If there is no element of asceticism in our lives, if we give free rein to the desires of the flesh (taking care of course to keep within the limits of what seems permissible to the world), we shall find it hard to train for the service of Christ. When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.

Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, l honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness.

Just as our love for God begins with listening to God's Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them.

It is infinitely easier to suffer in obedience to a human command than to accept suffering as free, responsible men.

Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.

The Lord confers great honor on his servants when he brings them suffering.

The devil doesn't fill us with hatred for God, but with forgetfulness of God.