St. Francis of Assisi

You should never praise anyone until you see how he turns out in the end! 1

Here is one of the best means to acquire humility; fix well in mind this maxim: One is as much as he is in the sight of God, and no more. 2

Many would be willing to have afflictions provided that they not be inconvenienced by them. 3

It would be considered a theft on our part if we didn't give to someone in greater need than we are. 4

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. 5

... our Lord Jesus, whose footsteps we ought to follow, called his betrayer "friend," and offered himself willingly to his executioners. Therefore all those who unjustly inflict upon us tribulations, anguish, shame and injuries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death, are our friends whom we ought to love much, because we shall gain eternal life by those things which they make us suffer. And let us hate our body with its vices and sins, because by living in pleasures it wishes to rob us of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and eternal life, and to lose itself with everything else in hell. 6

... all creatures under heaven, according to their nature, know, serve, and obey their Creater better than you; the devils did not crucify him, but you, incited by them, have crucified him, and still crucify him when you delight in vice and sin. 7

Jesus is happy to come with us, as truth is happy to be spoken, as life to be lived, as light to be lit, as love is to be loved, as joy to be given, as peace to be spread. 8

We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen away, and to bring home those who have lost their way. Many who seem to us to be children of the Devil will still become Christ's disciples. 9

Jesus is happy to come with us, as truth is happy to be spoken, as life to be lived, as light to be lit, as love is to be loved, as joy to be given, as peace to be spread. 10

By the anxieties and worries of this life Satan tries to dull man's heart and make a dwelling for himself there. 11

Even though I had committed but one little sin, I should have ample reason to repent of it all my life. 12

When I think of the happiness that is in store for me, every sorrow, every pain becomes dear to me. 13

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. 14

Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage. 15

Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. 16