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The soul, who is lifted by a very great and yearning desire for the honor of God and the salvation of souls, begins by exercising herself, for a certain space of time, in the ordinary virtues, remaining in the cell of self-knowledge, in order to know better the goodness of God towards her.
Catherine Of Siena
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and virtue in the pursuit of divine honor and salvation.

Catherine Of Siena highlights that a soul driven by a deep desire for the honor of God and the salvation of souls must first engage in understanding herself through the practice of ordinary virtues. This process of self-awareness is essential for appreciating the goodness of God, thereby guiding the soul toward a higher spiritual existence and fulfillment.

Themes

SoulVirtueSelf-KnowledgeGoodnessGodSalvation

In practice

Example use cases

In a sermon, a speaker might use this quote to encourage the congregation to reflect on their virtues.

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You, Eternal Trinity, are my Creator, and I am the work of Your hands, and I know through the new creation which You have given me in the blood of Your Son, that You are enamored of the beauty of Your workmanship.
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Build a cell inside your mind, from which you can never flee.
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