What are you seeking? A happy life. Well, it is not to be found here. Christ came down and experienced all those unpleasant things that are part of our lives and said to us: “I did not turn my nose up at the nasty things of your life; believe that I am inviting you to my life. I am inviting you to the company of angels, to the friendship of the Father and the Holy Spirit. I am inviting you to be my brothers and sisters. I am inviting you to my life. Are you reluctant to believe that I will give you my life? Remember that I died for you.” So now, while we are living in this perishable flesh let us die with Christ. By our love of being just let us live with Christ.

—Augustine, Sermon 231.5