Like a dog picking up scraps from under the table, I have gathered the words uttered by those blessed Fathers and have written all this down as reminder to us to be their imitators, if only in a small way.
–Nil Sorsky (c. 1433–1508)
In choosing to be born for us, God chose to be known by us. He therefore reveals himself in this way, in order that this great sacrament of his love may not be an occasion for us of great misunderstanding. Today the Magi find, crying in a manger, the one they have followed as he shone in the sky. Today the Magi see clearly, in swaddling clothes, the one they have long awaited as he lay hidden among the stars. Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die. So the Gentiles, who were the last, become the first: the faith of the Magi is the first fruits of the belief of the Gentiles.
–Saint Peter Chrysologus (c. 380 – c. 450)
Proverbs are words of exhortation that serve the whole path of life. They serve as guides and signs for those who are seeking their way to God by reviving them when they become tired by the length of the road.
–Saint Hippolytus (170-236)
Oh, God help me! That there should be complaining like this among nuns! May He forgive me for saying so, but I am afraid it has become quite a habit.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
The floor of Hell is paved with the skulls of rotten bishops.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
God is the holy support of them that are tossed on an unholy sea.
–Saint John Damascene (c. 676-750)
