Quote collection
286 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The words are very distinctly formed; but by the bodily ear they are not heard. They are, however, much more clearly understood than they would be if they were heard by the ear. It is impossible not to understand them, whatever resistance we may offer... There is no escape, for in spite of ourselves we must listen..."
"My father was a man of great charity towards the poor, and compassion for the sick, and also for servants; so much so, that he never could be persuaded to keep slaves, for he pitied them so much: and a slave belonging to one of his brothers being once in his house, was treated by him with as much tenderness as his own children."
"What friends or kindred can be so close and intimate as the powers of our soul, which, whether we will or no, must ever bear us company?"
"Learn to self-conquest, persevere thus for a time, and you will perceive very clearly the advantage which you gain from it."
"I only wish I could write with both hands, so as not to forget one thing while I am saying another."
"Patience attains All that it strives for. He who has God Finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices."
"There is more security in self-denial, mortification, and other like virtues, than in an abundance of tears."
"I have often thought with wonder of the great goodness of God; and my soul has rejoiced in the contemplation of His great magnificence and mercy. May He be blessed for ever! For I see clearly that He has not omitted to reward me, even in this life, for every one of my good desires."
"From heaven even the most miserable life will look like one bad night at an inconvenient hotel."
"Never do anything which you could not do in the sight of all."
"Union is as if in a room there were two large windows through which the light streamed in; it enters in different places but it all becomes one."
"You ought to make every effort to free yourselves even from venial sin, and to do what is most perfect."
"Consider seriously how quickly people change, and how little trust is to be had in them; and hold fast to God, Who does not change."
"The important thing is not to think much but to love much; do, then, whatever most arouses you to love."
"I made you, dear, and all I make is perfect. Please come close, for I desire you."
"How is it that there are not many who are led by sermons to forsake open sin? Do you know what I think? That is because preachers have too much worldly wisdom."
"God prefers your health, and your obedience, to your penance."
"We bloomed in Spring. Our bodies are the leaves of God. The apparent seasons of life and death our eyes can suffer; but our souls, dear, I will just say this forthright: they are God Himself, we will never perish until He does."
"Let him never cease from prayer, who has once begun to pray, even though his life is ever so bad. For prayer is the only way to amend one's life and without prayer it will never be mended. Let him not be tempted of the devil, as I was, to give up prayer on account of one's unworthiness. Let such a one rather believe that if he will only repent and pray, our Lord will still hear and answer."
"Do you think it is only a little thing to possess a house from which lovely things can be seen?"