A sinner cannot outrage the Deity more than by despairing of divine mercy on account of the number and enormity of his crimes; for God’s clemency is far greater than the iniquity and guilt of an entire world . . . Of God’s mercy never despair.
–Venerable Blosius (1506-1566)
Turn to God quickly and completely. Be converted to him. Do not keep procrastinating… It is a common mistake to think that the mercy of God is so great that there will be no punishment.
–Richard Rolle (c. 1300-1349)
God wanted all his beloved ones to have the opportunity to repent and he confirmed this desire by his own almighty will. That is why we should obey his sovereign and glorious will and prayerfully entreat his mercy and kindness. We should be suppliant before him and turn to his compassion, rejecting empty works and quarreling and jealousy which only lead to death.
–Saint Clement of Rome (First Century)
God will not hear our prayers unless we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners. We do this when we ponder on our own sins alone, and not on those of our neighbor.
–Abba Moses (330-405)
As a handful of sand thrown into the ocean, so are the sins of all flesh as compared with the mind of God.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
