The soul that has given itself to God must give itself completely, for love leaves nothing for itself. Let it be consumed entirely so that from these ashes only one person may rise: Christ. The creature is consumed in the divinity. -St. Teresa of the Andes
A work done without a feeling of pleasure is more pleasing to God than many others done with great delight and feeling. Therefore, when you find yourself in a state of dryness and depression, be glad and exult that God has deigned to give you those greater gifts and sweetest…
Nothing is accomplished without effort, without struggle. In our better moments, we no longer shed tears over our own weaknesses or over those of others, but we recall what was interiorly said to St. Paul: My grace is sufficient for you; in union with me you can do all things.…
With regard to the fear about whether or not I was in the state of grace, He (Jesus) told me: “Daughter, light is very different from darkness. I am faithful. Nobody will be lost unknowingly. They who find security in spiritual favors will be deceived. True security is the testimony…
O Eternal Word, Word of my God, I want to spend my life in listening to You, to become wholly teachable that I may learn all from You. Then, through all nights, all voids, all helplessness, I want to gaze on You always and remain in Your great light. O…
Feed not your spirit on anything but God. Cast off concern about things, and bear peace and recollection in your heart. – St. John of the Cross
That is the whole life of Carmel; to live in Him, then, all sacrifices, all immolations become divine, for through everything the soul sees Him whom it loves and everything leads it to Him; it is a continual heart to heart exchange! You see that you can already be a…
Today I felt annihilated, but I held my crucifix tightly and I only told Him: “I love You.” – St. Teresa of the Andes
It is better to labor and do things for one another than to have each one work for herself, because in doing things for ourselves, there us self love; and in doing things for others, there is charity. -St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi, OCD
The created will is not destined to be free to exalt itself. It is called to come into unison with the divine will. If it freely submits itself to this unison, then it is permitted in freedom to participate in the perfection of creation. If a free creature declines this…