Church, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic
A system of doctrine has risen up during the last three centuries, in which faith or spiritual-mindedness is contemplated and rested on as the end of religion, instead of Christ. I do not mean to say that Christ is not mentioned as the author of all good, but that stress is laid on the believing rather than on the object of belief, on the comfort and persuasiveness of the doctrine than on the doctrine itself. And in this way religion is made to consist of contemplating ourselves, instead of Christ; not simply in looking to Christ, but in seeing that we look to Christ; not in His divinity and atonement, but in our conversion and faith in Him.
–Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Christ is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant, and the mystery hidden from the ages. A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation.
–Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Discipleship, Evangelization, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic
If you keep the spirit of humility and simplicity, never seek the world’s esteem, then God will be glorified and you will obtain the conversion of souls.
–Saint Jeanne Jugan (1792-1879)
Page: Quotes, Struggle (with Sin)
We are too fond of flinging our own faults behind our backs, so that we may fix all our attention on the foibles and failings of others.
–Saint Pior (d. 395)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Any man or woman who neglects to maintain inward vigilance, and only makes an outward show of holiness in dress, speech, and behavior, is a wretched creature. For they watch the doings of other people and criticize their faults, imagining themselves to be something when in reality they are nothing. In this way they deceive themselves. Be careful to avoid this, and devote yourself inwardly to His likeness by humility, charity, and other spiritual virtues. In this way you will be truly converted to God.
–Walter Hilton (1340-1396)
Contemplation, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic
But there is another reason why God alone is the happiness of our souls, to which I wish rather to direct attention: The contemplation of Him, and nothing but it, is able fully to open and relieve the mind, to unlock, occupy, and fix our affections.
–Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
