There is no need for peculiar conditions in order to grow in the spiritual life, for the pressure of God’s Spirit is present everywhere and at all times. Our environment itself, our home and our job, is the medium through which we experience His moulding action and His besetting love.
–Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941)
Being reduced to nothing is the most powerful means we have of uniting ourselves to Jesus and of doing good to others.
–Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858–1916)
We have within us deeply rooted weaknesses, passions, and defects. This can not all be cut out with one sharp motion, but patience, persistence, care and attention. The path leading to perfection is long. Pray to God so that he will strengthen you. Patiently accept your falls and, having stood up, immediately run to God, not remaining in that place where you have fallen. Do not despair if you keep falling into your old sins. Many of them are strong because they have received the force of habit. Only with the passage of time and with fervor will they be conquered. Don’t let anything deprive you of hope.
–Saint Nektarios of Aegina (1846-1920)
Human nature is weak and the devil is always most active after a conversion. We can never have too much pity for those who have fallen.
–Saint John Bosco (1815-1888)
Why is it that we have so little liking for spiritual things? This is because we love Jesus Crucified so little.
–Saint John Bosco (1815-1888)
God does not give Himself to a chattering soul which, like a drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A deeper interior life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells, is quite out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others.
–Saint Faustina (1905-1938)
