We put pride into everything like salt. We like to see that our good works are known. If our virtues are seen, we are pleased; if our faults are perceived, we are sad. I remark that in a great many people; if one says anything to them, it disturbs them, it annoys them. The saints were not like that - they were vexed if their virtues were known, and pleased that their imperfections should be seen.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the contrast between human pride in virtue and the humility seen in true saints regarding their imperfections.
In this quote, John Vianney reflects on the nature of pride and humility. He points out that most people take pride in their virtues and seek recognition for their good deeds, while feeling upset when their faults are noticed. In contrast, he suggests that true saints are inclined to remain humble, finding discomfort in the acknowledgment of their virtues while being accepting of their flaws. This serves as a reminder that genuine humility involves recognizing and embracing one's imperfections over seeking validation for one's strengths.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a discussion on humility at a church service.
Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.
Oh, how I like those little mortifications that are seen by nobody, such as rising a quarter of an hour sooner, rising for a little while in the night to pray!
Having never left the house you are looking for the way home
Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
Those who are used to a cage will weep for a cage.
It's an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco. It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world
Individual liberty is individual power, and as the power of a community is a mass compounded of individual powers, the nation which enjoys the most freedom must necessarily be in proportion to its numbers the most powerful nation.
Every thoughtful, well-meaning and conscientious human being_x000D_ should assume in time of peace,_x000D_ the solemn and unconditional obligation_x000D_ not to participate in any war, for any reason_x000D_ or to lend support of any kind, whether direct or indirect.
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