Endurance is like an unshakeable rock in the winds and waves of life. However the tempest batters him, the patient man remains steadfast and does not turn back; and when he finds relief and joy, he is not carried away by self-glory: he is always the same, whether things are hard or easy, and for this reason, he is proof against the snares of the enemy.
–Saint Peter of Damascus (12th Century)
It is excellent to seek advice about everything, but only from those with experience. It is dangerous to ask questions of the inexperienced, because they do not possess discrimination. Discrimination knows when the time is ripe, what means to employ, the inner state of the questioner, what level he has reached, his strength, his degree of spiritual knowledge and his intention, as well as God’s purpose and the meaning of Holy Scripture.
–Saint Peter of Damascus (12th Century)
Twelve Keys to Spiritual Growth
–Saint Basil the Great (330-379)
Let us go forth eagerly, sure that whatever cross we have to bear will not be without Christ, and that his aid… will always be with us.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
It should constantly be our care to see God’s presence in everything, and not only to raise our minds to him when we are at prayer.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint. And if you wish to become a great saint, entreat Him yourself to give you much opportunity for suffering; for there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross, which Christ used for His own great sacrifice of boundless charity.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
