Saturday, July 11, 2009

Glorify God by helping Jesus save souls

"Jesus came down among us to glorify His Father and for Him He sacrificed Himself. But He came also to save us and for us He shed His blood to its very last drop. It follows that he who thinks only of his own sanctification cannot claim that He acts in conformity with Christ's designs and imitates the life of Jesus. It is not enough to live in God's presence while remaining unconcerned about the lot of so many souls that are heading towards perdition. Realizing how little God is loved and to what extent Christ's sufferings and death are rendered useless, or at least fruitless, for many souls, how can we refuse to apply ourselves with all our heart to the task of consoling the heart of our Savior by bringing the infinite merits of Jesus Christ to our fellowmen?

If so many virtuous people fail to make progress in spiritual life, is it not often on account of their lack of charity? They show no interest in the spiritual good of others. They have no zeal for souls. A more perfect practice of charity, a greater devotedness to the salvation of souls would help them become more detached from self-love and forget their personal interests. By that means they would advance in the love of God and strengthen their union with Him."

-- Complete Spiritual Doctrine of St Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr François Jamart, ocd

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