This becoming one with the Eternal Goodness cannot come to pass but by an absolute renunciation of our self, and all that is ours, natural or spiritual; for in the same measure that a man comes out from himself, in that measure does God enter in with His divine grace, and he who loses his life shall find it.
–Johannes Tauler (c. 1300-1361)
The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.
–Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)
So how unjust it would be for me to blame God for allowing my sin when he does not blame me for falling into it.
–Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)
Preach the Truth as if you had a million voices. It is silence that kills the world. –Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Do you know the condition of the soul who receives unworthily? She is like a candle on which water has fallen, which can do nothing but crackle when brought near the flame, for no sooner has the fire touched it, than it is extinguished, and nothing remains but smoke.
–Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Penance to be sure must be used as a tool, in due times and places, as need may be. If the flesh, being too strong, kicks against the spirit, penance takes the rod of discipline, and fast, and the cilice of many buds, and mighty vigils; and places burdens enough on the flesh, that it may be more subdued. But if the body is weak, fallen into illness, the rule of discretion does not approve of such a method.
–Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
