If we wish to do good, we must be meek like Jesus and St. Francis de Sales; otherwise, we shall never win anyone to the love of Jesus Christ.
Meditations (MD 127).
Conquer once and for all those petty passions which make us envy the graces that in various ways are given to others. Let us no longer offer any hindrances to the graces which are intended for us. Let us renew our minds and “serve the Lord with gladness.”
Meditations (MD 96.)
When we show irritation, we prove that we are already in fault. Cain was jealous of Abel, because his works were wicked, and his brother’s were just.
When we fail in charity, in whatever way it may be, it is because we are excited by some passion. Moreover even when someone is failing in charity towards us, we should like Jesus, become still more charitable, remembering that the one who has caused suffering has more need of our charity; it is the time when we can give our suffering even if we cannot give our lives for our brethren.
Meditations (MD 122).
The merit of the hidden life is not sufficiently understood. God destines each soul, like each flower, to some particular beauty; it is not such or such a manner of living which will make us saints, but it is our progress in the way that the love of God has chosen for us from all eternity. The souls which our Lord has destined to the hidden life are privileged like the Blessed Virgin, their Mother; their prayers and their humility may make them great missionaries, as she was.
Meditations (MD 132).
A Franciscan must be kind to all but should remember that the Divine Master, and Francis, His faithful servant, were especially tender to the poor and the lowly, whom the world scorns and often persecutes. Meditate on the invitation of Jesus: “Come to me all that labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you.”
Meditations (MD 139).
Pride is the characteristic evil of our century, and even the most intelligent leaders of society are infected with the revolutionary poison of false equality. No one would grant that the last place is the best, or that if we have the goods of this world we run the risk of being disinherited by God instead of being equals of His faithful servants.
Let us banish from our hearts this false judgment; and in its place adopt the Gospel standard.
Meditations (MD 143).
Do we praise God in everything? All that He does is for our good, for our perfection, and often to prepare us for his special designs. Resolve to have the courage to leave him entire freedom and to say, whatever sends or permits “God be praised.”
Meditations (MD 151).
The first and most important condition of fidelity to the divine call is a prompt and generous obedience. Unhesitatingly, a soldier obeys his commanding general; ministers hasten to answer the summons of their emperor.
Shall we hold back when God Himself, the king of kings, the Lord of lords deigns to call us? Are we not fearful of losing his abundant graces and obliging Him, so to speak, to discontinue inviting us to Himself?
Meditations (MD 85).
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