Spiritual Direction from the Saints

St. Francis de Sales:

Believe me, the mortification of the senses – of the sight, the hearing, the tongue – is more beneficial than to wear a chain of iron or a hairshirt.    

One of the things which keeps us far from perfection is, without a doubt, our tongue.  When one has arrived at that point that he does not sin with the tongue, he is perfect, according to the Holy Ghost.  This is why we must speak little and well – little and with simplicity, with charity, and in a manner that will make virtue appear amiable.

Do not think too highly of your own ideas.  If your advice is asked, give it frankly, but with perfect indifference as to whether it be followed or rejected. 

All that we do receives it value from our conformity to the will of God; for instance, if I take recreation because it is the will of God, I merit more than if I suffered death without having that intention.  Keep well in your mind this thought and remember it in all your actions..It is thus you will do all with perfection.

If it happens that you say or do something which is not well received by all, you should not for this reason reflect much upon it, because it is beyond a doubt that it is self-love which makes us seek to be approved in what we say or do.  Simplicity abandons to Providence the success of actions done for Him.

There is a certain manner of prayer most simple and very useful; it is, to be habitually in the presence of God.  And this sight of God will produce in us an intimate union with Him, a simple and perfect intention.  Oh, how precious is this manner of prayer.

Other saints:

The holiest man is not he who holds the holiest station, but he who best fulfils the duties of the state in which divine Providence has placed him.                                                                                                                  – St. Lidwine

Constant fidelity in little things is a great and heroic virtue.                                                                                                                                        –  St. Bonaventure

 “Paenitentia maxima vita communis,“ – “My greatest penance is the ordinary life.”                                                                     – St. John Berchmans 

In our various employments and in the cares which attend them, we must not be disquieted nor act with haste.  Devote a reasonable and moderate attention to them, and then leave them to divine Providence.  Be certain that when God wills that an undertaking succeed, delay never harms it;  there is always more of Him in proportion as there is less of ourselves it.                                                                                                                            –  St. Vincent de Paul

Let us not voluntarily dwell upon the faults of others when they present themselves to our minds;  instead of dwelling on them let us at once consider what there is of good in these persons.                                              – St. Teresa

According to the doctrine of the saints, one of the principal means to lead a Christian and exemplary life is to observe modesty of the eyes.    – Rodriguez

Let all thy care be to possess thy soul in peace and tranquility.  Let no accident be to thee a cause of ill humor.                             –  St. Vincent Ferrer