Status Updates From Letters of St. Augustine

Thanks be to God! No phrase is shorter or happier, more profound or more fruitful than this one.

I don't know how it is, but when we love useless and worldly things, we are more attached to what we have than what we desire.

There is nothing in this present life, and especially now, more difficult, toilsome, and perilous than holding a church office if it is carried out in the way our Lord commands; but, at the same time, nothing is more blessed in God's sight.

It's by withdrawing completely from the turmoil of perishing things that a person becomes fearless. Insensitivity, daring, vainglory, superstitious credulity won't do it. This withdrawal is the source of the solid joy that cannot be compared in any respect with any other.