Mary being destined to negotiate peace between God and man, it was not proper that she should be an accomplice in the disobedience of Adam.
Alphonsus LiguoriMy Jesus! What a lovable contrivance this holy Sacrament was - that You would hide under the appearance of bread to make Yourself loved and to be available for a visit by anyone who desires You!
Alphonsus LiguoriNothing else is required than to act toward God, in the midst of your occupations, as you do, even when busy, toward those who love you and whom you love.
Alphonsus LiguoriJust as a mother finds pleasure in taking her little child on her lap, there to feed and caress him, in like manner our loving God shows His fondness for His beloved souls who have given themselves entirely to Him and have placed all their hope in His goodness.
Alphonsus LiguoriSt. Augustine and St. Thomas define mortal sin to be a turning away from God: that is, the turning of one's back upon God, leaving the Creator for the sake of the creature. What punishment would that subject deserve who, while his king was giving him a command, contemptuously turned his back upon him to go and transgress his orders? This is what the sinner does; and this is punished in hell with the pain of loss, that is, the loss of God, a punishment richly deserved by him who in this life turns his back upon his sovereign good.
Alphonsus Liguori