Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
But how are we to know if we have found Christ and are close to Him? Those close to Christ often turn to Him in prayer with faith and love; they often pronounce from their heart His sweetest name, often call upon Him for help; they often read or listen to His word with childlike simplicity and love; they seek frequent union with Him in His life-giving Mysteries; they are satisfied with whatever they have and accepting of what happens to them; they strive according to their strength to fulfill Christ’s commandments.
–Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
It is better to begin from one’s feeble state and end up strong, to progress from small things to larger, than to set your heart from the very first on the perfect way of life, then only to abandon it later-or keep to it solely out of habit, because of what others will think-in which case all this labor will be in vain.
–Evagrius Ponticus (345-399)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
[If] people who travel… tire themselves out on the very first day by rushing along, they will end up wasting many days as a result of sickness. But if they start out walking at a gentle pace until they have got accustomed to walking, in the end they will not get tired, even though they walk great distances. Likewise anyone who wishes to embark on the labors of the virtuous life should train himself gently, until he gradually reaches the full extent of his abilities. Do not be perplexed by the many paths walked by our fathers of old, each different from the other. Do not overzealously try to imitate them all-this this would only upset your way of life. Rather, choose a way of life that suits your feeble state; travel on that, and you will live, for your Lord is merciful and he will receive you, not because of your achievements, but because of your intention.
–Evagrius Ponticus (345-399)
Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
And to remain at a standstill is impossible; he that gains not, loses in this traffic; he that ascends not, descends upon this ladder; he that vanquishes not in this battle, is vanquished.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Augustine (354-430), Humility, Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Spiritual (life)
Beware of despairing about yourself: you are commanded to put your trust in God, and not in yourself.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
Meister Eckhart (1260-1328), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
You need not seek him here or there, he is no further that the door of your heart; there he stands patiently awaiting whoever is ready to open up and let him in. No need to call him from afar: he can hardly wait for you to open up. He longs for you a thousand times more that you long for him.
–Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
