Quotes & Themes – Meditation
Meditation
The desire we have to obtain divine love makes us meditate, but love obtained makes us contemplate. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 6, Chapter 3)
Your way is good and there is nothing to object to, save that you go on considering your steps too much, for fear of falling. (Letters to Persons in Religion, III 16)
Meditation produces good movements in the will or loving part of our soul. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 6)
If you have the gift for mental prayer, always reserve for that the principal place above private vocal prayers. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 1)
In striving to raise our reasonings too high in divine things by curiosity we grow empty in our thoughts, and instead of arriving at the knowledge of truth, we fall into the folly of our vanity. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 4, Chapter 7)
It is better to sleep upon the sacred breast than to watch elsewhere, wherever it be. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 6, Chapter 8)
The grace of meditation cannot be gained by any effort of the mind; but there must be a gentle and humble perseverance. (Letters to Persons in Religion, I 9)
If in prayer the Holy Spirit gives you the affection before the consideration, you should not make the consideration, since it is only made to stir up the affection. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 8)
Spend an hour in meditation every day. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 1)
Holy Church does not teach us to pray for ourselves in particular, but always for ourselves and for our Christian brethren. (Letters to Persons in the World, III 11)
Always say we and us, as our Lord has taught us in the Pater Noster, in which there is no mine, or my, or me. (Spiritual Conferences, 18)
Let all meditations on “the last four things” end always with hope and confidence. (Letters to Persons in Religion, I 6)
Consider what God is doing and what you are doing. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 12)
If it please God to give us affections without reasonings and considerations, it is for us a great grace. (Letters to Persons in Religion, IV 9)
If while saying your private vocal prayers, you feel your heart drawn to interior prayer, do not resist the attraction. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 1)
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The North American Salesian Network (NASN) is an organization of both lay and religious groups that live the Salesian teachings of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. NASN facilitates the sharing of Salesian resources, educational services, vocational efforts, and a variety of resources, bringing this optimistic, joy-filled spirituality to people throughout the world.