S. Vincent Ferrer observes, that the riches of this world are external, they enter not into the heart. “They are waters which do not enter space, where there is thirst.” The sinner may wear a beautiful embroidered robe, he may have a costly diamond on his finger, he may feast according to his desire, but his poor heart will remain filled with bitterness ; and therefore he will be, notwithstanding all his riches, pleasures, and amusements, ever restless ; and when anything opposes his will, he will become furious and angry like a dog that is mad.
St Alphonsus Liguori
When things go wrong with him who loves God, he resigns himself to the will of God, and therefore there is no need for him to quiet himself. The unhappy sinner, serves the devil serves a tyrant who repays him with sorrow and bitterness. What does not that revengeful man suffer, after he is revenged? that dishonest one, after he has fulfilled his design ? that ambitious one ? that avaricious one? Oh how many there are, who, if they suffered for God that which they suffered to bring themselves to condemnation, would become great saints.
St Alphonsus Liguori
Scripture speaks of a converted man as a new man, because, in fact, it produces a wonderful renewal in a regenerated creature. He is no longer himself, he is another man, another being, everything is changed. He cannot recognise the past, on whatever side you look, you find a new man.
Pere Vincent Houdry
I called and you rejected Me, I also in My turn, will laugh you to scorn. This is, at the same time, a reproach and a threat, which God makes to sinners.
Massillon
Woe to me! if I am so badly advised as to use my soul thus, woe to me! if I delay to the last moment of my life, that which should have been the occupation of my life.
De la Colombiere, SJ
Do not, I implore you, delay your conversion to God, for you know not the day appointed to carry you off. You tell me that God has given His grace to be converted, to some when they have reached to extreme old age. Does it follow from this that He will grant you the same favour? Perhaps He will grant it to me. Why add, perhaps? Because it has sometimes happened. What! does the question of your salvation depend on a perhaps?
St John Chrysostom
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