No one should judge that he has greater perfection because he performs great penances and gives himself in excess to the staying of the body than he who does less, inasmuch as neither virtue nor merit consists therein; for otherwise he would be an evil case, who for some legitimate reason was unable to do actual penance. Merit consists in the virtue of love alone, flavored with the light of true discretion without which the soul is worth nothing.
St. Catherine of SienaA soul cannot live without loving. It must have something to love, for it was created to love.
St. Catherine of SienaO abyss! O eternal Godhead! O deep sea! What more could you have given me than the gift of your very self?
St. Catherine of SienaYou must believe in truth that whatever God gives or permits is for your salvation.
St. Catherine of SienaPonder the fact that God has made you a gardener, to root out vice and plant virtue.
St. Catherine of SienaO my soul, what are you doing? Are you not aware that God sees you always? You can never hide yourself from His sight. O Father, have pity on us because we are blind and in darkness. Drive out the darkness and give me light. Melt the ice of my self-love and kindle in me the fire of Your charity.
St. Catherine of Siena