Jan. 24, 2014 Friday: St. Francis de Sales

“The loving heart of the Redeemer measures and organizes all events in the world. He does all this for the benefit of souls who want to respond wholeheartedly to his divine love. It is there, my dear, that our faults are thorns in our souls. But once removed through voluntary self-accusations, they are subsequently transformed into roses and perfumes. They enter our heart through our malice, but they are thrown out by the Holy Spirit.”

“In confession, he says, you will practice the virtues of humility, obedience, simplicity, and charity. You will exercise more virtues in this single act of confession than in any other act whatsoever.”

-St. Francis de Sales

Anger & Envy

He who has received less ought not to become dejected, nor become angry, nor envious of the one who has received more. Rather, he should look to You and praise Your great goodness since You have bestowed Your gifts so freely, so willingly, so lavishly, and without respect of persons.

All good things come from You and, therefore, You are to be praised in all things.

You know what is best for each of us, and the reason You grant more to one and less to another is not for us to comprehend. this is for You to decide since You alone know each one’s merits.

Therefore, O God, I consider it a great blessing not to have many of those goods that in men’s eyes and in outward appearance call for praise and honor. – The Imitation of Christ, Book III, Chapter 22, p. 109-110.

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