If we endure all things patiently and with gladness, thinking on the sufferings of our Blessed Lord, and bearing all for the love of Him: herein is perfect joy.
The Lord called me by the way of simplicity and humility, and this way He hath shown me in truth for me and those who will believe and imitate me. And therefore I would that ye name not to me any rule, neither of St. Augustine, nor St. Benedict, nor of Bernard, nor any way or form of living, but that which was mercifully shown and given me by the Lord.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of simplicity and humility in following one's spiritual path, rather than adhering strictly to established rules or traditions.
Francis of Assisi expresses his belief that true spiritual guidance comes from a personal relationship with God, characterized by simplicity and humility. He advocates for a path that is divinely inspired rather than strictly dictated by human-made rules or religious doctrines, encouraging others to follow this authentic way of living that he has embraced.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon on personal faith journeys, one might quote Francis of Assisi to emphasize the importance of following one's own spiritual convictions.
More from Francis Of Assisi
All quotes →Jesus is happy to come with us, as truth is happy to be spoken, as life to be lived, as light to be lit, as love is to be loved, as joy to be given, as peace to be spread.
Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.
By the anxieties and worries of this life Satan tries to dull man's heart and make a dwelling for himself there.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens, you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.
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It isn't necessary to imagine the world ending in fire or ice. There are two other possibilities: one is paperwork, and the other is nostalgia. Eventually within the next quarter of a century, the nostalgia cycles will be so close together that people will not be able to take a step without being nostalgic for the one they just took. At that point, everything stops. Death by Nostalgia.
I have never lived a life so much larger than death. (93)
From what may anyone be saved? Only from themselves! That is, their individual hell. They dig it with their own desires.
There is no law governing all things.
God is Love, we are taught as children to believe. But when we first begin to get some inkling of how He loves us, we are repelled; it seems so cold, indeed, not love at all as we understand the word.