Quote for the Day: Of the little progress we make in Virtue

[Shin]

Of the little progress we make in Virtue

We should be very much asham'd to own our selves or to be thought as ignorant after ten and twenty years study of the sciences, as we were the first half year; and much more asham'd to have it thought that we are contented to be so. And yet how many who make profession of piety, whose great business it is to become perfect, are not asham'd to confess, and to have it believe, that they would think themselves happy if after as many years study in the sublime science of Salvation, they were but as fervent, as mortifyed, and as near being Saints, as when they were but six months converted? they do indeed strive to banish those thoughts by giving themselves up to the insipid pleasures of a careless Life, but sooner or later Death will come, and what will their thoughts be then?

from Christian Reflections by Fr. Jean Croiset

Progress! 

[martin]

Now when he puts it like that.. That surely makes so much sense. Reminds me of what we were talking about on an earlier thread.

"For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light."
(Luke 16: 8 )

[Shin]

These comparisons towards how people of the world treat worldly concerns are very helpful aren't they? They help correct our perspectives!

[Brigid]

But isn't it true that a part of sanctity is learning to live our faith? That takes years and years of prayer, study and living. That is one reason we were made material beings with time being a component of our experience, I've always thought.

[martin]

Hmm.. But I'm thinking that we can't be sure how much time we have.. Look at little Jacinta and Francesco. They hadn't got those years and years to become saints but still, by being obedient to our Lady and praying their rosaries they became ready for heavern in a very short time.

Live each day as if it were your last and one day you'll be right,,, comes to mind.

I'm speakng to myself here Brigid. 

[Shin]

Umph, it's a conflict, between wanting to be a saint 'today', and our own weakness.

But with grace all things are possible! Purity of intention.. that at least, is the center and key. To maintain the cleanest conscience we can before God, and the cleanest intention for His service in all our acts.

Then even if we're at the bottom of a barrel, we can climb out in a good way.