Hope in mercy and grace….
In what can I hope, then, or in whom ought I trust, save only in the great mercy of God and the hope of heavenly grace?
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Our only desire…
If God were our one and only desire we would not be so easily upset when our opinions do not find outside acceptance.
–Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Those of our own household…
Among all those who are included under the title of neighbor, there are none who deserve it more, in one sense, than those of our own household. They are nearest of all to us, living under the same roof and eating the same bread. Therefore they ought to be one of the principal objects of our love, and we should practice in regard to them all the acts of a true charity, which ought to be founded not upon flesh and blood, or upon their good qualities, but altogether upon God.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Never slander anyone…
Never slander anyone either directly or indirectly. Beware of falsely imputing crimes and sins to your neighbor, revealing his secret sins, exaggerating those that are manifest, putting an evil interpretation on his good works, denying the good that you know belongs to someone or maliciously concealing it or lessening it by words. You would would offend God in all these ways but most of all by false accusations and denying the truth to your neighbor’s harm. It is a double sin to lie and harm your neighbor at the same time.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Stir up your heart…
When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.
–Saint Francis de Sales, (1567-1622)
Teach and pray…
Without pretending to want to teach them or win them over, gradually plant holy inspirations and reflections in their minds. In this way, especially if you pray about it too, you will do more good than you would in any other way.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
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