Someone who is elated with wine speaks the truth on all subjects, even without meaning to. In the same way, anyone who is inebriated with the spirit of penitence will never be able to tell lies.
–Saint John Climacus (c. 525-606)
No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ.
–Saint Leo the Great (c. 400-461)
When the profligate returned after going to a foreign country and finding out by experience what a great sin it is to leave the father’s house, the father did not remember past injuries but welcomed him with open arms. Why? Because he was a father and not a judge. And there were dances and festivities and banquets and the whole house was full of joy and gladness. Are you asking: “Is this what he gets for his wickedness?” Not for his wickedness, but for his return home; not for sin, but for repentance; not for evil, but for being converted.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
Thus in whatever age of the present life, any sinner or evil person will be converted to God with his whole heart, he will immediately receive forgiveness for all his past sins.
–Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe (Fifth — Sixth Century)
Sinner one may indeed be, but no one must despair of pardon on this day which is so highly privileged. For if a thief could receive the grace of Paradise, how could a Christian be refused forgiveness?
–Saint Maximus of Turin (Fourth and Fifth Century)
One day a soldier asked an elder whether God grants pardon to sinners. The elder answered, ‘Tell me, my good friend, if your cloak is torn do you throw it away?’ the soldier replied, ‘No. I mend it and continue to use it.’ The elder concluded, ‘If you take good care of your cloak, will not God be merciful to his own image.?
–Desert Fathers (and Mothers)
