February 26th
Book Three, Chapter 20
Of the Confession of Our Own Infirmity, and of the Miseries of This Life
Evil delights prevail over a mind that is given to the world, and under thorns she imagines there are delights: because she has neither seen nor tasted the sweetness of God, nor the internal pleasure of virtue. But such as perfectly despise the world, and study to live to God under holy discipline, they are not unconscious of that divine sweetness promised to those who forsake all; and they clearly see both how grievously the world is mistaken, and in how many ways it is deceived.
Excerpts of books by saints and holy men and women of the Church.
Pages
▼
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
February 25th
Book Three, Chapter 19
Of Supporting Injuries, and Who is Proved to be Truly Patient
For with God not anything, how trifling soever, suffered for God's sake, shall go unrewarded. Be, therefore, prepared to fight, if you desire to gain the victory. Without conflict you can not attain the crown of patience. If you will not suffer, you refuse to be crowned; but if you desire to be crowned, fight manfully, and endure patiently. Without labor there is no coming to rest, nor without fighting do we arrive at victory. Make, O Lord, that possible to me by grace, which seems impossible to me by nature. You know how little I can bear, and that I am soon dejected when a small adversity arises. Let all exercises of tribulation become lovely and most desirable to me for Your Name's sake; for to suffer and to be afflicted for You is very healthful for my soul.
Book Three, Chapter 19
Of Supporting Injuries, and Who is Proved to be Truly Patient
For with God not anything, how trifling soever, suffered for God's sake, shall go unrewarded. Be, therefore, prepared to fight, if you desire to gain the victory. Without conflict you can not attain the crown of patience. If you will not suffer, you refuse to be crowned; but if you desire to be crowned, fight manfully, and endure patiently. Without labor there is no coming to rest, nor without fighting do we arrive at victory. Make, O Lord, that possible to me by grace, which seems impossible to me by nature. You know how little I can bear, and that I am soon dejected when a small adversity arises. Let all exercises of tribulation become lovely and most desirable to me for Your Name's sake; for to suffer and to be afflicted for You is very healthful for my soul.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
February 24th
Book Three, Chapter 18
That Temporal Miseries are to be Borne With Equanimity After the Example of Christ
I came down from heaven for your salvation; I took upon Me your miseries, not of necessity, but moved thereto by charity; that you might learn patience, and bear without repining temporal miseries. For from the hour of My birth until I expired upon the cross, I was not without the endurance of grief; moreover, I suffered great want of all earthly things. I frequently heard many complaints against Me; I meekly bore disgrace and reproaches; for benefits, I received ingratitude; for miracles, blasphemies; for heavenly doctrine, reproofs.
Book Three, Chapter 18
That Temporal Miseries are to be Borne With Equanimity After the Example of Christ
I came down from heaven for your salvation; I took upon Me your miseries, not of necessity, but moved thereto by charity; that you might learn patience, and bear without repining temporal miseries. For from the hour of My birth until I expired upon the cross, I was not without the endurance of grief; moreover, I suffered great want of all earthly things. I frequently heard many complaints against Me; I meekly bore disgrace and reproaches; for benefits, I received ingratitude; for miracles, blasphemies; for heavenly doctrine, reproofs.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
February 23rd
Book Three, Chapter 17
That All Solicitude Must be Placed in God
For at too great a hazard does he stand who casts not his whole care on You. Lord, provided that my will remain true and firm towards You, do with me whatsoever You shall please. For it cannot but be good, whatever You shall do with me.
Book Three, Chapter 17
That All Solicitude Must be Placed in God
For at too great a hazard does he stand who casts not his whole care on You. Lord, provided that my will remain true and firm towards You, do with me whatsoever You shall please. For it cannot but be good, whatever You shall do with me.
Friday, February 22, 2013
February 22nd
Book Three, Chapter 16
That the True Consolation is to be Sought in God Alone
Although you should have all created goods, you could not be happy and blessed; but in God, who created all things, consists all your beatitude and happiness. Not such as is seen or cried up by the foolish lovers of the world, but such as the good faithful of Christ await, and of which they that are spiritual and clean of heart, whose conversation is in heaven, have sometimes a foretaste.
Book Three, Chapter 16
That the True Consolation is to be Sought in God Alone
Although you should have all created goods, you could not be happy and blessed; but in God, who created all things, consists all your beatitude and happiness. Not such as is seen or cried up by the foolish lovers of the world, but such as the good faithful of Christ await, and of which they that are spiritual and clean of heart, whose conversation is in heaven, have sometimes a foretaste.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
February 21st
Book Three, Chapter 15
How We Are to be Disposed, and What We Are to Say, When We Desire Anything
Many in the end have been deceived, who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit. Whatsoever, therefore, occurs to your mind as worthy to be desired, it must be always with the fear of God and humility of heart that you desire and ask for it. And above all you ought, with self-resignation, to commit all to Me, and to say: Lord, You know what is best; let this or that be done as You will.
Book Three, Chapter 15
How We Are to be Disposed, and What We Are to Say, When We Desire Anything
Many in the end have been deceived, who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit. Whatsoever, therefore, occurs to your mind as worthy to be desired, it must be always with the fear of God and humility of heart that you desire and ask for it. And above all you ought, with self-resignation, to commit all to Me, and to say: Lord, You know what is best; let this or that be done as You will.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
February 20th
Book Three, Chapter 14
Of Considering the Secret Judgments of God, That We be Not Puffed up With our Own Good Works
I stand astonished, and consider that the heavens are not pure in Your sight. If in the angels You found depravity, and have not spared them, what will become of me? Stars have fallen from heaven; and I, dust as I am, how can I presume? They whose works seemed praiseworthy have fallen to the very lowest; and those that ate the bread of angels I have seen delighted with the husks of swine. There is no sanctity, if You, O Lord, withdraw Your hand....Oh, how humbly and lowly ought I to think of myself; of how little worth, whatever good I may seem to have!
Book Three, Chapter 14
Of Considering the Secret Judgments of God, That We be Not Puffed up With our Own Good Works
I stand astonished, and consider that the heavens are not pure in Your sight. If in the angels You found depravity, and have not spared them, what will become of me? Stars have fallen from heaven; and I, dust as I am, how can I presume? They whose works seemed praiseworthy have fallen to the very lowest; and those that ate the bread of angels I have seen delighted with the husks of swine. There is no sanctity, if You, O Lord, withdraw Your hand....Oh, how humbly and lowly ought I to think of myself; of how little worth, whatever good I may seem to have!
February 19th
Book Three, Chapter 13
Of the Obedience of an Humble Subject, After the Example of Jesus Christ
But what great matter is it, if you who are but dust and a mere nothing, submit yourself to man for God's sake, when I, the Almighty and Most High, who created all things out of nothing, have for your sake humbly subjected Myself to man? I became the most humble and most abject of all men, that you might overcome your pride by My humility.
Book Three, Chapter 13
Of the Obedience of an Humble Subject, After the Example of Jesus Christ
But what great matter is it, if you who are but dust and a mere nothing, submit yourself to man for God's sake, when I, the Almighty and Most High, who created all things out of nothing, have for your sake humbly subjected Myself to man? I became the most humble and most abject of all men, that you might overcome your pride by My humility.
Monday, February 18, 2013
February 18th
Book Three, Chapter 12
Of Acquiring Patience and of Striving Against Concupiscence
...the more you withdraw yourself from all solace of creatures, the sweeter and the more powerful consolations will you find in Me. But you will not attain to these at first without some sorrow and labor of conflict. Long-standing custom will make resistance, but by a better habit will it be subdued.
Book Three, Chapter 12
Of Acquiring Patience and of Striving Against Concupiscence
...the more you withdraw yourself from all solace of creatures, the sweeter and the more powerful consolations will you find in Me. But you will not attain to these at first without some sorrow and labor of conflict. Long-standing custom will make resistance, but by a better habit will it be subdued.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
February 17th
Book Three, Chapter 11
That the Desires of our Heart are to be Examined and Moderated
For not every inclination which appears good is therefore at once to be followed; nor is every contrary affection at once to be rejected. Even in good intentions and desires it is expedient sometimes to use some restraint...Sometimes, indeed, we must use violence and manfully resist the sensual appetite, and not regard what the flesh likes or dislikes, but rather endeavor that, even against its will, it may be subject to the spirit.
Book Three, Chapter 11
That the Desires of our Heart are to be Examined and Moderated
For not every inclination which appears good is therefore at once to be followed; nor is every contrary affection at once to be rejected. Even in good intentions and desires it is expedient sometimes to use some restraint...Sometimes, indeed, we must use violence and manfully resist the sensual appetite, and not regard what the flesh likes or dislikes, but rather endeavor that, even against its will, it may be subject to the spirit.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
January 16th
Book Three, Chapter 10
That it is Sweet to Despise the World, and to Serve God
It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve You, and to despise all things for You. For they who willingly subject themselves to Your most holy service will have great grace. They will experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, who for the love of You have cast away all carnal delight. They will gain great freedom of mind, who for Your name enter upon the narrow way, and relinquish all worldly care. O pleasant and delightful service of God, which makes a man truly free and holy!
Book Three, Chapter 10
That it is Sweet to Despise the World, and to Serve God
It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve You, and to despise all things for You. For they who willingly subject themselves to Your most holy service will have great grace. They will experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, who for the love of You have cast away all carnal delight. They will gain great freedom of mind, who for Your name enter upon the narrow way, and relinquish all worldly care. O pleasant and delightful service of God, which makes a man truly free and holy!
Friday, February 15, 2013
February 15th
Book Three, Chapter 9
That all Things are to be Referred to God, as to our Last End
Son, I must be your supreme and ultimate end, if you desire to be truly happy. By this intention will your affections be purified, which too often are irregularly bent upon yourself and things created....Out of Me both little and great, poor and rich,, as out of a living fountain, draw living water; and they who freely and willingly serve Me will receive grace for grace....And if heavenly grace and true charity come in, there shall be no envy nor narrowness of heart, nor will self-love keep possession. For divine charity overcomes all, and enlarges all the powers of the soul.
Book Three, Chapter 9
That all Things are to be Referred to God, as to our Last End
Son, I must be your supreme and ultimate end, if you desire to be truly happy. By this intention will your affections be purified, which too often are irregularly bent upon yourself and things created....Out of Me both little and great, poor and rich,, as out of a living fountain, draw living water; and they who freely and willingly serve Me will receive grace for grace....And if heavenly grace and true charity come in, there shall be no envy nor narrowness of heart, nor will self-love keep possession. For divine charity overcomes all, and enlarges all the powers of the soul.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
January 14th
Book Three, Chapter 8
Of the Mean Estimation of Oneself in the Eyes of God
...by a perverse loving of myself, I have lost myself; and by seeking You alone, and purely loving You, I have found both myself and You; and by this love have more profoundly annihilated myself. Because You, O most sweet Lord, deal with me above all desert, and above all that I dare hope or ask for....Oh, convert us unto You, that we may be humble, thankful, and devout; for You are our salvation, our courage, and our strength.
Book Three, Chapter 8
Of the Mean Estimation of Oneself in the Eyes of God
...by a perverse loving of myself, I have lost myself; and by seeking You alone, and purely loving You, I have found both myself and You; and by this love have more profoundly annihilated myself. Because You, O most sweet Lord, deal with me above all desert, and above all that I dare hope or ask for....Oh, convert us unto You, that we may be humble, thankful, and devout; for You are our salvation, our courage, and our strength.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
February 13th
Book Three, Chapter 7
Of Concealing Grace Under the Guardianship of Humility
For a man's merits are not to be estimated by his having many visions or consolations, or by his knowledge of Scripture, or by his being placed in a more elevated station; but by his being grounded in true humility and replenished with divine charity; by his seeking always, purely and entirely, the honor of God; by his esteeming himself to be nothing, and by his sincerely despising himself; and being better pleased to be despised and humbled by others than to be honored by them.
Book Three, Chapter 7
Of Concealing Grace Under the Guardianship of Humility
For a man's merits are not to be estimated by his having many visions or consolations, or by his knowledge of Scripture, or by his being placed in a more elevated station; but by his being grounded in true humility and replenished with divine charity; by his seeking always, purely and entirely, the honor of God; by his esteeming himself to be nothing, and by his sincerely despising himself; and being better pleased to be despised and humbled by others than to be honored by them.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
February 12th
Book Three, Chapter 6
Of the Proof of a True Lover
Fight like a good soldier; and if sometimes you fall through frailty, resume greater courage than before, confiding in My more abundant grace. But take very great care against vain complacency and pride. Through this many are led into error, and sometimes fall into almost incurable blindness. Let this fall of the proud, foolishly presuming on themselves, serve to you as a warning and to keep you always humble.
Monday, February 11, 2013
February 11th
Book Three, Chapter 5
Of the Wonderful Effect of Divine Love
Enlarge me in love, that I may learn to taste with the interior mouth of the heart how sweet it is to love, and to be dissolved and to bathe in love. Let me be possessed by love, mounting up above myself through excess of fervor and ecstasy. Let me sing the canticle of love, let me follow You, my Beloved, on high, let my soul quite lose herself in Your praises, jubilant in Your love. Let me love You more than myself, and myself only for You, and all others in You, who truly love You, as the law of love commands, which shines forth from You.
Book Three, Chapter 5
Of the Wonderful Effect of Divine Love
Enlarge me in love, that I may learn to taste with the interior mouth of the heart how sweet it is to love, and to be dissolved and to bathe in love. Let me be possessed by love, mounting up above myself through excess of fervor and ecstasy. Let me sing the canticle of love, let me follow You, my Beloved, on high, let my soul quite lose herself in Your praises, jubilant in Your love. Let me love You more than myself, and myself only for You, and all others in You, who truly love You, as the law of love commands, which shines forth from You.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
February 9th
Book Three, Chapter 3
That the Words of God Are To Be Heard with Humility, and That Many Weigh Them Not
For a scanty sustenance, men run a great way; for eternal life, many will scarce lift foot once from the ground. A petty gain is sought after; for a single coin sometimes men shamefully quarrel; for men will brave toil day and night, yea, for some mere trifle or a slight promise. But, alas! for an unchangeable good, for an inestimable reward, for the highest honor and never-ending glory, they are loath to undergo a little fatigue. Blush, then, you slothful, querulous servant, that they are actually more ready to labor for death than you for life.
Book Three, Chapter 3
That the Words of God Are To Be Heard with Humility, and That Many Weigh Them Not
For a scanty sustenance, men run a great way; for eternal life, many will scarce lift foot once from the ground. A petty gain is sought after; for a single coin sometimes men shamefully quarrel; for men will brave toil day and night, yea, for some mere trifle or a slight promise. But, alas! for an unchangeable good, for an inestimable reward, for the highest honor and never-ending glory, they are loath to undergo a little fatigue. Blush, then, you slothful, querulous servant, that they are actually more ready to labor for death than you for life.
Friday, February 8, 2013
February 8th
Book Three, Chapter 2
That Truth Speaks Within Us Without Noise of Words
Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears. I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. Incline my heart to the words of Your mouth; let Your speech distill as the dew....Speak, then, O Lord, for Your servant hears; for You have the words of eternal life.
Book Three, Chapter 2
That Truth Speaks Within Us Without Noise of Words
Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears. I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. Incline my heart to the words of Your mouth; let Your speech distill as the dew....Speak, then, O Lord, for Your servant hears; for You have the words of eternal life.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
February 7th
Book Three, Chapter 1
Of the Internal Discourse of Christ to a Faithful Soul
Happy ears indeed which hearken not to the voice that sounds without, but to the truth itself teaching within. Happy eyes which are shut to outward things, but intent on things internal. Happy they who penetrate into internal things, and endeavor to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises for the receiving of heavenly secrets. Happy they who rejoice to be wholly intent on God, and who shake off every worldly impediment. Consider these things, O my soul, and close up the doors of your sensual desires; that you may hear what the Lord your God speaks within you....Let go all transitory things: seek the eternal....so you may lay hold on true happiness.
Book Three, Chapter 1
Of the Internal Discourse of Christ to a Faithful Soul
Happy ears indeed which hearken not to the voice that sounds without, but to the truth itself teaching within. Happy eyes which are shut to outward things, but intent on things internal. Happy they who penetrate into internal things, and endeavor to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises for the receiving of heavenly secrets. Happy they who rejoice to be wholly intent on God, and who shake off every worldly impediment. Consider these things, O my soul, and close up the doors of your sensual desires; that you may hear what the Lord your God speaks within you....Let go all transitory things: seek the eternal....so you may lay hold on true happiness.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
February 6th
Book Two, Chapter 12
Of the Royal Road of the Holy Cross
In the cross is height of virtue; in the cross is perfection of sanctity. There is no health of soul, nor hope of eternal life, but in the cross....Dispose and order all things according as you will, and as seems best to you, and you will still find something to suffer, either willingly or unwillingly; and so you will always find the cross....The cross, therefore, is always ready, and everywhere awaits you....If you fling away one cross, without doubt you will find another, and perhaps a heavier....Know for certain that you must lead a dying life; and the more a man dies to himself, the more does he begin to live unto God. No man is fit to comprehend heavenly things who has not resigned himself to suffer adversities for Christ.
Book Two, Chapter 12
Of the Royal Road of the Holy Cross
In the cross is height of virtue; in the cross is perfection of sanctity. There is no health of soul, nor hope of eternal life, but in the cross....Dispose and order all things according as you will, and as seems best to you, and you will still find something to suffer, either willingly or unwillingly; and so you will always find the cross....The cross, therefore, is always ready, and everywhere awaits you....If you fling away one cross, without doubt you will find another, and perhaps a heavier....Know for certain that you must lead a dying life; and the more a man dies to himself, the more does he begin to live unto God. No man is fit to comprehend heavenly things who has not resigned himself to suffer adversities for Christ.
February 5th
Book Two, Chapter 11
Of the Small Number of the Lovers of the Cross of Jesus
Where shall we find a man that is willing to serve God disinterestedly? Seldom do we find any one so spiritual as to be stripped of all things. For who shall be able to find the man that is truly poor in spirit, and divested of attachment to all created things?...That having left all things else, he leave also himself, and wholly go out of himself, and retain nothing of self-love....there is no one richer than such a man, none more powerful, none more free, who knows how to leave himself and all things, and to put himself in the very lowest place.
Book Two, Chapter 11
Of the Small Number of the Lovers of the Cross of Jesus
Where shall we find a man that is willing to serve God disinterestedly? Seldom do we find any one so spiritual as to be stripped of all things. For who shall be able to find the man that is truly poor in spirit, and divested of attachment to all created things?...That having left all things else, he leave also himself, and wholly go out of himself, and retain nothing of self-love....there is no one richer than such a man, none more powerful, none more free, who knows how to leave himself and all things, and to put himself in the very lowest place.
Monday, February 4, 2013
February 4th
Book Two, Chapter 10
Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
God does well in giving the grace of consolation, but man does ill in not returning it all to God with thanksgiving. And this is the reason why the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are ungrateful to the Giver, nor do we return all to the fountain-head. For grace will be always given to him that duly returns thanks; and what is wont to be given to the humble, will be taken away from the proud....If you consider the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem little or too mean for you. For that is not little which is given by the most high God. Yes, though He give punishment and stripes, it ought to be acceptable; for whatever He suffers to befall us, He always does it for our salvation.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February 3rd
Book Two, Chapter 9
Of the Want of All Consolation
It is not hard to despise all human consolation when we have divine. But it is much, and very much, to be able to forego all comfort, both human and divine, and to be willing to bear this interior banishment for God's honor, and to seek oneself in nothing, nor to think of one's own merit....We love to have something to comfort us, and it is with difficulty that a man can put off himself.
Book Two, Chapter 9
Of the Want of All Consolation
It is not hard to despise all human consolation when we have divine. But it is much, and very much, to be able to forego all comfort, both human and divine, and to be willing to bear this interior banishment for God's honor, and to seek oneself in nothing, nor to think of one's own merit....We love to have something to comfort us, and it is with difficulty that a man can put off himself.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
February 1st
Book Two, Chapter 7
Of the Love of Jesus Above All Things
The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant; the love of Jesus is faithful and enduring....In life and in death keep yourself near to Jesus, and entrust yourself to His fidelity, who alone can help you when all others fail....If in all things you seek Jesus, truly you will find Jesus; but if you seek yourself, you will find yourself also, but to your own ruin.
Book Two, Chapter 7
Of the Love of Jesus Above All Things
The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant; the love of Jesus is faithful and enduring....In life and in death keep yourself near to Jesus, and entrust yourself to His fidelity, who alone can help you when all others fail....If in all things you seek Jesus, truly you will find Jesus; but if you seek yourself, you will find yourself also, but to your own ruin.