For us, perfection is never something of chance. Effort needs to be put into it. Yes, a lot of effort, a lot of individual efforts; and in order that such efforts be efficacious, they must lean on divine grace.
Little Brother Marcel Văn CSsR (1928–1959)
In today’s struggle, I cannot but thank God because he has willed in his Infinite Mercy to grant this sorrow to my heart, so that by means of these arduous thorns I might return to a life that is more interior, more spiritual.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
Since mental prayer brings our intellect to the light of God, and keeps our will exposed to the flames of divien love, there is nothing which can better dispel the darkness with which ignorance and error have obscured our intelligence, nor better purify our hearts from all our depraved affections. It is the water of benediction which should serve to wash away the iniquities of our souls, to refresh our hearts consumed by the thirst of our cupidity, and to nourish the first seeds which virtue has there planted, and which are good desires.
Saint Francis de Sales
Those who give up mental prayer I really pity. They serve God now at their own cost. It is not so with those who continue to practise mental prayer. This adorable master pays their expenses. In exchange for a little trouble, he gives them consolations which enable them to bear all crosses.
Saint Teresa of Jesus
In mental prayer, the soul is purified from its sins, nourished with charity, confirmed in faith, and strengthened in hope; the mind expands, the affectiond dilate, the heart is purified, truth becomes evident; temptation is conquered, sadness dispelled; the senses are renovated; the drooping powers revive; tepidity ceases; the rust of vices disappears. Out of mental prayer issue forth, like living sparks, thode desires of heaven which the soul conceives when inflamed with the fire of divine love. Sublime is the excellence of mental prayer, great are its privileges; to mental prayer heaven is opened; to mental prayer heavenly secrets are manifested and the ear of God is ever attentive.
Saint Peter of Alcantara
Now is not the time to write, rather to weep. Jesus is dead to give us life. All creatures are mourning. The sun is darkened. The earth quakes. The rocks are rent. The veil of the temple is torn. Only my heart remains harder than flint. I will say no more. Join the poor mother of the dead Jesus as her companion. Ask the dear Magdalene and John where their hearts are. Let the sea of their pains flood within you. I end at the foot of the Cross.
Saint Paul of the Cross
The Cross on which the Saviour of the world bled has been henceforth lifted up, for all time to come, as a radiant star capable of purifying from all crime and capable of illuminating all despairs.
Charles Cardinal Journet (1891–1975)
