WISE SAYINGS OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES 5

 

The best and most desirable shrewdness is simplicity itself. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

We must be careful to practice virtues not only faithfully but prudently. This purpose we must strictly follow the advice of wise men, not to rely or on our own prudence but on the judgment of those whom God has given us for direction. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

Let us learn once and for all how to love one another as we will in Heaven. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

 

Praise is a slow poison. How many times has it destroyed virtue. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

Self-love dies only when our body dies, so we must, while we live in this land of exile, continue to counterattack its assaults on our senses and its underhanded tactics. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

When we feel within ourselves the first movement of self-love or of other passions, let us prostrate ourselves immediately before the heart of God and tell Him, in a spirit of confidence and humility, “Lord, have mercy on me because I am a very weak creature.” Then let us tranquilly rest in peace and put ourselves at God’s disposal. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

This poor life is only a jurney to the happy life to come. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

 

We must not be angry with one another on the way, but rather we must march on as a band of brothers and sisters united in meekness, peace and love. I state absolutely and make no exception: do not be angry at all if that is possible. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

Do not accept any pretext whatever for opening your heart’s door to anger. Saint James tells us positively and without reservation, “… a man’s anger does not fulfill God’s justice.” #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

A thousand little acts of virtue such as putting up with a slightly harsh word, suppressing an angry thought, agreeing with your neighbor, excusing an indiscretion, mortifying a desire, are all things that anyone can do and can find plenty of opportunities to do. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

To ensure that the saints pray and intercede for us, we must invoke them and ask their help… With full confidence we should seek their help and turn to them, especially on their feast day, without doubting for a moment that they will listen to us and will obtain for us what we are asking. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

True love of God permits no rivals; He wants to reign as sovereign. When He cannot reign absolutely, He no longer abides in us. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

 

What are you to fear if you are children of such a Father without whose Providence not even one hair of our head would fall? #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

When you have hurt somebody, repair the damage as soon as possible by some act of kindness toward that person. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

Many are satisfied with carrying the Lord on their tongue, recounting His marvels and praising Him with great ardor; others carry Him in their hearts with tender and loving affection, which becomes part and parcel of their lives, thinking of Him and speaking to Him. But these two ways of carrying the Lord do not amount to much if the third element of carrying Him in their arms by good works is missing. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

No one is esteemed before God for having lived long – but only for having lived well. For nothing is small in the service of God! #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

A really humble person never thinks anyone has done him or her wrong. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

… no sooner do little humiliations come our way than we immediately feel resentment, and turning our backs on such a beautiful virtue, we wish to be esteemed as somebody! #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

 

Just as little children learn to speak by listening to their mothers and lisping words after them, so also by keeping close to our Savior and meditating on and observing His words, actions and affections, we learn by His grace to speak, act and will like Him. #wisdomfrancisdesales

 

Set aside (a fixed time) evert day before dinner, or early in the morning when your mind is less distracted and fresher after the night’s rest. Do not extend it for more than an hour unless your spiritual director expressly tells you to do so. #wisdomfrancisdesales 

 

 

Follow us for more on our new website: https://www.ourparishpriest.com/