It is Advent again. We call this time Advent because it reminds us what comes from God for the creation of his Kingdom on Earth.
—C. F. Blumhardt

God’s intervening into human history came about with an almost frightening quietness and self-effacement, and . . . he will come again with the same silence and the same devastating humility into any heart ready to receive him.
—J. B. Phillips

To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.
—Mary Oliver

May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
—Teresa of Ávila

A leader . . . is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.
—Nelson Mandela

Only wonder understands anything.
—Saint Gregory of Nyssa

In order that your prayer may be real, you must deal with the arduousness of work. . . . Your prayer becomes whole when it is of a piece with your labor.
—Rule of Taizé

Endurance . . . is peace in time of war, calm in rough waters, safety amidst treachery and danger. It makes those who practice it stronger than steel.
—Nilus of Ancyra (d. c. 430)

I am not dying, I am beginning to live.
—Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-97), at her death

Resurrection does not simply spell the survival of the soul but requires the transformation of the world as we know it.
—Elisabeth Schüssler-Fiorenza

The question of death is really a question about life.
—Pope Francis

Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person's life.
—Jackie Chan

Let us go and wake up the universe and sing God’s praises.
—Blessed Mariam Baouardy

God creates out of nothing. . . . but he does what is still more wonderful: He makes saints out of sinners.
—Søren Kierkegaard, Journals

Charity even for one person does not make sense except in terms of an effort to love all Creation in response to the Creator’s love for it.
—Wendell Berry, The Art of the Commonplace

Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.
—Cornel West

Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.
—Eleanor Roosevelt

The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced.
—Immanuel Kant 

All saints began their conversion by prayer, and through prayer they persevered.
—Saint John Vianney

If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.
—Meister Eckhart

While the world changes, the cross stands firm.
—Saint Bruno

I used to believe in God. Now I believe in God alone.
—Gustave Thibon

Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.
—Saint Augustine

Even if you think you are faithful, you have not yet attained the perfection of faith. You must also say: ‘Lord, increase our faith.’ For you have hardly anything of your own, but must receive much from him.
—Cyril of Jerusalem

Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.
—C. S. Lewis

I am determined not to place limits to trust and to extend it to all things . . . . You will be my strength, O my God, you will be my guide, my director, my counsel, my patience, my knowledge, my peace, my justice, and my prudence.
—Claude la Colombière

Don't forget the poor.
—Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, to then newly elected Pope Francis

Every person who has more than is indispensable for material and spiritual well-being is a millionaire, and thus a debtor of those who have nothing.
—Léon Bloy