QUOTATION: The Sacrifice of the Mass

In order that the oblation by which the faithful offer the divine Victim in this sacrifice to the heavenly Father may have its full effect, it is necessary that the people add something else, namely, the offering of themselves as a victim.

--Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei, 98

QUOTATION: Helping Others is Not All There Is

When there is question of working on one's self, a man experiences difficulty, he soon finds that he always does enough. But he will greatly devote himself for others, will sacrifice himself for their advancement, though he may be lax when there is question of self. In the same measure as he rushes forth to serve the neighbor, does he experience annoyance at entering into self to sacrifice self. He thinks that devotedness to others suffices, and he makes it his life-work, as if it supplied for everything else. This is a great snare. He will lose himself under pretext of saving others.

--St. Peter Julian Eymard

QUOTATION: Self-Sacrifice Must Be Unconditional

But we sometimes see persons, who, coming to the service of God, say: Lord! I commend my spirit into Thy hands, but on condition that Thou wilt always give me consolations, without anything to contradict my will, and wilt give me superiors in all respects according to my liking.

Alas! What are you doing? Do you not see that this is not to resign your soul into the hands of God, as our Lord did? Do you not know that this is only one of those reserves from which all our troubles, disquietudes, and other imperfections, usually arise? For, as soon as things happen not according to our expectations and anticipations, a sudden desolation seizes on our poor souls. Why is this, unless because we are not resigned with indifference into the hands of God? Oh, how happy should we be, if we faithfully practiced this virtue!

--St. Francis de Sales, Consoling Thoughts

QUOTATION: Self-Sacrifice

You propose to give up everything to God; be sure, then, to include yourself among the things to be given up.

--St. Benedict of Nursia