our hearts. For this fire makes one with itself and like to itself all that it can master and re-shape.
Unity is this: that a man feel himself to be gathered together with all his powers in the unity of his heart. Unity brings inward peace and restfulness of heart. Unity of heart is a bond which draws together body and soul, heart and senses, and all the outward and inward powers and encloses them in the union of love.
–Blessed John Ruysbroeck (1293-1381)
