Saintly Sayings

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May 31, 2011
 

Meekness: May 31

A great means to preserve continual peace and tranquility of soul is to receive everything as from the hands of God, both great and small, and in whatever way it comes.
– St. Dorotheus

St. Catherine of Siena once asked our Lord the best way to obtain peace of heart, and He answered: "Believe that everything that happens in this world happens by order or disposition of God, and that He never allows anything to happen to someone which is not for his best."

We read in the life of the Venerable Mother Seraphim that in every anxiety and misfortune she had to suffer, she did nothing but praise and bless the Lord. Frequently she would say: "God is our Father and whatever He does is for our good; if it were not for our good, He would not have done it."

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May 30, 2011
 

Meekness: May 30

To maintain our soul in a state of peace, it suffices to perform all our actions in God's presence as though He Himself had commanded us to do them.
– St. Francis de Sales

This is the reason why St. John Berchmans always did everything well and on every occasion was invariably unperturbed. Before doing anything, he always prayed to God for guidance and then remained in His presence while performing the action.

One of the Fathers of the Desert was asked how he managed to lead a life always so well ordered and serene. He answered, "I often turn to my guardian angel who is always at my side. He assists me in every need and tells me what to do and say in every situation. Hence I have a holy fear and respect for him which keeps me ever on the watch to avoid saying or doing anything to displease him."

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May 29, 2011
 

Meekness: May 29

A very essential means of acquiring meekness of heart is to form the habit of doing everything and saying everything, important or unimportant, calmly and without haste. Act in this manner in times of tranquillity and thus you will accustom your heart to gentleness.
– St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis himself practiced this advice in an excellent manner, for he was never known to act hastily. To someone who asked him the reason, he replied, "You ask me how I can remain calm and not become upset when those around me are all bustling about. What can I say to you? I did not come into the world to agitate it. Is it not sufficiently agitated already?"

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May 28, 2011
 

Meekness: May 28

Develop a meek, submissive spirit quick to give in to everyone, in all that is permissible, for the love of God. To achieve this, each morning set your heart at peace, in humility and charity. Then throughout the day check every once in a while to see if it is entangled in some affection. If it is not completely free and calm, restore it to peace.
– St. Francis de Sales

The same saint's spirit of adaptability was so remarkable that Pope Alexander VII, in his tribute to him, characterized him as having made himself all to all. Among the many proofs of this, we need mention only the following incident. Fearing that he would not live long because of overwork and the little care he took of himself, St. Jane Frances de Chantal begged him to have a little more regard for his health. And he, as humble as he was obliging, answered, "I will do what I can, more because you request it than because of any inclination on my part."

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May 27, 2011
 

Meekness: May 27

The means of overcoming anger are:  1. Forestall such feelings as much as possible, or at least banish them at once by thinking of something else. 2. In imitation of the Apostles when the storm arose on the sea, have recourse to God, Who will restore peace to your heart. 3. While you are boiling, do not talk nor offer any opposition concerning the point in question. 4. Strive to be humble and courteous towards the person with whom you feel angry, especially if he has shown resentment in any way.
– St. Francis de Sales

When St. Vincent de Paul felt inclined to anger, he would refrain from speaking and also from acting, and above all, he would not make any decisions until the feelings of anger were under complete control. He used to say, that actions, though apparently good, when done while in a state of agitation are not fully directed by reason and hence cannot be perfect. Therefore in these instances, in spite of the heat of anger, and pretexts of zeal, we must utter nothing but kind and affable words in order to win our neighbor to God.

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May 26, 2011
 

Meekness: May 26

If possible, never become angry and always reject any pretext for allowing anger to gain admission to your heart, for once it has entered, you will no longer be able to banish it when you desire, or moderate it. If, however, you find that because of your weakness it has gained a foothold in your heart, summon all your will power and see that you set your heart at peace. But you must do so serenely, never violently.
– St. Francis de Sales

This was the practice of many saints, who were never known to become angry. Even in the most provoking situations they preserved their serenity and peace of mind. We think, for instance of St. Anthony, St. Ephrem, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Vincent de Paul and particularly of St. Philip Neri. Of the latter it is said that for the good of his spiritual children he sometimes assumed a stern expression but as soon as they were out of sight he would turn to someone present and say, "Don't you think I looked angry?" And at once his usual serene expression would return.

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May 25, 2011
 

Meekness: May 25

Humble goodness is the virtue of virtues, very highly recommended by Our Lord. Hence we should practice it always and everywhere. Evil must be avoided, but calmly. Good must be done, but always serenely. Follow this rule: that which you see can be done in charity, do; what cannot be done without dispute, do not do. In other words, peace and tranquility of soul must always take preference over all our actions.
– St. Francis de Sales

Of St. Francis de Sales we read that he enjoyed an unperturbed peace of heart. He himself said one day: "What can possibly disturb our peace? Even if the world should turn itself upside down, I would not become disturbed. Of what value is the world in comparison to peace of heart?" Thus he acted whenever the occasions presented themselves.

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May 24, 2011
 

Meekness: May 24

Be assured that all disturbing, upsetting thoughts do not come from God, Who is the Prince of Peace. They come either from the devil, or from our self-love, or from the high opinion we entertain of ourselves. These are the three fonts of all our troubles. When such thoughts come to our mind, we should banish them immediately and pay no attention to them.
– St. Francis de Sales

This is the reason why St. Francis himself was never seen disturbed or upset. He paid no attention to the temptations of the devil, was always a sworn enemy of self-love, and was humble of heart.

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May 23, 2011
 

Meekness: May 23

Be very gracious and meek, for the whole world expects this good example from you.
– St. Francis de Sales

It is said of St. Francis that amid his activity, he always appeared meek, calm and tranquil. He was never known to lose his serenity and good humor, no matter what he was doing.

Amidst his many trying occupations, St. Vincent de Paul never lost his peace of soul. It was amazing to see him receive everyone with the same calm expression, and content everyone, irrespective of class or condition, with great affability and without any sign of annoyance or weariness.

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May 22, 2011
 

Meekness: May 22

Whoever wants to acquire freedom of spirit so as not to be constantly troubled must not let aridity, disturbances, distractions or upsetting thoughts bother him.
– St. Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa herself practiced this advice. How much opposition and how many struggles, both internal and external she had to face in her life – occasioned by her own religious, by outsiders and even by the devil himself! Yet, in every adversity, she was always steadfast, undisturbed by anything. In this manner she attained to the enjoyment of a great liberty of spirit.

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