Since the things of the world cannot enter the soul, they are not in themselves an encumbrance or harm to it; rather, it is the will and appetite dwelling within that cause the damage when set on these things. -St. John of the Cross
But there still remain in the spirit the stains of the old man, although the spirit thinks not that this is so, neither can it perceive them; if these stains be not removed with the soap and strong lye of the purgation of this night, the spirit will be unable…
Forgetting yourself with respect to your health does not mean neglecting to take care of yourself, for that is your duty and the best of penances, but do it with great abandonment, saying ‘thank you’ to God no matter what happens. When your soul is burdened and fatigued by the…
Here, however, the understanding being more vigilant and the powers more on the alert, we cannot avoid hearing the fighting and cannonading around us. For now the devils set on us the reptiles, that is to say, thoughts about the world and its joys which they picture as unending; they…
Humility consists in complete recognition of one’s own nothingness in all things. A leather bag is best filled by being laid flat on the ground, and a bucket at a well does not fill with water unless it is lowered. As for me, I remain empty for want of being…
Suffering makes us good; it makes us indulgent towards others, because suffering brings us nearer to the good Lord. – St. Therese
O Jesus, of what use will my flowers be to You? Ah! I know very well that this fragrant shower, these fragile, worthless petals, these songs of love from the littlest of hearts will charm You. Yes, these nothings will please You. They will bring a smile to the Church…
You will be consoled according to the greatness of your sorrow and affliction; the greater the suffering, the greater will be the reward. -St Mary Magdalen de’Pazzi, OCD
Faith furnishes a certain but obscure knowledge to the understanding. In fact it shows us God as inaccessible light, as incomprehensible and infinite Being before whom every natural force gives way. And it is just for this motive that faith reduces reason to its intrinsic nothingness: to the realization of…
In order to become a temple of the Lord (in which He will be pleased to dwell)- it is necessary to put unto practice His teachings and virtues, and the first of these is purity. -St. Teresa de los Andes