“It is better to die at this time than to obey any order that would violate the virginal chastity of truth” (St. Hilary of Poitiers).
Showing all posts in 3 Minutes for God the Father
OPEN THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART
“Let no one doubt the goodness of God, for even if their sins were as black as night, God’s mercy is stronger than our misery. But one thing is necessary: that the sinner open the door of his heart a little to the ray of God’s mercy” (Saint Faustina Kowalska).
ONLY HIS MERCY
“I don’t know if the good Lord is pleased with me, but I give myself totally to Him. Oh, how sweet it is to think of nothing at the last moment—neither one’s sins nor one’s virtues—but only of mercy!” (Words of Blessed Édouard Poppe on his deathbed.)
GROWING IN LOVE
On one occasion, Saint Gertrude asked the Lord why He had allowed certain people to frighten her. The Lord replied: “When a father’s hand wants to reprimand a child, the rod cannot resist. Therefore, I would like my chosen ones never to blame the people through whom they are purified, but rather to see my fatherly love behind them, for I would never allow even the slightest wind to blow against them if I did not have their eternal salvation in mind. Instead, they should have compassion on those who are stained while they themselves are purified.” Read More
PERSIST IN PRAYER
“Even though it may seem useless, we must not abandon prayer because of distractions or restlessness of spirit. Those who persevere throughout the time they have set aside for prayer and gently call their spirit back again and again to the object of their prayer will reap great benefits” (St. Philip Neri).
GOD’S SCALES
“Without inner love, all external works are useless. On the other hand, what is done out of love is great and produces abundant fruit, however insignificant and contemptible it may seem in the eyes of men. For, in God’s scales, what motivates you to act weighs much more than the action itself” (cf. Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ).
This is a key phrase for the spiritual life! Certainly, some of us have felt the desire to do great works for the Lord, and perhaps we are saddened when, despite our sincere efforts, we manage to accomplish only small works—or practically none at all—from our perspective.
I AM YOUR RESISTANCE
“I fight within you, and I am your endurance. The torment you experience in combat I turn into gold for your benefit and for all those who need to be freed from this plague” (Inner Word).
Today’s phrase encourages us to resist, with God’s help, the various battles we face. Our heavenly Father may allow strong temptations or circumstances to come upon us that are difficult for us to understand. These struggles—and the defeats we sometimes experience—can discourage us. Yet God fights within us and is our endurance. St. Catherine of Siena heard a similar word from the Lord after suffering terrible temptations against purity. God consoled her and helped her understand that it was He Himself who had placed in her heart the repugnance for impurity. In this way, her struggles served to free others from the yoke of this plague.
GOD DOES NOT DECEIVE!
“His wisdom is infinite, and when I ask Him for advice, I am not deceived!” (St. Pius X)
Once again, St. Pius X accompanies us into the new year.
In these difficult times, we need good counsel on how to live our faith fruitfully. Who could advise us better than our Heavenly Father? Who could share His infinite wisdom with us better than the One who is Wisdom itself?
DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED
“Let the storm rage and the sky darken – we will not be discouraged!” (Pope Saint Pius X)
We can take heart from these words of Pope Saint Pius X. Surely our Father wants us to remain steadfast in all difficulties, even in dramatic circumstances and apocalyptic tribulations, and not be led astray from the path the Lord shows us. This is only possible if we fix our gaze on Him and allow our souls to be rooted in Him, thus being carried by the grace of God.
THE SIMPLE WAY!
“Love me and let me love you” (Inner word).
That is how simply the path with our heavenly Father can be described, and the whole truth is contained therein. When we respond to His love, our Father can realize all that He has planned for us and all that He wants to accomplish through our lives. May our first words each morning be addressed to our beloved Father. Are we not intent on living this new day—or even this new year—in a way that pleases Him? It is precisely in this that we want to express our love: that we gladly do what He wants us to do. Love wants to know the heart of the beloved and His holy concerns. In this way, we can search the heart of God. What have you planned? What can we do for you and your kingdom?