You can attract more bees with a spoonful of sugar than a cupful of vinegar.
Saint Francis De SalesRead
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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between divine inspiration and human aspiration through angels.
Saint Francis De Sales reminds us that just as we may receive guidance and inspiration from higher powers or divine entities (symbolized by angels), we should also strive to express our own hopes and aspirations back to that divine source. This highlights a continuous exchange of communication and support between humanity and the divine.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a spiritual retreat to inspire participants.
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.
There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.
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.
War is the father and king of all: some he has made gods, and some men; some slaves and some free.
I drink for the thirst to come.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
All action is for the sake of some end; and rules of action, it seems natural to suppose, must take their whole character and color from the end to which they are subservient.
She liked to imagine that when she passed the world looked after her, but she also knew how anonymous she was.
Heaven and hell suppose two distinct species of men, the good and the bad. But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue.
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