‘It is not the beginning that is rewarded, but perseverance’ (Saint Catherine of Siena).
There is a very powerful proverb that says, ‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions.’ It is a serious warning not to falter on the good path that has been taken or that one wishes to take. Sacred Scripture also gives us similar admonitions, with different formulations. It is always a matter of exhorting us to perseverance and constancy on the path of God.
‘Cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit so that all shadows in your life may vanish and He may guide you without hindrance’ (Inner Word).
What is our contribution to true peace, given that we have no external means to achieve it? True peace will only come when we live in harmony with God, because the root of discord comes from separation from God, that is, from sin.
“Without God’s grace, I could do nothing” (Saint Joan of Arc).
Saint Joan of Arc expresses a fundamental truth in a very simple way. She knows that she depends on God for everything. However, this dependence does not have the negative connotation we usually associate with this term when we refer to a situation that deprives us of our freedom.
“To live in love is to sail forever, spreading seeds of joy and peace in hearts” (Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus).
Saint Thérèse refers here to the work of the Holy Spirit through His seven gifts. When these are active in a soul, it begins to sail like a boat, as described so beautifully in ‘The Little Flower’. Before, the person had to row with their own strength, even though driven by the Holy Spirit. But now, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, her journey becomes easier.
‘I have often heard it said in retreats and on other occasions that an innocent soul never loves God as much as a repentant soul. How I long to prove that this is not true!’ (Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus).
“Always remember the end, for lost time never returns” (Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ).
It is not easy for us to put these wise words into practice, even though they would bring so much clarity to our lives. Sacred Scripture also exhorts us: “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (Sir 7:36).
‘O infinitely good God! You never deprive us of your gifts, unless we ourselves withdraw our hearts from you’ (St. Francis de Sales).
The wonderful gifts that God has given us, whether natural or supernatural, are meant to praise His glory and only reach their true splendour when we use them for this purpose. How empty art becomes when it does not glorify God! How vain are words if they do not praise God and edify men! How empty life becomes when it is lived with our backs turned to God!
“No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.” (3 Jn 1:4).
These are words from the third letter of Saint John, addressed to a certain “Gaius,” about whom we have no further information. We can undoubtedly put these words in the mouth of our Heavenly Father. As this entire epistle attests, our life must be lived in accordance with the truth, both in word and deed, bearing witness to Our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hold fast to me and enter into the depths of your being” (Inner Word).
If we want to follow the Lord, it is essential that we cultivate our inner life. Otherwise, we run the risk of remaining in an outward Christianity that does not reflect the beauty of the faith nor possess the strength of conviction necessary to help our Heavenly Father invite men to His Kingdom, to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
“For Me it is a very fitting way of living…in the souls of all those in a state of grace
[through My Holy Spirit]” (Message of God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio).
What unspeakable grace is divine indwelling, of which we should become more aware every day: the Father and the Son have sent us the Holy Spirit to dwell in our souls, illuminating them with His light and adorning them with His gifts. Let us try to imagine the joy God experiences in a soul that cooperates with His grace. It must be a delight for our Father, just as He was pleased to see the work of His creation, and especially human beings. The simple fact that we can be the cause of such joy for God is reason enough to leave behind all lukewarmness and live to please Him. What a strong and at the same time sweet helper the Father sends us to dwell in our souls!
