'Prayer reveals to souls
the vanity of earthly goods and pleasures.
It fills souls with light, strength and consolation;
and gives them a foretaste of the calm bliss of our heavenly home.'
St. Rose of Viterbo
Painting: Poul Friis Nybo, Woman with Pearls, in US public domain
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI always find it interesting how at a particular point in time, an 'earthly good or pleasure' might seem so important, something we can't do without, and we work so hard to make sure we have it. Then one day we realise we no longer care about it at all. I can only conclude God has been at work within us, showing us what is of value and what is not.
I've had the same experience. One of the saints (was it Teresa of Avila???) compared this to children outgrowing their cherished playthings. Thank God we do grow! Thanks, Sue.
DeleteThank you, Colleen!
ReplyDeleteAmen, My husband always reminds me when I think I may want some thing or another that all will be out on the lawn in a sale one day! Though it is good to enjoy things they or the pursuit of them cannot be the center our lives revolve around-- only God be there hopefully. So thankful for prayer and the grace of transformation slowly in the dailiness of life. I especially love the simplicity and lack of clutter things in monasteries so interference is minimized and things of God are maximized.
ReplyDeleteI like your husband's reminder! :) I also like what you said about the grace of transformation slowly in the dailiness of life. Thank you so much!
DeleteAmen, Nancy. Where did you find St. Rose of Viterbo's writings?
ReplyDeleteAnabelle, I don't have her writings as such... just this one, which was in a list of things from various saints. I use old lists of saints' quotes collections, various things, and generally intend to cite exact sources... but unless they're currently under copyright (and thankfully I know which books, etc., are.. at least I HOPE I do!), I too often forget!
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