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.
According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride.
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
When you meet with opposition, even if it should be from your husband or your children, endeavor to overcome it by argument and not by authority, for a victory dependent upon authority is unreal and illusory.
The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
War is the province of chance. In no sphere of human activity is such a margin to be left for this intruder. It increases the uncertainty of every circumstance, and deranges the course of events.
Democracy is always a beckoning goal, not a safe harbor. For freedom is an unremitting endeavor, never a final achievement.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.