To come to God…

Adversity, Cross (your), Discipleship, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic

To come to God who is everything and consequently all good, no fatigue must seem to us too great; we must not be put off either by the difficulties we meet on the way, but accept bitterness and welcome every kind of cross with eagerness. By these means, which are precisely those of Jesus Christ, it is not difficult to come to the true God, to live in charity, to walk in love.
–Saint Teresa Margaret (1747-1770)

What to do…

Discipleship, Love (others), Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)

A Medieval Mystic’s To-Do List

  • When you pray, be humble.
  • When you confess, be honest.
  • When you do penance, do it indefatigably.
  • When you eat, be sensible.
  • When you sleep, be disciplined.
  • When you are alone, be faithful.
  • When you are with others, be discreet.
  • When someone teaches you good manners, be receptive.
  • When someone reprimands you for your mistakes, be patient.
  • When you do something bad, ask forgiveness immediately.
  • When you are full of self-absorbed pride, fear for the health of your soul.
  • When you are sad, trust in God completely.
  • When you are doing manual work, work hard.
  • because hard work drives off every evil thought.

-– Mechthild of Magdeburg (Thirteenth Century)

Unchanged in our heart…

Discipleship, Grace, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic

The Lord said: “Without Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). So for the duration of our life, every day and at every moment, we must keep unchanged in our heart the feeling, conviction and disposition, that on no occasion can we allow ourselves to think of relying on ourselves and trusting ourselves.
–Lawrence Scupoli (1529-1610)