Gentleness and time…
When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Be aware of God…
A man may go into the field and say his prayer and be aware of God, or he may be in Church and be aware of God; but if he is more aware of Him because he is in a quiet place, that is his own deficiency and not due to God, Who is alike present in all things and places, and is willing to give Himself everywhere so far as lies in Him… He knows God rightly who knows Him everywhere.
–Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
If you have failings…
If you have failings, ask God often whether it be His honor and pleasure to take them away from you; for without Him you can do nothing. If he takes them away, thank Him; but if He does not do that, you will bear it no more, however, as the defect of a sin, but as a great trial with which you are to gain merit and practice patience. You should be content, whether or not He accords you His gift.
–Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
By your being…
It is not by your actions that you will be saved, but by your being.
–Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
Be ready for…
Be ready at all times for the gifts of God, and always for new ones.
–Meister Eckhart (1260-1328)
By spiritual exercises…
By the term ‘Spiritual Exercises’ is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental prayer, and of other spiritual activities… For just as taking a walk, journeying on foot, and running are bodily exercises, so we call Spiritual Exercises every way of preparing and disposing the soul to rid itself of all inordinate attachments, and, after their removal, of seeking and finding the will of God in the disposition of our life for the salvation of our soul.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
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