Salvation is Shown to Faith

Nothing makes us so prosperous in this world as to give alms.

It is to those who have the most need of us that we ought to show our love more especially.

Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence.

Salvation is shown to faith, it is prepared for hope, but it is given only to charity. Faith points out the way to the land of promise as a pillar of fire hope feeds us with its manna of sweetness, but charity actually introduces us into the Promised Land.

Oh what remorse we shall feel at the end of our lives, when we look back upon the great number of instructions and examples afforded by God and the Saints for our perfection, and so carelessly received by us! If this end were to come to you today, how would you be pleased with the life you have led this year?

We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.

In the royal galley of divine Love, there is no galley slave: all rowers are volunteers.

We are not drawn to God by iron chains, but by sweet attractions and holy inspirations.

Perfection of life is the perfection of love. For love is the life of the soul.

By giving yourself to God, you not only receive Himself in exchange, but eternal life as well.

Man is the perfection of the Universe. The spirit is the perfection of man. Love is the perfection of the spirit, and charity that of love. Therefore, the love of God is the end, the perfection of the Universe.

St. Frances De Sales, from an "Introduction to the Devout Life"