Since God often sends us inspirations by means of His angels, we should frequently return our aspirations to him by means of the same messengers.
Saint Francis De SalesRead
There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.
Interpretation
The path to spiritual growth requires consistent renewal and starting over.
This quote by Saint Francis De Sales emphasizes the importance of continually striving for improvement in one's spiritual journey. It suggests that setbacks or failures should not deter a person; instead, one should embrace the opportunity to begin anew as a vital part of spiritual development.
In practice
During a spiritual retreat, I shared this quote to inspire others to embrace new beginnings.
Since God often sends us inspirations by means of His angels, we should frequently return our aspirations to him by means of the same messengers.
You can attract more bees with a spoonful of sugar than a cupful of vinegar.
Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage
Represent to yourself a dark city all burning and stinking with fire and brimstone. The damned are in the depth of hell within this woful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments in all their senses and members. Consider above all the eternity of their pains, which above all things makes hell intolerable.
Lately I was near the beehives and some of the bees flew onto my face. I wanted to raise my hand, and brush them off. 'No,' said a peasant to me, 'do not be afraid, and do not touch them. They will not sting you at all, if you touch them they will bite you.' I trusted him; not one bit me. Trust me; do not fear these temptations. Do not touch them; they will not hurt you.
Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others, and talk to God.
If it's still in your mind, it is still in your heart.
The man who gives way to anger, or hatred, or any other passion, cannot work; he only breaks himself to pieces, and does nothing practical. It is the calm, forgiving, equable, well-balanced mind that does the greatest amount of work.
What I want to talk to you about today is the difference between gifts and choices. Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice. Gifts are easy - they’re given after all. Choices can be hard. You can seduce yourself with your gifts if you’re not careful, and if you do, it’ll probably be to the detriment of your choices.
Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience.
Partial knowledge is more triumphant than complete knowledge; it takes things to be simpler than they are, and so makes its theory more popular and convincing.
He has missed the finest lesson of culture and experience who has not learned how to enjoy without owning.
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