In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting off our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our foreheads with the sign of the cross.
–Tertullian (c.160 – 225)
Suppose that you had fallen into the river, and that a charitable person threw himself into the water to save you. What would you say to such kindness? Moreover, suppose that, hardly drawn from the water, you had been attacked by assassins, and that your rescuer again came to your assistance, and saved your life at the risk of his own. What would you do in return for such friendship? It is certain that you would do all in your power to heal the bruises he received on your account. So ought we to act towards Christ: we must contemplate Him engulfed in an ocean of sorrows to save us from the eternal abyss; consider Him all covered with wounds and bruises to purchase for us eternal life. Then let us make His pains our own, sympathize with His sorrows, and consecrate to Him all our affections.
–Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
Be prepared for the cross, and have it ever before your eyes: strive to give no cause for complaint to others and bear patiently with their faults.
–Saint John of Avila (1500–1569)
Christ has not only spoken to us by his life but has also spoken for us by his death.
–Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
In the Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life; in the Cross is protection against our enemies; in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness; in the Cross is strength of mind; in the Cross is joy of spirit; in the Cross is excellence of virtue; in the Cross is perfection of holiness. There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, save in the Cross.
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
There is no higher contemplation than that of the Passion of Jesus Christ, and whoever has a devotion to it will not be lost, with the help of Jesus Christ.
–Saint John of God (1495-1550)
