A weekly curation of quotations I come across in my reading life (or on random condiment jars) — from the inspirational to the miscellaneous. Perhaps one inspires you or catches your fancy too…

Our identity…

“We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures. We are the sum of the Father’s love for us.” – St. John Paul II

Our mission…

“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those that have lost their way.” St. Francis of Assisi

Our merciful Love…

“Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,

     Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

If I lack’d anything.

A guest, I answer’d, worthy to be here:

Love said, You shall be he.

I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,

I cannot look on thee.

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,

Who made the eyes by I?

Truth Lord, but I have marr’d them: let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.

And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?

My dear, then I will serve.

You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:

So I did sit and eat.”

(“Love” by George Herbert)