“Rejoice, for God holds you so firmly in His hand that you need not lean on your own security” (St. Hildegard of Bingen).
St. Hildegard of Bingen offers us a wonderful invitation that will grant us great freedom if we follow it. We love to lean on our own security so that we always have a solution at hand. Instead, Hildegard exhorts us to place all our trust in the hands of our Father, who can truly provide us with the security we need. Read More
“I would like a great trust to arise between man and his Father in Heaven—a true spirit of familiarity and gentleness, so that my great goodness may not be abused” (Message of God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio).
“Who can understand sins? From my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord” (Ps 19:13).
We are not always aware of all the faults we carry within us. Our self-knowledge does not reach the ultimate depths. Therefore, it is possible that there are contents in our unconscious that we will have to reject and bring before the Lord once we perceive them, so that He may purify us. Read More
“Come, my chosen one, and I will set my throne in your heart” (Antiphon from the Common of Virgins).
Love is the great theme, again and again. It’s no wonder, for it was out of love that our Father created, redeemed, and sanctified everything. Love is the greatest thing that gives deep meaning to all that exists. Without love, everything would be “as sounding brass” (1 Cor 13:1). Read More
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk 12:32).
“Oh, my good Lord, if only my soul could be called Your beloved” (Blessed Henry Suso).
In these words from the German mystic, we hear the longing of a soul that loves God. This longing has become so intense that it begs for the most intimate union with God. It is the desire of souls who have begun to love the Lord and recognize, in the light of this love, that they can and want to love Him more. Thus, this longing arises from the depths of the heart.
“Arm yourself with prayer, not with the sword; clothe yourself with humility, not with fine clothes” (St. Dominic of Guzman).
Undoubtedly, St. Dominic’s advice is still valid today, although in his time he was probably referring to a material sword and not to the sword of the Spirit recommended to us by St. Paul in the Letter to the Ephesians: “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17). This sword is directly related to prayer, as the following verse makes clear: “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (v. 18).
“I am the resistance against sin within your heart” (Interior Word).
It is said that St. Catherine of Siena suffered terrible temptations against purity at one stage of her life. She then spoke to Jesus and asked Him where He had been while she was going through these attacks, which she found unbearable. Jesus answered that He had worked the repugnance to such impurity in her heart.
“Be wise in your dealings with the world and with the world within the Church — they are at enmity with Me” (Interior Word).
Are we sufficiently aware of this reality? Do we truly understand that we no longer live in an environment marked by the Christian faith?
