Mental prayer is no less useful to us or less pleasing to God when we suffer many distractions. As a matter of fact, it could be more useful than if we had many consolations, because it means harder work for us. It suffices that we faithfully try to drive away the distractions, not allowing our spirit to dwell on them willingly.
–Saint Francis de Sales, (1567-1622)
We must not judge things according to our own liking, but according to that of God. This is a great secret, if we are holy according to our own will we will never be truly holy, we must be so according to God’s will.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
If an experience fails to engender humility, charity, mortification, holy simplicity, and silence, etc., of what value is it?
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
We must not leave off our prayers because of distractions and restlessness of mind, although it seems useless to go on with them. He who perseveres for the whole of his accustomed time, gently recalling his mind to the subject of his prayer, merits greatly.
–Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
There is an anger which is engendered of evil, and there is an anger engendered of good. Hastiness of temper is the cause of the evil, divine principle is the cause of the good.
–Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604)
It is dangerous for anyone to teach who has not first been trained in the practical life. For if someone who owns a ruined house receives guests there, he does them harm because of the dilapidation of his dwelling. It is the same in the case of someone who has not first built an interior dwelling; he causes loss to those who come. By words one may convert them to salvation, but by evil behavior, one injures them.
–Saint Synkletike (a Desert Mother)
