DIVINE BLISS

“Only those who have experienced it know the benefits and divine bliss that solitude and silence in the wilderness bring to those who love them.” (Saint Bruno, the Carthusian)

While these words certainly apply first and foremost to those who follow the call to solitude in order to serve the Lord there and dwell in His presence, they are also words that can be adapted to other circumstances in life. Read More

“TRUTH IS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE”

“It is a crime to disturb peace where truth reigns. It is a crime to remain at peace while destroying the truth. Therefore, truth is the guiding principle and the ultimate goal of all things.” (Blaise Pascal)

In His all-important words, which we should never forget or downplay, the Lord makes it clear: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).

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“TRUE PIETY”

“If a little flower could speak, it seems to me that it would tell us quite simply all that God has done for it, without hiding any of its gifts. It would not, under the pretext of humility, say that it was not pretty, or that it had not a sweet scent, that the sun had withered its petals, or the storm bruised its stem, if it knew that such were not the case.” (Thérèse of the Child Jesus).

This loving word complements St. Jerome’s earlier statement very well. Just as it is true that we should recognize our imperfection and strive for God’s perfection, so too is it important to recognize and acknowledge the beauty of the gifts God has bestowed upon us.

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“BECOMING AWARE OF OUR IMPERFECTION”

“The only perfection of human beings lies in their becoming aware of their imperfection.” (St. Jerome)

What may at first sound like a pessimistic statement about human beings reveals itself, upon closer examination, to be a piece of wisdom that St. Jerome shares with us.

This insight helps us overcome false pride and self-assurance, enabling us to deeply understand our reality as human beings. The important thing now is how we deal with this. It would certainly be wrong to succumb to a kind of disordered sadness because of our imperfections, though we can, of course, mourn the loss of Paradise and all its consequences. Instead, this insight becomes an invitation to turn to the “Perfect One”: our beloved Father. By seeking Him and sharing in His perfection, we awaken to true life and to a proper understanding of our existence.

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“THE SEA OF GOD’S GOODNESS”

“Let us plunge into the sea of His goodness, where every weakness is wiped away and fear is transformed into love” (Saint Paul of the Cross).

A similar passage is found in Madre Eugenia’s Little Book of the Father, in which we are invited to plunge into the sea of the Father’s mercy, where we are to be purified and strengthened so that we may continue our journey.

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