QUOTATION: We Must Rise Above the Self

To rise above self-- this is what must be done-- above all feelings, all opinions and dislikes, so that we gaze upon God and bind ourselves to Him by a simple assent.

--St. Jane Frances de Chantal

QUOTATION: Detachment

Free yourself from inordinate love or hate of earthly things. For Where the Lord finds an empty vessel He pours down his blessing.

--Thomas a Kempis

QUOTATION: Self-Sacrifice Must Be Unconditional

But we sometimes see persons, who, coming to the service of God, say: Lord! I commend my spirit into Thy hands, but on condition that Thou wilt always give me consolations, without anything to contradict my will, and wilt give me superiors in all respects according to my liking.

Alas! What are you doing? Do you not see that this is not to resign your soul into the hands of God, as our Lord did? Do you not know that this is only one of those reserves from which all our troubles, disquietudes, and other imperfections, usually arise? For, as soon as things happen not according to our expectations and anticipations, a sudden desolation seizes on our poor souls. Why is this, unless because we are not resigned with indifference into the hands of God? Oh, how happy should we be, if we faithfully practiced this virtue!

--St. Francis de Sales, Consoling Thoughts

QUOTATION: At Jesus' Disposal

We are at Jesus' disposal. If he wants you to be sick in bed, if he wants you to proclaim His work in the street, if he wants you to clean the toilets all day, that's all right, everything is all right. We must say, "I belong to you. You can do whatever you like." And this ..is our strength, and this is the joy of the Lord.

-- Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

QUOTATION: Holy Indifference

How beautiful it is to behold a person destitute of all attachment, ready for any act of virtue or charity, gentle to all, indifferent as to any employment, serene in consolations and tribulations, and wholly content if only the will of God is done!

--St. Francis de Sales

QUOTATION: Holy Indifference

If you will not do violence to yourself and will not be indifferent as far as you own interests are concerned, as to who is your Superior, do not flatter yourself that you will ever become a spiritual man and a faithful observer of your vows.

--St. John of the Cross

QUOTATION: Holy Indifference

Holy indifference goes beyond resignation: for it loves nothing except for the love of God's will.

--St. Francis de Sales, Treatise on the Love of God.