Shadows

If God created the shadows, it was to bring out the light.

Blessed John XXIII

Ongoing conversion

The goal of evangelization is ongoing conversion. We ourselves, of course, cannot convert anyone- even ourselves. Only the Holy Spirit can change the hearts and minds of people.

John Paul II

Mourning

Mourning is a symbol of a heart strong in compassion.

Fr. Joel O. Jason

The challenge of midlife

The challenge of midlife is to let go of the narrow ego and submit oneself to God. Whoever refuses to surrender will never find wholeness and, finally, will never gain spiritual health.

From "The Spiritual Challenge of Midlife", by Anselm Grün

Forgiveness

To understand all is to forgive all.

Christianity

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

C.S. Lewis

When bad things happen

Tough times can be God's way of shaking me free from the false gods and worldly ways that I'm hanging on to. He's rattling me for my own good, so that I'll be left with the unshakeable - God, the beginning and end of my life.

From "Blessed are the Bored in Spirit"

Wait

For certain things are not refused us, but their granting is delayed to a fitting time.

St. Augustine

At fifty

Tauler refers to Gregory's interpretation when he says that the human person goes through a spiritual crisis in the middle of life, aged 40. Until then, their image of God is much too clouded by projection. In the years between 40 and 50, however, the Holy Spirit transforms the person's relationship with God and enables them to understand and experience him (or her). At the age of 50, finally, we become people of the Spirit, a source of blessing for others, able to initiate them into the wisdom and experience of God.

From "Taste the Joy of Easter", by Anselm Grün