The love we owe to God will not move hearts that dwell upon the earth
February 9, 2022 • 2 min
From The Sinner’s Guide, page 16
By Venerable Louis of Granada
Though of all motives this is the most powerful, yet it has least influence on the imperfect. The reason of this is because, on the one hand, they are more moved by self-interest, self-love having deep root in their hearts; and on the other, being still ignorant, and novices in the ways of God, they are unable to appreciate His grandeur and beauty.
Had they a better knowledge of His perfections, His beauty would enrapture their souls and cause them to love Him above all things. Therefore we shall furnish some considerations from the mystical theology of St. Denis which will help them to apprehend the perfections of the Master they serve.
To lead us to a knowledge of God, St. Denis teaches us first to turn our eyes from the qualities or perfections of creatures, lest we be tempted to measure by them the perfections of the Creator.
Then, turning from the things of earth, he raises our souls to the contemplation of a Being above all beings, a Substance above all substances, a Light above all lights—or rather a Light before which all light is darkness—a Beauty above all beauties and before which all other beauty is but deformity.
This is what we are taught by the cloud into which Moses entered to converse with God, and which shut out from his senses all that was not God. [Exod. xxiv. 16, 18.]
And the action of Elias, covering his face with his cloak when he saw the glory of God passing before him, is a lively expression of the same sentiment. [3 Kings xix. 13.]
Therefore, to contemplate the glory of God, man must close his eyes to earthly things, which bear no proportion to this supreme Being.
Latest book snippets
Search | Random | 925 total | 50h 22m
December 11, 2022
We should do everything to avoid Hell while we still can
3 min — The Sinner’s Guide
November 4, 2022
If we continue to ignore God’s warnings, we forfeit our souls permanently to Hell
3 min — The Sinner’s GuideIf only we cooperate with God’s inspirations, our inevitable duties will be far easier
2 min — Parochial and Plain Sermons, in 8 volumes
November 1, 2022
We have made the commandments of God grievous to ourselves by hardening our hearts
3 min — Parochial and Plain Sermons, in 8 volumes
October 30, 2022
Our peace cannot be found in others
1 min — Imitation of Christ
September 23, 2022
Our hearts must not rest in this world but in God
1 min — Imitation of Christ
September 22, 2022
Prayer of praise and longing for the Eucharist
1 min — Imitation of Christ
September 20, 2022
We must love and thank Jesus even in suffering
0 min — Imitation of Christ
September 18, 2022
Patience in suffering will purchase us eternal rest
1 min — Imitation of Christ