No person has a right to lead such a life of contemplation as to forget in one’s own ease the service due one’s neighbor; nor has any person a right to be so immersed in active life as to neglect the contemplation of God.
–Saint Augustine (354-430)
Silence illuminates our souls, whispers to our hearts, and brings them together.
–Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)
Simplicity brings back the joys of Paradise. Not that we have pure pleasure without a moment’s suffering, but when we are surrendered to God, we are not grasping for pleasure, and even our troubles are received with thanksgiving. This inner harmony, and this deliverance from fear and the tormenting desires of self, create a satisfaction in the soul which is above all the intoxicating joys of this world put together.
–François Fénèlon (1651-1715)
When we are truly in this interior simplicity our whole appearance is franker, more natural. This true simplicity. . . makes us conscious of a certain openness, gentleness, innocence, gaiety, and serenity. O, how amiable this simplicity is! Who will give it to me? I leave all for this. It is the pearl of the Gospel.
–François Fénèlon (1651-1715)
The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.
–Saint Gianna Molla (1922-1962)
God is very pleased with those who recognize his goodness by reciting the Te Deum in thanksgiving whenever something out of the ordinary happens, without caring whether it may have been good or bad, as the world reckons these things. Because everything comes from the hands of our Father: so though the blow of the chisel may hurt our flesh, it is a sign of Love, as he smooths off our rough edges and brings us closer to perfection.
–Saint Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975)
