To argue over who is the more noble is nothing more than to dispute whether dirt is better for making bricks or for making mortar.

From moment to moment one can bear much.

Let us consider what the glorious Virgin endured, and what the holy apostles suffered, and we shall find that they who were nearest to Jesus Christ were the most afflicted.

True perfection consists in the love of God and our neighbour, and the better we keep both these commandments, the more perfect we shall be.

Before prayer, endeavour to realise Whose Presence you are approaching and to Whom you are about to speak, keeping in mind Whom you are addressing. If our lives were a thousand times as long as they are we should never fully understand how we ought to behave towards God, before Whom the very Angels tremble, Who can do all He wills, and with Whom to wish is to accomplish.

Let him never cease from prayer who has once begun it, be his life ever so wicked; for prayer is the way to amend it, and without prayer such amendment will be much more difficult.

All blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding His life we find that He is the best example.