Charity burning in our hearts…
May all our words, actions and behavior always be for the instruction and edification of those who have dealings with us, always having charity burning in our hearts.
— Saint Angela Merici (1474-1540)
If you want love…
If you find that there is no love in you, but you want to have it, then do deeds of love, even though you do them without love in the beginning. The Lord will see you desire and striving and will put love in your heart.
— Saint Ambrose of Optina (1812-1891)
Reasons for loving God…
There are two reasons for loving God. First, there is no one more worthy of your love. Second, no one can return more in response to your love.
— Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
There are four degrees of love…
[T]here are four degrees of love: 1) Love of self for self’s sake. 2) Love of God for self’s sake. 3) Love of God for God’s own sake. 4) Love of self for God’s sake.
— Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
If we find animosity
If we look inside our hearts and find there even a trace of animosity toward others for the wrongs they have done to us, then we should realize that we are still far removed from the love of God. The love of God absolutely precludes us from hating any human being.
–Saint Maximos the Confessor (580-662)
Silent love knows…
Silent love knows much in effortless pleasure. How little the body knows what love does in stillness!
–Mechthild of Magdeburg (Thirteenth Century)
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