Don’t fear temptations…
Don’t be afraid of temptations. God permits them to refine your humility and to lay deep foundations for the lofty spiritual edifice that He has planned to build in your soul.
–Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
We must expect temptation…
And even more, since the time of Adam, you will not find a saint who has not been tempted — some in one way, some in another — and the greatest saints are those who have been tempted the most. If Our Lord was tempted, it was in order to show us that we must be also. It follows, therefore, that we must expect temptation.
–Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
Who are most tempted?
So, you will ask me, who then are the people most tempted? They are these, my friends; note them carefully. The people most tempted are those who are ready, with the grace of God, to sacrifice everything for the salvation of their poor souls, who renounce all those things which most people eagerly seek. It is not one devil only who tempts them, but millions seek to entrap them.
–Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
Understand two thoughts…
Understand two thoughts, and fear them. One says, “You are a saint,” the other, “You won’t be saved.” Both of these thoughts are from the enemy, and there is no truth in them. But think this way: I am a great sinner, but the Lord is merciful. He loves people very much, and He will forgive my sins.
–Saint Silouan the Athonite (1866-1938)
Are you angry?
Are you angry? Be angry at your sins, beat your soul, afflict your conscience, but strict in judgement and a terrible punisher of your own sins. This is the benefit of anger, wherefore God placed it in us.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
When the devil…
When the devil wants to attack anyone, he first of all looks to see on what side his defenses are weakest or in worst order; then he moves up his artillery to make a breach at that spot.
–Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
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