Open thine ears to the voices of nature, and thou shalt hear them in concert inviting thee to the love of God. 401 Venerable Louis de Granada
He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbor. 402
St. Bede the Venerable
We are at Jesus' disposal. If he wants you to be sick in bed, if he wants you to proclaim His work in the street, if he wants you to clean the toilets all day, that's all right, everything is all right. We must say, "I belong to you. You can do whatever you like." And this ..is our strength, and this is the joy of the Lord. 403
He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbor. 402
St. Bede the Venerable
We are at Jesus' disposal. If he wants you to be sick in bed, if he wants you to proclaim His work in the street, if he wants you to clean the toilets all day, that's all right, everything is all right. We must say, "I belong to you. You can do whatever you like." And this ..is our strength, and this is the joy of the Lord. 403
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
If you want God to hear your prayers, hear the voice of the poor. If you wish God to anticipate your wants, provide those of the needy without waiting for them to ask you. Especially anticipate the needs of those who are ashamed to beg. To make them ask for alms is to make them buy it. 404
If you want God to hear your prayers, hear the voice of the poor. If you wish God to anticipate your wants, provide those of the needy without waiting for them to ask you. Especially anticipate the needs of those who are ashamed to beg. To make them ask for alms is to make them buy it. 404
St. Thomas of Villanova
Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul. 405
Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul. 405
St. John Bosco
No man can attain to the knowledge of God but by humility. The way to mount high is to descend. 406
No man can attain to the knowledge of God but by humility. The way to mount high is to descend. 406
Blessed Giles of Assisi
Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul. 407
St. Anthony of Padua
He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands. 408
Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul. 407
St. Anthony of Padua
He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands. 408
St. Benedict of Nursia
Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. 409
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. 410
Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. 409
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. 410
St. Augustine of Hippo
Our Lord loves you and loves you tenderly; and if He does not let you feel the sweetness of His love, it is to make you more humble and abject in your own eyes. 411
Our Lord loves you and loves you tenderly; and if He does not let you feel the sweetness of His love, it is to make you more humble and abject in your own eyes. 411
St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcino
What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Those who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart. 412
What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Those who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart. 412
St. Margaret Mary Alac
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. 413
Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. 413
Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta
I would give my life a thousand times that God might not be offended. 414
St. Gerard Majella
If I can succeed in saving only a single soul, I can be sure that my own will be saved. 415
St. Dominic Savio
Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good. 416
If I can succeed in saving only a single soul, I can be sure that my own will be saved. 415
St. Dominic Savio
Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good. 416
Pope Leo XIII, (Sapientiae Christian), 1890
We can do no great things; only small things with great love. 417
We can do no great things; only small things with great love. 417
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
We therefore grossly deceive ourselves in not allotting more time to the study of divine truths. It is not enough barely to believe them, and let our thoughts now and then glance upon them: that knowledge which shows us heaven, will not bring us to the possession of it, and will deserve punishments, not rewards, if it remain slight, weak, and superficial. By serious and frequent meditation it must be concocted, digested, and turned into the nourishment of our affections, before it can be powerful and operative enough to change them, and produce the necessary fruit in our lives. For this all the saints affected solitude and retreats from the noise and hurry of the world, as much as their circumstances allowed them. 418
St. Apollinaris
The bread which you use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit. 419
The bread which you use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit. 419
St. Basil
I turn to you, dear parents, and implore you to imitate the HolyFamily of Nazareth. 420
I turn to you, dear parents, and implore you to imitate the HolyFamily of Nazareth. 420
St. John Vianney
Give me a person of prayer, and such a one will be capable of accomplishing anything. 421
St. Vincent de Paul
Give me a person of prayer, and such a one will be capable of accomplishing anything. 421
St. Vincent de Paul
It is not surprising, then, that the devil should do everything possible to influence us to give up prayer or to pray badly, because he knows better than we do how terrible it is for hell and how impossible it is that God should refuse us what we ask Him for in prayer. 422
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
I thought a time would come when people would rout me out of Ars with sticks, when the Bishop would suspend me, and I should end my days in prison. I see, however, that I am not worthy of such a grace. 423
I thought a time would come when people would rout me out of Ars with sticks, when the Bishop would suspend me, and I should end my days in prison. I see, however, that I am not worthy of such a grace. 423
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney, (the Cure of Ars)
Like the sun which shines on all alike, vainglory beams on every occupation. What I mean is this. I fast, and turn vainglorious. I stop fasting so that I will draw no attention to myself, and I become vainglorious over my prudence. I dress well or badly, and am vainglorious in either case. I talk or I hold my peace, and each time I am defeated. No matter how I shed this prickly thing, a spike remains to stand up against me. 424
Like the sun which shines on all alike, vainglory beams on every occupation. What I mean is this. I fast, and turn vainglorious. I stop fasting so that I will draw no attention to myself, and I become vainglorious over my prudence. I dress well or badly, and am vainglorious in either case. I talk or I hold my peace, and each time I am defeated. No matter how I shed this prickly thing, a spike remains to stand up against me. 424
St. John Climacus
Few there are who avail themselves of the Precious Blood of Jesus to purchase their salvation! 425
St. Ignatius of Loyola
It is well to deny ourselves that which is permitted, in order to avoid more easily that which is not. 426
Few there are who avail themselves of the Precious Blood of Jesus to purchase their salvation! 425
St. Ignatius of Loyola
It is well to deny ourselves that which is permitted, in order to avoid more easily that which is not. 426
St. Benedict
Turn away the eyes of thy body and those of thy mind from seeing others, that thou mayest be able to contemplate thyself. 427
Turn away the eyes of thy body and those of thy mind from seeing others, that thou mayest be able to contemplate thyself. 427
St. Vincent Ferrer
When the devil wishes to make himself master of a soul, he seeks to make it give up devotion to Mary. 428
When the devil wishes to make himself master of a soul, he seeks to make it give up devotion to Mary. 428
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Often tell Jesus that you love him very much, and that you wish to die for love of him. 429
St. Gaspar del Bufalo
No one should think or say anything of another which he would not wish thought or said of himself. 430
Often tell Jesus that you love him very much, and that you wish to die for love of him. 429
St. Gaspar del Bufalo
No one should think or say anything of another which he would not wish thought or said of himself. 430
St. Teresa of Jesus
Your temptations are from the devil and from Hell; but your sufferings and afflictions are from God and Heaven. 431
Your temptations are from the devil and from Hell; but your sufferings and afflictions are from God and Heaven. 431
St. Padre Pio
When we have to reply to some one who speaks harshly to us, we must always do it with gentleness. If we are angry, it is better to keep silence. 432
When we have to reply to some one who speaks harshly to us, we must always do it with gentleness. If we are angry, it is better to keep silence. 432
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
The truly humble reject all praise for themselves, and refer it all to God. 433
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
When you pass before a chapel and do not have time to stop for a while, tell your Guardian Angel to carry out your errand to Our Lord in the tabernacle. He will accomplish it and then still have time to catch up with you. 434
The truly humble reject all praise for themselves, and refer it all to God. 433
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
When you pass before a chapel and do not have time to stop for a while, tell your Guardian Angel to carry out your errand to Our Lord in the tabernacle. He will accomplish it and then still have time to catch up with you. 434
St. Bernadette Soubirous
The prayers of the Saints in heaven and of the just on earth are a perfume which never will be lost. 435
The prayers of the Saints in heaven and of the just on earth are a perfume which never will be lost. 435
St. Padre Pio
It is a fault, not a virtue, to wish your humility recognized and applauded. 436
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Shun useless conversation. We lose by it both time and the spirit of devotion. 437
St. Thomas Aquinas
Go to the cemetary and see what you love, when you love your body. 438
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
And then, turning to myself, I say: "When thou hearest thyself named, or listenest to words which perhaps may seem to praise thee, know that they are not spoken of what is thine; for the only virtue and glory thou hast belong to God, and thou hast at least in thine earthly and carnal nature no more conformity with good than has the demon; but when evil is spoken of thee, remember that all could not be said which is in reality true; thou art unworthy even to be called worthless, because to speak of thee at all lends thee a fictitious value. 439
It is a fault, not a virtue, to wish your humility recognized and applauded. 436
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Shun useless conversation. We lose by it both time and the spirit of devotion. 437
St. Thomas Aquinas
Go to the cemetary and see what you love, when you love your body. 438
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
And then, turning to myself, I say: "When thou hearest thyself named, or listenest to words which perhaps may seem to praise thee, know that they are not spoken of what is thine; for the only virtue and glory thou hast belong to God, and thou hast at least in thine earthly and carnal nature no more conformity with good than has the demon; but when evil is spoken of thee, remember that all could not be said which is in reality true; thou art unworthy even to be called worthless, because to speak of thee at all lends thee a fictitious value. 439
St. Catherine of Genoa
It is a good thing to induce others to exercise charity. To do so is to practice all virtues at once. 440
St. Vincent de Paul
On the Way of the Cross, you see, my children, only the first step is painful. Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses. . . We have not the courage to carry our cross, and we are very much mistaken; for, whatever we do, the cross holds us tight -- we cannot escape from it. What, then, have we to lose? Why not love our crosses, and make use of them to take us to heaven? 441
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
He who asserts that he cannot be bound by the Church's bonds, confesses that he cannot be loosed by her authority. And he who makes such an assertion, separates himself wholly from Christ. 442
St. Vincent de Paul
On the Way of the Cross, you see, my children, only the first step is painful. Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses. . . We have not the courage to carry our cross, and we are very much mistaken; for, whatever we do, the cross holds us tight -- we cannot escape from it. What, then, have we to lose? Why not love our crosses, and make use of them to take us to heaven? 441
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
He who asserts that he cannot be bound by the Church's bonds, confesses that he cannot be loosed by her authority. And he who makes such an assertion, separates himself wholly from Christ. 442
Pope St. Gregory VII
Admire the goodness of the Creator, who causes the one to suffer in order to free the other. 443
St. Lydwine of Schiedam
This is the mark of Christianity--however much a man toils, and however many righteousnesses he performs, to feel that he has done nothing, and in fasting to say, "This is not fasting," and in praying, "This is not prayer," and in perseverance at prayer, "I have shown no perseverance; I am only just beginning to practice and to take pains"; and even if he is righteous before God, he should say, "I am not righteous, not I; I do not take pains, but only make a beginning every day." 444
Admire the goodness of the Creator, who causes the one to suffer in order to free the other. 443
St. Lydwine of Schiedam
This is the mark of Christianity--however much a man toils, and however many righteousnesses he performs, to feel that he has done nothing, and in fasting to say, "This is not fasting," and in praying, "This is not prayer," and in perseverance at prayer, "I have shown no perseverance; I am only just beginning to practice and to take pains"; and even if he is righteous before God, he should say, "I am not righteous, not I; I do not take pains, but only make a beginning every day." 444
St. Macarius the Great
My dear brethren, I call that man bad company who is without religion, who does not concern himself with either the commandments of God or those of the Church, who does not recognize Lent or Easter, who seldom comes to church or, if he does come, then only to scandalize others by his irreligious ways. You ought to shun his company; otherwise you will not be long in becoming like him without your even noticing it. 445
My dear brethren, I call that man bad company who is without religion, who does not concern himself with either the commandments of God or those of the Church, who does not recognize Lent or Easter, who seldom comes to church or, if he does come, then only to scandalize others by his irreligious ways. You ought to shun his company; otherwise you will not be long in becoming like him without your even noticing it. 445
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
If you, husbands, would have your wives faithful, be it yours to set them the example. How have you the face to exact purity from your wives if you yourself live an impure life? or how can you require that which you do not give in return? If you would have them chaste, let your own conduct to them be chaste. St. Paul bids you possess your vessel in sanctification; but if, on the contrary, you teach them evil, no wonder that they dishonour you. And ye, O women! whose honour is inseparable from modesty and purity, preserve it jealously, and never allow the smallest speck to soil the whiteness of your reputation. Shrink sensitively from the veriest trifles which can touch it; never permit any gallantries whatsoever. Suspect any who presume to flatter your beauty or grace, for when men praise wares they cannot purchase they are often tempted to steal; and if any one should dare to speak in disparagement of your husband, show that you are irrecoverably offended, for it is plain that he not only seeks your fall, but he counts you as half fallen, since the bargain with the new-comer is half made when one is disgusted with the first merchant. Ladies both in ancient and modern times have worn pearls in their ears, for the sake (so says Pliny) of hearing them tinkle against each other. But remembering how that friend of God, Isaac, sent earrings as first pledges of his love to the chaste Rebecca, I look upon this mystic ornament as signifying that the first claim a husband has over his wife, ... 446
St. Gregory Nazianzen
Among the different means that we have of pleasing God in all that we do, one of the most efficacious is to perform each of our actions as though it were to be the last of our life. 447
St. Vincent de Paul
Labor to conquer yourself. This victory will assure you a brighter crown in heaven than they gain whose disposition is more amiable. 448
If you, husbands, would have your wives faithful, be it yours to set them the example. How have you the face to exact purity from your wives if you yourself live an impure life? or how can you require that which you do not give in return? If you would have them chaste, let your own conduct to them be chaste. St. Paul bids you possess your vessel in sanctification; but if, on the contrary, you teach them evil, no wonder that they dishonour you. And ye, O women! whose honour is inseparable from modesty and purity, preserve it jealously, and never allow the smallest speck to soil the whiteness of your reputation. Shrink sensitively from the veriest trifles which can touch it; never permit any gallantries whatsoever. Suspect any who presume to flatter your beauty or grace, for when men praise wares they cannot purchase they are often tempted to steal; and if any one should dare to speak in disparagement of your husband, show that you are irrecoverably offended, for it is plain that he not only seeks your fall, but he counts you as half fallen, since the bargain with the new-comer is half made when one is disgusted with the first merchant. Ladies both in ancient and modern times have worn pearls in their ears, for the sake (so says Pliny) of hearing them tinkle against each other. But remembering how that friend of God, Isaac, sent earrings as first pledges of his love to the chaste Rebecca, I look upon this mystic ornament as signifying that the first claim a husband has over his wife, ... 446
St. Gregory Nazianzen
Among the different means that we have of pleasing God in all that we do, one of the most efficacious is to perform each of our actions as though it were to be the last of our life. 447
St. Vincent de Paul
Labor to conquer yourself. This victory will assure you a brighter crown in heaven than they gain whose disposition is more amiable. 448
St. Ignatius of Loyola
If you consider the sacrament of penance, there are so many distorted confessions, so many studied excuses, so many deceitful repentances, so many false promises, so many ineffective resolutions, so many invalid absolutions! Would you regard as valid the confession of someone who accuses himself of sins of impurity and still holds to the occasion of them? Or someone who accuses himself of obvious injustices with no intention of making any reparation whatsoever for them? Or someone who falls again into the same iniquities right after going to confession? Oh, horrible abuses of such a great sacrament! One confesses to avoid excommunication, another to make a reputation as a penitent. One rids himself of his sins to calm his remorse, another conceals them out of shame. One accuses them imperfectly out of malice, another discloses them out of habit. One does not have the true end of the sacrament in mind, another is lacking the necessary sorrow, and still another firm purpose. Poor confessors, what efforts you make to bring the greater number of penitents to these resolutions and acts, without which confession is a sacrilege, absolution a condemnation and penance an illusion? 449
If you consider the sacrament of penance, there are so many distorted confessions, so many studied excuses, so many deceitful repentances, so many false promises, so many ineffective resolutions, so many invalid absolutions! Would you regard as valid the confession of someone who accuses himself of sins of impurity and still holds to the occasion of them? Or someone who accuses himself of obvious injustices with no intention of making any reparation whatsoever for them? Or someone who falls again into the same iniquities right after going to confession? Oh, horrible abuses of such a great sacrament! One confesses to avoid excommunication, another to make a reputation as a penitent. One rids himself of his sins to calm his remorse, another conceals them out of shame. One accuses them imperfectly out of malice, another discloses them out of habit. One does not have the true end of the sacrament in mind, another is lacking the necessary sorrow, and still another firm purpose. Poor confessors, what efforts you make to bring the greater number of penitents to these resolutions and acts, without which confession is a sacrilege, absolution a condemnation and penance an illusion? 449
St. Leonard of Port Maurice
My daughter, observe these three rules, namely: never say I will or I will not. Never say mine, but always ours. Never excuse yourself, but always accuse yourself. 450
The Lord to St. Catherine of Genoa
It is folly not to think of death. It is greater folly to think of it, and not prepare for it. 451
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
There is no affliction, trial, or labor difficult to endure, when we consider the torments and sufferings which Our Lord Jesus Christ endured for us. 452
My daughter, observe these three rules, namely: never say I will or I will not. Never say mine, but always ours. Never excuse yourself, but always accuse yourself. 450
The Lord to St. Catherine of Genoa
It is folly not to think of death. It is greater folly to think of it, and not prepare for it. 451
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
There is no affliction, trial, or labor difficult to endure, when we consider the torments and sufferings which Our Lord Jesus Christ endured for us. 452
St. Teresa of Jesus
Each of our days is marked with the protection of Mary, who is exceedingly anxious to be our Mother, when we desire to be her children. 453
Each of our days is marked with the protection of Mary, who is exceedingly anxious to be our Mother, when we desire to be her children. 453
St. Vincent de Paul
It does not matter how many virtues a man may have, even if they are beyond number and limit. If he has turned from the path of self-accusation, he will never find peace. 454
It does not matter how many virtues a man may have, even if they are beyond number and limit. If he has turned from the path of self-accusation, he will never find peace. 454
St. Dorotheus
"Even if flesh is dressed in silk. . ." That's what I'll tell you when I see you waver in a temptation that hides its impurity under the name of art, science. . . or charity! With the words of an old proverb I'll tell you, "Even if flesh is dressed in silk, it's still flesh." 455
"Even if flesh is dressed in silk. . ." That's what I'll tell you when I see you waver in a temptation that hides its impurity under the name of art, science. . . or charity! With the words of an old proverb I'll tell you, "Even if flesh is dressed in silk, it's still flesh." 455
St. Josemaria Escriva
We must needs occasionally relax the mind, and the body requires some recreation also. Cassian relates how St. John the Evangelist was found by a certain hunter amusing himself by caressing a partridge, which sat upon his wrist. The hunter asked how a man of his mental powers could find time for so trifling an occupation. In reply, St. John asked why he did not always carry his bow strung? The man answered, Because, if always bent, the bow would lose its spring when really wanted. "Do not marvel then," the Apostle replied, "if I slacken my mental efforts from time to time, and recreate myself, in order to return more vigorously to contemplation." It is a great mistake to be so strict as to grudge any recreation either to others or one's self. 456
St. Francis de Sales
Et regni eius non erit finis-"His kingdom will have no end." Doesn't it fill you with joy to work for a kingdom like that? 457
We must needs occasionally relax the mind, and the body requires some recreation also. Cassian relates how St. John the Evangelist was found by a certain hunter amusing himself by caressing a partridge, which sat upon his wrist. The hunter asked how a man of his mental powers could find time for so trifling an occupation. In reply, St. John asked why he did not always carry his bow strung? The man answered, Because, if always bent, the bow would lose its spring when really wanted. "Do not marvel then," the Apostle replied, "if I slacken my mental efforts from time to time, and recreate myself, in order to return more vigorously to contemplation." It is a great mistake to be so strict as to grudge any recreation either to others or one's self. 456
St. Francis de Sales
Et regni eius non erit finis-"His kingdom will have no end." Doesn't it fill you with joy to work for a kingdom like that? 457
St. Josemaria Escriva
The example of the saints is proposed to every one, so that the great actions shown us may encourage us to undertake smaller things. 458
The example of the saints is proposed to every one, so that the great actions shown us may encourage us to undertake smaller things. 458
Venerable Louis de Granada
All graces given to those outside the Church are given them for the purpose of bringing them inside the Church. 459
All graces given to those outside the Church are given them for the purpose of bringing them inside the Church. 459
St. Augustine
Just as the intellect of a hungry man imagines bread and that of a thirsty man water, so the intellect of a glutton imagines a profusion of foods, that of a sensualist the forms of women, that of a vain man worldly honor, that of an avaricious man financial gain, that of a rancorous man revenge on whoever has offended him, that of an envious man how to harm the object of his envy, and so on with all the other passions. For an intellect agitated by passions is beset by impassioned conceptual images whether the body is awake or asleep. . . When the desiring aspect of the soul is frequently excited, it implants in the soul a habit of self-indulgence which is difficult to break. When the soul's incensive power is constantly stimulated, it becomes in the end cowardly and unmanly. The first of these failings is cured by long exercise in fasting, vigils and prayer; the second by kindness, compassion, love and mercy. 460
Just as the intellect of a hungry man imagines bread and that of a thirsty man water, so the intellect of a glutton imagines a profusion of foods, that of a sensualist the forms of women, that of a vain man worldly honor, that of an avaricious man financial gain, that of a rancorous man revenge on whoever has offended him, that of an envious man how to harm the object of his envy, and so on with all the other passions. For an intellect agitated by passions is beset by impassioned conceptual images whether the body is awake or asleep. . . When the desiring aspect of the soul is frequently excited, it implants in the soul a habit of self-indulgence which is difficult to break. When the soul's incensive power is constantly stimulated, it becomes in the end cowardly and unmanly. The first of these failings is cured by long exercise in fasting, vigils and prayer; the second by kindness, compassion, love and mercy. 460
St. Maximos the Confessor
The signs that accompany those who wish to submit to the Logos of God and who bring forth good fruit are: sighing, weeping, sorrow, stillness, shaking of the head, prayer, silence, persistence, bitter grief, tribulation of heart arising from religious devotion. In addition, their actions manifest vigilance, fasting, self-control, gentleness, forbearance, unceasing prayer, study of the divine Scriptures, faith, humility, brotherly affection, submission, rigorous toil, hardship, love, kindliness, courtesy and-the sum of all-light, which is the Lord. The signs that accompany those who are not producing the fruit of life are listlessness, day-dreaming, curiosity, lack of attention, grumbling, instability; and in their actions they manifest gluttony, anger, wrath, back-biting, conceit, untimely talk, unbelief, disorderliness, forgetfulness, unrest, sordid greed, avarice, envy, factiousness, contempt, garrulity, senseless laughter, willfulness and - the sum of all - darkness, which is Satan. 461
The signs that accompany those who wish to submit to the Logos of God and who bring forth good fruit are: sighing, weeping, sorrow, stillness, shaking of the head, prayer, silence, persistence, bitter grief, tribulation of heart arising from religious devotion. In addition, their actions manifest vigilance, fasting, self-control, gentleness, forbearance, unceasing prayer, study of the divine Scriptures, faith, humility, brotherly affection, submission, rigorous toil, hardship, love, kindliness, courtesy and-the sum of all-light, which is the Lord. The signs that accompany those who are not producing the fruit of life are listlessness, day-dreaming, curiosity, lack of attention, grumbling, instability; and in their actions they manifest gluttony, anger, wrath, back-biting, conceit, untimely talk, unbelief, disorderliness, forgetfulness, unrest, sordid greed, avarice, envy, factiousness, contempt, garrulity, senseless laughter, willfulness and - the sum of all - darkness, which is Satan. 461
St. Symeon Metaphrastis
Shall I show thee what God is? No one finds peace apart from Him. 462
Shall I show thee what God is? No one finds peace apart from Him. 462
St. Catherine of Genoa
For the deiform soul to abandon the Creator and worship the body is an act of depravity. You were commanded to keep the body as a servant, not to be unnaturally enslaved to its pleasures. Break the bonds of your friendship for the body and give it only what is absolutely necessary. Enclose your senses in the citadel of stillness so that they do not involve the intellect in their desires. The greatest weapons of someone striving to lead a life of inward stillness are self-control, love, prayer and spiritual reading. The intellect will go on looking for sensual pleasure until you subjugate the flesh and devote yourself to contemplation. 463
For the deiform soul to abandon the Creator and worship the body is an act of depravity. You were commanded to keep the body as a servant, not to be unnaturally enslaved to its pleasures. Break the bonds of your friendship for the body and give it only what is absolutely necessary. Enclose your senses in the citadel of stillness so that they do not involve the intellect in their desires. The greatest weapons of someone striving to lead a life of inward stillness are self-control, love, prayer and spiritual reading. The intellect will go on looking for sensual pleasure until you subjugate the flesh and devote yourself to contemplation. 463
St. Thalassios the Libyan
God pardons sin; but He will not pardon the will to sin. 464
God pardons sin; but He will not pardon the will to sin. 464
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
I will carefully consider how, on the day of judgment, I would wish to have discharged my office or my duty; and the way I would wish to have done it then, I shall do now. 465
I will carefully consider how, on the day of judgment, I would wish to have discharged my office or my duty; and the way I would wish to have done it then, I shall do now. 465
St. Ignatius of Loyola
All men are made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom into subjection to God. For only when we do not belong to ourselves do we become like Him who through love has reconciled us to Himself. No one achieves this unless he persuades his soul not to be distracted by the false glitter of this life. 466
St. Diadochos of Photiki
What is it that renders death terrible? Sin. We must therefore fear sin, not death. 467
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Let a man consider that God always seeth him from Heaven, that the eye of God beholdeth his works everywhere, and that the angels report them to Him every hour. 478
All men are made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom into subjection to God. For only when we do not belong to ourselves do we become like Him who through love has reconciled us to Himself. No one achieves this unless he persuades his soul not to be distracted by the false glitter of this life. 466
St. Diadochos of Photiki
What is it that renders death terrible? Sin. We must therefore fear sin, not death. 467
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Let a man consider that God always seeth him from Heaven, that the eye of God beholdeth his works everywhere, and that the angels report them to Him every hour. 478
St. Benedict
For can anyone be excused who, by ceasing to pray, has shown that he did not wish to overcome his enemy. 479
For can anyone be excused who, by ceasing to pray, has shown that he did not wish to overcome his enemy. 479
St. John Chrysostom
What kind of man was this saint who is so seldom well understood? We may say that he was serene, plain, simple... fearless of enemies but gentle towards everyone... intelligent and logical.. outspoken but soft spoken.. powerfully resolute and completely honest... moderate but by no means mediocre.. uncompromising with principles but compassionate with human failings.. poetically brilliant but no weaver of euphemisms.. hard on himself but tender with others.' 480
What kind of man was this saint who is so seldom well understood? We may say that he was serene, plain, simple... fearless of enemies but gentle towards everyone... intelligent and logical.. outspoken but soft spoken.. powerfully resolute and completely honest... moderate but by no means mediocre.. uncompromising with principles but compassionate with human failings.. poetically brilliant but no weaver of euphemisms.. hard on himself but tender with others.' 480
Thomas Dubay, on St. John of the Cross
Man by prayer merits to receive that which God had from all eternity determined to give him. 481
St. Gregory
Turn away the eyes of thy body and those of thy mind from seeing others, that thou mayest be able to contemplate thyself. 482
Man by prayer merits to receive that which God had from all eternity determined to give him. 481
St. Gregory
Turn away the eyes of thy body and those of thy mind from seeing others, that thou mayest be able to contemplate thyself. 482
St. Vincent Ferrer
Alas! O God! there is reason enough to be terrified, to think that one is accursed -- accursed of God! and why? for what do men expose themsleves to be accursed of God? For a blasphemy, for a bad thought, for a bottle of wine, for two minutes of pleasure! For two minutes of pleasure to lose God, one's soul, heaven for ever! 483
Alas! O God! there is reason enough to be terrified, to think that one is accursed -- accursed of God! and why? for what do men expose themsleves to be accursed of God? For a blasphemy, for a bad thought, for a bottle of wine, for two minutes of pleasure! For two minutes of pleasure to lose God, one's soul, heaven for ever! 483
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
We should only make use of life to grow in the love of God. 484
We should only make use of life to grow in the love of God. 484
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
God, to procure His glory, sometimes permits that we should be dishonored and persecuted without reason. He wishes thereby to render us conformable to His Son, who was calumniated and treated as a seducer, as an ambitious man, and as one possessed. 485
God, to procure His glory, sometimes permits that we should be dishonored and persecuted without reason. He wishes thereby to render us conformable to His Son, who was calumniated and treated as a seducer, as an ambitious man, and as one possessed. 485
St. Vincent de Paul
The reason why the lukewarm run so great a risk of being lost is because tepidity conceals from the soul the immense evil which it causes. 486
The reason why the lukewarm run so great a risk of being lost is because tepidity conceals from the soul the immense evil which it causes. 486
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
'No one can love God consciously in his heart unless he has first feared Him with all his heart. Through the action of fear the soul is purified and, as it were, made malleable and so it becomes awakened to the action of love. No one, however, can come to fear God completely in the way described, unless he first transcends all worldly cares; for when the intellect reaches a state of deep stillness and detachment, then the fear of God begins to trouble it, purifying it with full perception from all gross and cloddish density, and thereby bringing it to a great love for God's goodness. . . Fear and love are found together only in the righteous who achieve virtue through the energy of the Holy Spirit in them. For this reason Holy Scripture says in one place: "O fear the Lord, all you who are His saints," (Ps. 34:9) and in another: "O love the Lord, all you who are His saints." (Ps. 31:23) From this we see clearly that the righteous, who are still in the process of being purified, are characterized both by fear and by a moderate measure of love; 487
St. Diadochos of Photiki
We should never abandon, on account of the difficulties we encounter, an enterprise undertaken with due reflection. 488
'No one can love God consciously in his heart unless he has first feared Him with all his heart. Through the action of fear the soul is purified and, as it were, made malleable and so it becomes awakened to the action of love. No one, however, can come to fear God completely in the way described, unless he first transcends all worldly cares; for when the intellect reaches a state of deep stillness and detachment, then the fear of God begins to trouble it, purifying it with full perception from all gross and cloddish density, and thereby bringing it to a great love for God's goodness. . . Fear and love are found together only in the righteous who achieve virtue through the energy of the Holy Spirit in them. For this reason Holy Scripture says in one place: "O fear the Lord, all you who are His saints," (Ps. 34:9) and in another: "O love the Lord, all you who are His saints." (Ps. 31:23) From this we see clearly that the righteous, who are still in the process of being purified, are characterized both by fear and by a moderate measure of love; 487
St. Diadochos of Photiki
We should never abandon, on account of the difficulties we encounter, an enterprise undertaken with due reflection. 488
St. Vincent de Paul
See, my children, a person who is in a state of sin is always sad. Whatever he does, he is weary and disgusted with every thing; while he who is at peace with God is always happy, always joyous. . . Oh, beautiful life! Oh, beautiful death! 489
See, my children, a person who is in a state of sin is always sad. Whatever he does, he is weary and disgusted with every thing; while he who is at peace with God is always happy, always joyous. . . Oh, beautiful life! Oh, beautiful death! 489
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney
The brightest ornaments in the crown of the blessed in heaven are the sufferings which they have borne patiently on earth. 490
The brightest ornaments in the crown of the blessed in heaven are the sufferings which they have borne patiently on earth. 490
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
After knowing the will of God in regard to a work which we undertake, we should continue courageously, however difficult it may be. We should follow it to the end with as much constancy as the obstacles we encounter are great. 491
After knowing the will of God in regard to a work which we undertake, we should continue courageously, however difficult it may be. We should follow it to the end with as much constancy as the obstacles we encounter are great. 491
St. Vincent de Paul
Anxiety doesn't help at all. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayers. 492
Anxiety doesn't help at all. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayers. 492
St. Padre Pio
We must show charity towards the sick, who are in greater need of help. Let us take them some small gift if they are poor, or, at least, let us go and wait on them and comfort them. 493
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
We must show charity towards the sick, who are in greater need of help. Let us take them some small gift if they are poor, or, at least, let us go and wait on them and comfort them. 493
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Learn to be silent sometimes for the edification of others, that you may learn how to speak sometimes. 494
St. Vincent Ferrer
It would be the greatest delight of the seraphs to pile up sand on the seashore or to pull weeds in a garden for all eternity, if they found out such was God's will. Our Lord himself teaches us to ask to do the will of God on earth as the saints do it in heaven: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 495
It would be the greatest delight of the seraphs to pile up sand on the seashore or to pull weeds in a garden for all eternity, if they found out such was God's will. Our Lord himself teaches us to ask to do the will of God on earth as the saints do it in heaven: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 495
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
There is a story to this effect in the "Lives of the Fathers" about a farmer whose crops were more plentiful than those of his neighbors. On being asked how this happened with such unvarying regularity, he said he was not surprised because he always had the kind of weather he wanted. He was asked to explain. He said: "It is so because I want whatever kind of weather God wants, and because I do, he gives me the harvests I want." If souls resigned to God's will are humiliated, says Salvian, they want to be humiliated; if they are poor, they want to be poor; in short, whatever happens is acceptable to them, hence they are truly at peace in this life. In cold and heat, in rain and wind, the soul united to God says: "I want it to be warm, to be cold, windy, to rain, because God wills it." 496
There is a story to this effect in the "Lives of the Fathers" about a farmer whose crops were more plentiful than those of his neighbors. On being asked how this happened with such unvarying regularity, he said he was not surprised because he always had the kind of weather he wanted. He was asked to explain. He said: "It is so because I want whatever kind of weather God wants, and because I do, he gives me the harvests I want." If souls resigned to God's will are humiliated, says Salvian, they want to be humiliated; if they are poor, they want to be poor; in short, whatever happens is acceptable to them, hence they are truly at peace in this life. In cold and heat, in rain and wind, the soul united to God says: "I want it to be warm, to be cold, windy, to rain, because God wills it." 496
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
He who prays most receives most. 497
He who prays most receives most. 497
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
In the spiritual life, he who does not advance goes backwards. 498
In the spiritual life, he who does not advance goes backwards. 498
St. Padre Pio
Put into practice the teachings of our holy faith, it is not enough to convince ourselves that they are true; we must love them. Love united to faith makes us practice our religion. 499
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Deny your desires and you will find what your heart longs for. For how do you know if any desire of yours is according to God? 500
Put into practice the teachings of our holy faith, it is not enough to convince ourselves that they are true; we must love them. Love united to faith makes us practice our religion. 499
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Deny your desires and you will find what your heart longs for. For how do you know if any desire of yours is according to God? 500
St. John of the Cross
