Saint Melito of Sardis

The Lord, though he was God, became man.

He suffered for the sake of whose who suffer, he was bound for those in bonds, condemned for the guilty, buried for those who lie in the grave; but he rose from the dead, and cried aloud: “Who will contend with me?

Let him confront me.”

I have freed the condemned, brought the dead back to life, raised men from their graves.

Who has anything to say against me?

I, he said, am the Christ; I have destroyed death, triumphed over the enemy, trampled hell underfoot, bound the strong one, and taken men up to the heights of heaven: I am the Christ.

Come, then, all you nations of men, receive forgiveness for the sins that defile you.

I am your forgiveness.

I am the Passover that brings salvation.

I am the lamb who was immolated for you.

I am your ransom, you life, your resurrection, you light, I am your salvation and your king.

I will bring you to the heights of heaven.

With my own right hand I will raise you up, and I will show you the eternal Father.

-- Saint Melito of Sardis from a letter by him

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly.

-- Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Saint John of Damascus

The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: 'But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....' Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory. 

-- Saint John of Damascus