Souls who can recognize God in the most trivial, the most grievous and the most mortifying things that happen to them in their lives, honor everything equally with delight and rejoicing, and welcome with open arms what others dread and avoid.
–Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)
There is a kind of holiness in which all the messages from God are bright and clear, but there is also that state of utterly quiescent faith in which all that God tells us is wrapped in the impenetrable darkness which veils his throne, and all we feel is confused and shadowy. In this condition, we are often afraid of running smack into a rock as we advance through his darkness. We should have no fear. We are on the right path and led by God… God truly helps us however much we feel we have lost his support. Our trust and faith will deepen the darker it grows. We are incapable of becoming holy by our own efforts; God would not have taken away our ability to walk unless he was to carry us in his arms.
–Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)
True humility consists in being content with all that God is pleased to ordain for us, believing ourselves unworthy to be called His servants.
–Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Let us prepare for suffering and disappointment, which befit us as sinners, and which are necessary for us as saints. Let us not turn away from trial when God brings it on us, or play the coward in the fight of faith… When affliction overtakes you, remember to accept it as a means of improving your hearts, and pray God for His grace that it may do so.
–Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
When tested by some trial you should try to find out not why or through whom it came, but only how to endure it gratefully, without distress or rancor….If it is not easy to find anyone conforming to God’s will who has not been put to the test, we ought to thank God for everything that happens to us.
–Saint Mark the Ascetic (Fifth Century)
Whatever the Lord sends us, He does only for the benefit and salvation of our soul. It may be that, in the beginning, it doesn’t seem to bring us any benefit, but later we’ll realize that what God has allowed us to go through has been better for us than what we ourselves would have wanted to happen.
–Saint Nil Sorski (c.1453-1508)
