“Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation” (Rom. 12:12).
The Apostle Saint Paul addresses this exhortation to the Christian community in Rome to strengthen them in the Spirit of the Lord. We must always keep the flame of hope alive. However, it should not be confused with human optimism, which is fleeting; rather, it is one of the three theological virtues that deeply unite us to our Heavenly Father. True hope is always directed toward God, for He Himself is our hope.
“The silent contempt with which one meets slander or injustice is usually a more salutary antidote than sensitivity, strife, or revenge.” —Francis de Sales
It is evil when people speak ill of one another. It can go so far that more sensitive souls suffer so deeply that their lives seem destroyed. In today’s world, with modern means of communication, slander can become a real plague.
“Don’t wait for a more opportune moment, because you can’t be sure you’ll live to see it. Time slips away without us noticing. Therefore, the prudent do not waste time or squander the present moment, which belongs to them, in exchange for a moment that is not yet in their hands” (St. Catherine of Siena).
“This is precisely what the blessed life consists of: rejoicing in view of You, in You, and for You” (St. Augustine).
In today’s quote, St. Augustine invites us to anticipate here on earth—even if not yet in its fullness—the blessed life that he himself found after his conversion.
“I am your source” (Inner Word).
We can turn to this source at any time, from which the water of divine life always flows to enlighten and heal our lives, to quench our thirst for love and truth. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (Jn 4:14)
“How I wish that men would listen to my Son and thus glorify the Father who is in heaven!” (Interior word)
We are in this world to serve our Father and glorify Him by following His Son. For this deeper meaning of human existence to become a reality, the Gospel must be proclaimed with authority. Indeed, how could people come to know their Father in heaven during their earthly life if not through the one who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6)?
“Even if our heart lacks love, it longs for love” (St. Francis de Sales).
St. Francis de Sales was a very sensitive spiritual guide who always knew how to encourage a soul and build on the good he found in it, especially when it was in darkness. Thus, today’s phrase can also serve as a consolation and speak to us in the midst of our inner darkness, when we feel incapable of loving and our heart seems closed in on itself.
“Give yourself to God without reserve. He is a Father, and a most loving Father, who would rather allow heaven and earth to collapse than abandon anyone who has placed their trust in Him” (St. Paul of the Cross).
Both through the saints and in His own words, the Lord invites us again and again to trust Him without reserve. It is the golden key that opens the heart of our Father, who values our trust so much—even if it is only a small flame or a mere spark—that He could never ignore it.
“Remain steadfast in yourself! No enemy, whether internal or external, can defeat you if you are master of yourself” (St. Bonaventure).
We could also paraphrase St. Bonaventure as follows: “Keep your inner house in order so that everything is centered on God and in harmony with His will. Then, no matter what happens, we can retreat to that inner refuge of peace and remain there.”
“Chastity is the guardian of the beauty of the soul” (Inspired word).
Mystics often describe the original beauty of the soul and marvel at the wonder of the Lord’s work in creating man. St. Gregory Nazianzen, for example, describes it in these terms:
