Things are crumbs…

From this we are to learn that all created things are crumbs that have fallen from the table of God. Wherefore he that feeds ever upon the creatures is rightly called a dog, and therefore the bread is taken from the children, because they desire not to rise above feeding upon the crumbs, which are created things, to the Uncreated Spirit of their Father. Therefore, like dogs, they are ever hungering, and justly so, because the crumbs serve to whet their appetite rather than to satisfy their hunger.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)

Perishable things…

So why do we who must still die still seek our joy in perishable things; why do we put so much futile effort into clutching on to this fleeting life?                                                                                                                               –Saint Augustine  (354-430)

Not a Christian…

Having the riches of a king, the Christian hides them as though to say: “These are not my riches, someone else put them there.” If someone says ” What I have acquired is sufficient for me, I don’t need any more,” — he is already not a Christian but is in a state of delusion and has become an instrument of the devil.
–Saint Macarius the Great (295-392)

Do not cling…

Do not cling or cleave to earthly things; keep your heart aloof from them as much as you can. Let there be no human respect where the glory of God is concerned.
–Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647- 1690)