Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, don't seek to understand so that you may believe, but believe so that you may understand.
-- St. Augustine

To desire to be poor but not be inconvenienced by poverty, is to desire the honor of poverty and the convenience of riches.
-- St. Francis de Sales

Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.
-- St. John of the Cross

It is impossible for a person who prays regularly to remain in serious sin; because the two are incompatible, one or the other will have to be given up.
-- St Teresa of Avila

Consider God's generosity towards you rather than your own unworthiness in His sight, and live in His strength, rather than in the thoughts of your own weakness.
-- St. Vincent de Paul