We open the door at the sound of his voice to receive him, when we freely assent to his promptings, whether secret or open, and when we do what we know we should do. He enters, then, to eat with us and we with him, since he lives in the hearts of his elect by the gift of love.
–Venerable Bede (c. 673-735)
The merciful person is he who gives to others what he has himself received from God, whether it be money, or food, or strength, a helpful word, a prayer, or anything else that he has through which he can express his compassion for those in need. At the same time he considers himself a debtor, since he has received more than he is asked to give. By Christ’s grace, both in the present and in the world to come, before the whole of creation he is called merciful, just as God is called merciful (cf. Lk. 6:36).
–Saint Peter of Damascus (d. 750)
We should only make use of life to grow in the love of God.
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Let us thus think often that our only business in this life is to please God, that perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
We make a ladder for ourselves of our vices, if we trample those same vices underfoot.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
This is all that is necessary in order to become a follower of Jesus Christ; the denying of ourselves, and the mortifying of self-love. Do we desire to be saved? we must conquer all, to secure all. How wretched is the soul that allows itself to be guided by self-love!
–Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
