Complete serenity of mind is a gift from God; but this serenity is not given with our own intense effort. You will achieve nothing by your own efforts alone; yet God will not give you anything, unless you work with all your strength.
–Saint Theophan the Recluse (1815-1894)
Keep to the ancient way and custom of the Church, established and confirmed by so many Saints under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And live a new life. Pray, and get others to pray, that God not abandon His Church, but reform it as He pleases, and as He sees best for us, and more to His honor and glory. For in these perilous and pestilential times, you will find no other recourse than to take refuge at the feet of Jesus Christ.
— Saint Angela Merici (1474-1540)
True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified… No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer brought benefit to the multitude that raged against him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to him in repentance. Ignorance has been destroyed, obstinacy has been overcome. The sacred blood of Christ has quenched the flaming sword that barred access to the tree of life. The age-old night of sin has given place to the true light.The Christian people are invited to share the riches of paradise.
–Saint Leo the Great (c. 400-461)
There’s no greater lifestyle and no greater happiness than that of having a continual conversation with God.
— Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
Without prayer we have neither light nor strength to advance in the way which leads to God.
— Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Sometimes the flame of a lamp can leap up and burn furiously. At other times it burns gently and quietly. Sometimes its light leaps up and emits a great radiance. At other times its small flame gives out only a dim light. This is how it is with the lamp of grace in the soul. It is always lit and giving off illumination, but when it burns with special radiance, it is as if the soul were drunk with love for God. At other times, as God himself decides, the light is still there but it is only a dim glow.
–Saint Macarius the Great (c. 300-391)
