I’m certain of this – that if my conscience were burdened with all the sins it’s possible to commit, I would still go and throw myself into our Lord’s arms, my heart all broken up with contrition; I know what tenderness He has for any prodigal son of His who comes back to Him.
–Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
Life is often irksome and bitter; it is hard to begin a laborious day, above all when Jesus hides Himself from us. What is this tender Friend doing? Does He not then see our anguish, the load that oppresses us; where is He? Why does He not come to console us? Ah, fear not … He is there, quite near! He is watching us; He, it is, who begs for these our labors and our tears … He has need of them for souls, for our soul; He wants to give us so glorious a recompense. Ah! Truly, it costs Him to make us drink of this bitter cup, but He knows that it is the one way by which to prepare us to know Him as He knows Himself and to become ourselves God-like.
–Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
Don’t spend your energies on things that generate worry, anxiety and anguish. Only one thing is necessary: Lift up your spirit and love God.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
Do not focus so much on the path; keep your eyes fixed on the one who guides you and on the heavenly home to which he is guiding you.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
To souls loved by God, tribulations are more precious than gold or rest. These souls will be very happy if they constantly persevere: ‘For a day in your courts is better than a thousand years in the tents of sinners,” sang the royal Prophet.
–Saint Pio (1887-1968)
Raise up your heart after a fall, sweetly and gently, humbling yourself before God in the knowledge of your misery, and do not be astonished at your weakness, since it is not surprising that weakness should be weak, infirmity infirm, and frailty frail.
–Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
