We cannot avoid the evils of this life;
with God’s help we can overcome them.

 
St. Cessarius of Arles, 6th century

Let us never complain
that the burden of Christ is too heavy
which he pronounces light,
or that yoke is bitter which he describes as sweet;
Let us rather think on the ‘eternal weight of glory’
which is to be the recompense of our toil.

 
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th century

In difficulties,
we have only to have recourse to Jesus Christ,
and beg his grace;
with that, everything becomes easy.

 
Br. Lawrence of the Resurrection, 17th century

Because the Lord loved us
our Lord Jesus Christ gave his life’s blood for us.

 
St. Clement of Rome, 2nd century

Reflect on the wounds
and sufferings of Christ crucified.
He himself has told us,
"All you who pass by the way" of thorns and the cross,
"look and see."

 
St. Louis de Montfort, 18th century

O Blessed Mother, a sword pierced your heart.
Christ died in body through a love
greater than anyone had known.
Mary died in spirit through a love
unlike any other since his.

 
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th century

Suffering is a great grace.
In suffering, the soul becomes crystallized;
the greater the suffering, the purer the love.

 
St. Faustina, 20th century

And I saw the river over which every soul must pass
to reach the Kingdom of Heaven
and the name of that river was suffering;
and I saw the boat which carries souls across the river,
and the name of the boat is love.

 
St. John of the Cross, 16th century