Those who follow diligently along the path of perfect virtue do not merely experience the joy of being liberated by Christ in the midst of the dangers presented to them. They also experience the joy of obtaining and possessing such blessings in their souls that they can say with much truth: “The kingdom of God is within you” (Lk 17: 21).

As Saint Paul says, this kingdom “consists” in having within oneself “justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14: 17). Such persons as these are so enthusiastic about what is just and good; and they love it so much that, if the laws of virtue were to disappear from books, “they would be found written in their hearts” (cf. Rom 2: 15). This is not because they know them by memory but because the resolute love of their hearts is exactly what the law speaks from outside. Their will is already so transformed by love of the good, and through putting it into practice with such love and delight, that to follow their heart’s desire is to follow virtue and to flee from vice. They have become the living law and measure of human actions that Aristotle was aiming at.

From here there is born a peace and a joy so complete that no one can understand them except the one who tastes them. This is because, as Isaiah says, “the peace of such as these is like a river and like the waves of the ocean” (cf. Is 48: 18). Saint Paul says that “this peace of God surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4: 7), and Saint Peter says that “this joy is nspeakable” (cf. 1 Pt 1: 8). It is “hidden manna” that is given to the one who manfully overcomes himself. “No one can taste it except the one who receives it” (cf. Rv 2; 17).

St. John of Avila

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You see. then, my friend, that your defects are all you can attribute to yourself, for you possess nothing else of your own. If our Lord afflicts you, think how weak and faulty you must be, to show so little resignation at his just punishment. lf he sends you consolations, be confused at the want of humility you manifest in the way you accept them, for the more God honors you and treats you as if you were righteous, the more should you abase yourself, and be ashamed of your shortcomings.

Remember how little you profit by the inspirations and promptings you receive from God and how often when he urges you again and again to do something for him, you forget his wish almost at once, and do not carry it out. Surely his every word should remain imprinted in your memory for life, without need for him to repeat it. Think how often your faulty heart lets the precious grace which our Lord pours into it become wasted, instead of carefully preserving it.

When God gives us spiritual sweetness, we should prepare our souls to receive it again by withdrawing more from earthly joys, and by keeping our minds closed against them and more recollected and given to God.

Saint John of Avila

The post Spiritual Life first appeared on AirMaria.com.

In the homily today (Jan 29), Fr. Matthias expands on the first reading from Hebrews, explaining that for our works to be good and perfect, they must be done for the sole purpose of pleasing God, according to His will. Citing St. Alphonsus Liguori, Father offers four indications for determining if our works are done to please God alone.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Tuesday 3rd Week of Ordinary Time – Wkdy

Readings: 
1st: Heb 10:1-10
Resp: Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 10, 11
Gsp: Mk 3:31-35

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1372

See St. Alphonsus treatise on “The Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ” (https://www.basilica.ca/documents/2016/10/St.%20Alphonsus%20Liguori-The%20Practice%20of%20the%20Love%20of%20Jesus%20Christ.pdf)

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The post Good Works Not Enough, Must Be Done Well – Jan 29 – Homily – Fr Matthias first appeared on AirMaria.com.