The greatest proof we can have in this life that we are in the grace of God

[Therese]

St. Francis de Sales says:

"The greatest proof we can have in this life that we in the grace of God, is not sensible love of Him, but the firm resolution never to consent to any sin great or small."

[Shin]

This is a very deep quote with a great deal of meaning and ramifications!

[Therese]

This is a very deep quote with a great deal of meaning and ramifications!

Yes, Shin, that's right.

[Shin]

'All spiritual writers agree that the best sign you can have of solid devotion is the amendment of life and perseverance in good.

You think there is illusion in such frequent Communion and that it would be better to go more rarely. Do not come to me with such arguments. I began to amend my life by frequenting Holy Communion after having tried every other way and failed. When I went rarely to Holy Communion I had no end of bad habits and imperfections which appeared to me insurmountable. I uprooted these by multiplying my Communions, and you want me to believe that it was the devil who urged me to do this! Every time I omitted to frequent Communion I felt my weakness more. I know some souls who have relapsed into sin the very day they omitted Communion. When I communicated again I felt fervor rekindle in my heart. I know by my own experience and by that of hundreds of people that by following your advice they would soon give up all reception of Sacraments.'

'No fervent soul has ever relaxed who did not first leave off receiving the Holy Eucharist. If I found that when going frequently to Communion I became no better, was still just as weak, just as prone to evil, just as indifferent about sin, I should conclude not that I ought to leave off going, but that I ought to receive our Lord with better dispositions. I should see if my confessions were wanting in sincerity, contrition, or purpose of amendment.'

St. Claude de la Colombiere

[Therese]

Yes, I see how very important daily Mass is, and how impotartant being properly disposed for Holy Communion is too.  What better way of persevering in good is there?

[Shin]

Yes, I see how very important daily Mass is, and how impotartant being properly disposed for Holy Communion is too.  What better way of persevering in good is there?

This is why religious life has daily mass I am thinking! It's our model for the laity to embrace if at all possible.. 

[susanna]

I've found spiritual communions during the day helpful since I don't get to mass during the week.   

[Shin]

I've found spiritual communions during the day helpful since I don't get to mass during the week.   

Yes I agree! Even when one can.. 

I really love how the first quote shows us how much love is in the will and in the deeds.

[martin]

St. Francis de Sales says:

"The greatest proof we can have in this life that we in the grace of God, is not sensible love of Him, but the firm resolution never to consent to any sin great or small."

I remember reading about St  Bernadette of Lourdes. After Our Lady requested much  prayer for sinners,she asked Our Lady, "Who are these sinners?" Our Lady replied, "They are those who love sinning."

As long as we have this hatred of sin and take seriously the duty to eradicate from our lives, I think that God who is Goodness itself will not refuse us the grace we so desperately need to fight the battle.

That quote from St Francis de Sales is so encouraging.

[Shin]

Yes.. it is a great sign of encouragement for those who are concerned about their state.. 

Hm.. Now I am thinking of this quote in light of St. Thalassios's...

[Therese]

Susanna, spiritual communions are very powerful.  Some Saint once said that a spiritual communion said with great fervor can get the same effects as a Holy Communion.  It's hard to believe because in Holy Communion we are actually receiving the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ Itself.

Shin, a Carmelite priest once told me that we need the daily nourishment of the Blessed Sacrament to fight off sin.  Clearly, it is very important for religious communities ... and the laity.  I too love how the first quote shows us how love is in the will and in the deeds.

Martin, I agree with you.  That was a very helpful quote from Our Lady to St. Bernadette.