The fire of your love…
You desire the fire of your love to burn in us so that it sets us aflame, burns us up, and consumes what we are, transforming us into you.
–Saint John of Ávila (1500-1569)
Do not pray…
Do not pray for your heart’s desires, for they may not entirely harmonize with God’s purposes. Pray instead as you have been taught: ‘May your will be done in me.’ [Luke 22:42]. Pray to God this way about everything, that his will might be accomplished in you, for he only desires what is good and useful for your life, whereas you do not always request this.
–Evagrius Ponticus (345-399)
Distractions and desires…
The dark powers are sick with envy against us when we pray, and they will use every conceivable trick to frustrate us spiritually. They endlessly stir up our inner memories to distract us into thoughts and will try to stir our flesh to all kinds of desires, for in this way they think they can hinder the soul’s glorious ascent and its journey to God.
–Evagrius Ponticus (345-399)
Distractions and aridity…
Do not be surprised at your distractions and spiritual aridity. This derives partly from the senses and partly from your heart, which is not entirely under your control. But your courage, which God granted you, is irremovable and constantly determined. Therefore live tranquilly. You must not be anxious, however long this evil lasts.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
If people die of hunger…
If investments in banks fall, it is a tragedy, and people say, ‘What are we going to do?’ but if people die of hunger, have nothing to eat or suffer from poor health, that’s nothing.
–Pope Francis (1936-
God has a reason…
God knows what is suitable for everyone. God has a reason for giving one less and another more. This is not for us to figure out.
–Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)
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