Reform yourself…
If a man wants to reform the world, either by reason of the authority of his position or the duty of his office, he must begin with himself.
— Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
If we did not fall…
It is necessary for us to fall. If we did not fall, we would have the wrong idea about ourselves.
— Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1420)
Characteristics required in prayer…
Seven characteristics are required in prayers. Prayer should be faithful, in accordance with the scripture: “Whatever you pray for, believe that you already have it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24) then prayer should be pure, after the example of Abraham, who drove the birds away from his sacrifice. (Genesis 15:11) Third, it should be just. Fourth, it should be heartfelt, since “the heartfelt prayer of a just person works very powerfully.” (James 5:16) fifth, it should be humble. Sixth, it should be fervent (these last two characteristics you see in the mustard seed.) And seventh, it should be devout.
— Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Reasons for loving God…
There are two reasons for loving God. First, there is no one more worthy of your love. Second, no one can return more in response to your love.
— Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
There are four degrees of love…
[T]here are four degrees of love: 1) Love of self for self’s sake. 2) Love of God for self’s sake. 3) Love of God for God’s own sake. 4) Love of self for God’s sake.
— Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Spiritual life is…
Spiritual life is like living water that springs up from the very depths of our own spiritual experience. In spiritual life everyone has to drink from his or her own well.
–Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
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