John of the Cross (1542-1591), Page: Quotes, Prayer (problems), Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
We may say that there are three reasons for which this journey made by the soul to union with God is called night. The first has to do with the point from which the soul goes forth, for it has gradually to deprive itself of desire for all the worldly things which it possessed, by denying them to itself; the which denial and deprivation are, as it were, night to all the senses of man. The second reason has to do with the mean, or the road along which the soul must travel to this union — that is, faith, which is likewise as dark as night to the understanding. The third has to do with the point to which it travels — namely, God, Who, equally, is dark night to the soul in this life. These three nights must pass through the soul — or, rather, the soul must pass through them — in order that it may come to Divine union with God… And, when this third night is past, which is the complete accomplishment of the communication of God in the spirit, which is ordinarily wrought in great darkness of the soul, there then follows its union with the Bride, which is the Wisdom of God.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Only let God see you are thankful for what he has given you, and he will bestow more and better gifts upon you.
–Saint Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)
Grace, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Let us now consider the acknowledgment God demands of us, for He is no less rigid in requiring our gratitude than He is magnificent in bestowing His benefits; and this is an additional proof of His love, for our gratitude results in no advantage to Him, but enables us to profit by the favors we have received, and thus merit other graces from His infinite goodness.
— Blessed Louis of Granada (1505-1588)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Like a child who fears no danger in his father’s protecting arms, we must cast ourselves into the arms of our Heavenly Father, confident that those Hands which sustain the heavens are all powerful to supply our necessities, to uphold us in temptation, and to turn all things to our profit. And why should we not have confidence in God? Is He not the most powerful as well as the most tender of fathers?
–Blessed Louis de Granada (1505-1588
Page: Quotes, Sainthood, Spiritual (life)
Daily Decalogue of Saint John XXIII
1. Only for today, I will seek to live the long day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
5. Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my
feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.
8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.
–Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)
Page: Quotes, Prayer (why), Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
If you want faith, pray. If you want hope, pray. If you want kindness, pray. If you want poverty, pray. If you want obedience, pray. If you want integrity, pray. If you want humility, pray. If you want gentleness, pray. If you want strength, pray. If you want any virtue, pray. Like this: Always read the Book of Life, which is the life of the God-Man, Jesus Christ, who lived in poverty, pain, scorn, and true obedience. Don’t skim this book. Let it penetrate you while you read it. It’ll teach you everything you need to know, no matter your present circumstances. It will fill you with a burning fire that will be your greatest consolation. And the more you pray, the more you’ll be enlightened. As you pray, you’ll see God’s goodness more deeply. And the deeper and more excellent your spiritual eyesight, the more you’ll love. The more you love, the more joy you’ll take in all you see, and the greater your joy, the greater your understanding. Then you’ll reach the completeness of Light because you’ll understand you can’t understand anything at all.
—Saint Angela of Foligno (1248-1309)
