Who could count all those who have had wealth, power, honor? But their glory, their riches were only lent to them, and they wore themselves out in preserving and increasing that which they were forced to abandon one day.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Being reduced to nothing is the most powerful means we have of uniting ourselves to Jesus and of doing good to others.
–Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858–1916)
The Lord ate from a common bowl, and asked the disciples to sit on the grass. He washed their feet, with a towel wrapped around His waist — He, who is the Lord of the universe! He drank water from a jug of earthenware, with the Samaritan woman. Christ made use His aim, not extravagance… We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly.
–Saint Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215)
Our Lord did not ask us to give up the things of earth, but to exchange them for better things.
–Blessed Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)
You must remember to love people and use things, rather than to love things and use people.
–Blessed Fulton Sheen (1895-1979)
Examine yourself, then, to see whether worldly cares may still have a hold on you; whether you are very preoccupied with feeding and clothing your body, and with your other pursuits and your recreation, as though your own power kept you alive, and you were obliged to make provision for yourself, when you have been commanded to have no anxiety whatever concerning yourself.
–Pseudo-Macarius (Fourth- Fifth Century)
