Whoever, then, thinks that he understands the Holy Scriptures, or any part of them, but puts such an interpretation upon them as does not tend to build up this twofold love of God and our neighbor, does not yet understand them as he ought.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
When people truly open their minds, and contemplate the way in which the universe is ordered and governed, they are amazed- overwhelmed by a sense of the miraculous. When people contemplate with open minds the germination of a single seed, they are equally overwhelmed-yet numerous babies are born every day, and no-one marvels.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give.
–Saint Peter Chrysologus (c. 380 – c. 450)
If we desire to live in the dwelling-place of his kingdom there is no means of reaching it except by the way of good deeds.
–Saint Benedict (480-547)
‘And my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’ [John 14.23] My friends, consider the greatness of this solemn feast that commemorates God’s coming as a guest into our hearts! If some rich and influential friend were to come to your home, you would promptly put it all in order for fear something there might offend your friend’s eyes when he came in. Let all of us then who are preparing our inner homes for God cleanse them of anything our wrongdoing has brought into them.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
Sit in the presence of the Lord every moment of your life, as you think of him and remember him in your heart. Otherwise, when you only see him after a period of time, you will lack freedom of converse with him, out of shame; for great freedom of converse is born out of constant association with him.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
