True penance consists…
True penance consists in regretting without ceasing the faults of the past, and in firmly resolving to never again commit that which is so deplorable.
–Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Always be prepared…
That God has promised you pardon when you amend your life, I cannot deny. But tell me, pray: I agree and I grant you and I know that God has promised you forgiveness. But who has promised you tomorrow? Where you read that you will receive forgiveness, when you do penance, read for me also how much longer you have to live. It is not there, you say. Therefore you do not know how long more you have to live. Then reform your life, and be always prepared.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
God forgives sins…
See how good God is, and how easily He forgives sins; He not only restores what has been lost with his forgiveness but grants unhoped for benefits.
–Saint Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
God promised pardon, not tomorrow…
If we knew at what time we were to depart from this world, we would be able to select a season for pleasure and another for repentance. But God, who has promised pardon to every repentant sinner, has not promised us tomorrow.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
The omnipotence of God is…
The omnipotence of God is shown, above all, in the act of his forgiveness and the use of his mercy, for the way He has of showing his supreme power is to pardon freely.
–Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
However small the sins…
However small the sins that you may confess may be, always have sincere sorrow for them, together with a firm resolution to correct them in the future. Many who confess their venial sins out of custom and concern for order, but without thought of amendment, remain burdened with them for their whole lives and thus lose many spiritual benefits and advantages.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
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