Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
We open the door at the sound of his voice to receive him, when we freely assent to his promptings, whether secret or open, and when we do what we know we should do. He enters, then, to eat with us and we with him, since he lives in the hearts of his elect by the gift of love.
–Venerable Bede (c. 673-735)
Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
It is patience that both commends us to God, and saves us for God. It is that same patience which tempers anger, bridles the tongue, governs the mind, guards peace, rules discipline, breaks the onslaught of lust, suppresses the violence of pride, extinguishes the fire of dissension, restrains the power of the wealthy, renews the endurance of the poor in bearing their lot, guards the blessed integrity of virgins, the difficult chastity of widows, and the indivisible love of husbands and wives. It makes men humble in prosperity, brave in adversity, meek in the face of injuries and insults. It teaches us to pardon our offenders quickly; if you yourself should offend, it teaches you to ask pardon often and with perseverance. It vanquishes temptations, sustains persecutions, endures sufferings and martyrdoms to the end. It is this patience which strongly fortifies the foundations of our faith. It is this patience which sublimely promotes the growth of hope. It directs our action, so that we can keep to the way of Christ while we make progress o because of his forbearance. It ensures our perseverance as sons of God while we imitate the patience of the Father.
–Saint Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258)
Grace, Page: Quotes, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
God’s splendor is the source of life, those who see him share his life. Because he was beyond the reach of man’s mind, incomprehensible and invisible, he made himself visible, intelligible and knowable so that those who see and accept him may possess life.
–Saint Irenaeus (late 2nd Century)
Abandonment (of self), Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Do not be angry, or at least troubled because you have been troubled; do not be overcome because you have allowed yourself to be overcome; do not be disquieted because you have allowed yourself to be disquieted by angry passions; but take your heart and place it gently in the hands of our Lord and ask Him to cure it; meanwhile, do all you can to renew and strengthen your good resolutions.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Adversity, Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Do not give into fear in the face of the changes and chances of this life. Rather, as they arise, look at them with full trust in God, to whom you belong, who will enable you – through His powerful love – to profit from them. He has guided you thus far in life; so hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through every trial. Whenever you cannot stand, he will carry you in his loving arms.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Grace, Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
At creation God commanded plants to bear fruit, each according to its kind. (Genesis 1:11-12) In the same way, he commanded Christians, who are the living plants of his church (John 15:5), to produce fruits of devotion, each according to ability and state in life. It must be obvious that devotion ought to be practiced differently by the gentleman, the artist, the employee, the prince, the widow, the celibate, the spouse.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)