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In 439 the historian Socrates ended his seven books with the pious wish that peace continue to reign amid the flourishing conditions in which the Church found itself, ”for as long as peace continues, those who desire to write histories will find no materials for their purpose.“

— The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325–787) by Leo Donald Davis (Theology and Life, #21) (Page 170)

"But, however entrancing it is to wander unchecked through a garden of bright images, are we not enticing your mind from another subject of almost equal importance? It seems probable—"

"And if you can quote Kai Lung, we should certainly get on together."

— Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey, #5) (Page 49)

You can refrain from sinning out of fear. It is an inferior step, but good in its own way. Or out of love: the way saints and people of superior character do. But also out of shame. A terrible shame, like one at having done unseemly things in front of a delicate person, at having cast an ugly word at an old woman, at having cheated someone who trusts you. After you have known Christ, it becomes hard to sin; you are terribly ashamed.

— The Journal of Joy by Nicolae Steinhardt (Page 24)

No one makes himself a Christian even if he receives Baptism, as I did, late in life. I don't think it's any different even in earth-shattering conversions. The call is always anterior, no matter how deeply, subtly, and skillfully concealed. Pascal: [Console-toi,] tu ne me chercherais pas [si tu ne m'avais pas trouvé]. The logic is always misinterpreted: you seek what you've found, you find what was prepared for you, what has already been given to you.

— The Journal of Joy by Nicolae Steinhardt (Page 21 - 22)

The Church is the sacrament of the Kingdom—not because she possess divinely instituted acts called "sacraments," but because first of all she is the possibility given to man to see in and through this world the "world to come," to see and to "live" it in Christ. It is only when in the darkness of this world we discern that Christ has already "filled all things with Himself" that these things, whatever they may be, are revealed and given to us full of meaning and beauty. A Christian is the one who, wherever he looks, finds Christ and rejoices in Him. And this joy transforms all his human plans and programs, decisions and actions, making all his mission the sacrament of the world's return to Him who is the life of the world.

— For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann (Page 113)