Saint Justin Martyr

To obey the commandments of our Saviour Jesus Christ is worthy neither of blame nor of condemnation.

-- Saint Justin Martyr at his trial

Saint Ambrose of Milan

Filled with God, where would she hasten but to the heights? The Holy Spirit does not proceed by slow, laborious efforts. Quickly, too, the blessings of her coming and the Lord’s presence are made clear: as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the child leapt in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Notice the contrast and the choice of words. Elizabeth is the first to hear Mary’s voice, but John is the first to be aware of grace. She hears with the ears of the body, but he leaps for joy at the meaning of the mystery. She is aware of Mary’s presence, but he is aware of the Lord’s: a woman aware of a woman’s presence, the forerunner aware of the pledge of our salvation. The women speak of the grace they have received while the children are active in secret, unfolding the mystery of love with the help of their mothers, who prophesy by the spirit of their sons.

-- Saint Ambrose of Milan from his commentary on Luke

Saint Peter Chrysologus

Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil cannot rejoice with Christ. 

-- Saint Peter Chrysologus

Saint Josemaria Escriva

Their pure and noble love is a sacred thing. As a priest, I bless it with all my heart. Christian tradition has often seen in Christ's presence at the wedding feast at Cana a proof of the value God places on marriage. "Our Saviour went to the wedding feast," writes St Cyril of Alexandria, "to make holy the origins of human life."

-- Saint Josemaria Escriva