Since God often sends us inspirations by means of His angels, we should frequently return our aspirations to him by means of the same messengers.
Saint Francis De SalesRead
The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the elephant's loving and respectful behavior towards its mate, suggesting it serves as a model for human relationships.
Saint Francis De Sales uses the example of elephants to illustrate the virtues of loyalty, modesty, and care in relationships. Elephants are depicted as faithful companions, choosing their partners carefully and maintaining a profound sense of respect and purity. This analogy encourages humans to adopt similar values in their marital lives, emphasizing the importance of commitment and tenderness between partners.
In practice
During a wedding ceremony to highlight the importance of loyalty and purity in marriage.
Since God often sends us inspirations by means of His angels, we should frequently return our aspirations to him by means of the same messengers.
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Represent to yourself a dark city all burning and stinking with fire and brimstone. The damned are in the depth of hell within this woful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments in all their senses and members. Consider above all the eternity of their pains, which above all things makes hell intolerable.
Lately I was near the beehives and some of the bees flew onto my face. I wanted to raise my hand, and brush them off. 'No,' said a peasant to me, 'do not be afraid, and do not touch them. They will not sting you at all, if you touch them they will bite you.' I trusted him; not one bit me. Trust me; do not fear these temptations. Do not touch them; they will not hurt you.
There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.
Just like children, emotions heal when they are heard and validated.
I really wasn't heavy in high school. But no one feels right in their own skin, particularly in high school.
Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together.
Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish?
Marriage is the only actual bondage known to our law. There remain no legal slaves, except the mistress of every house.
If you're black in America, race is a factor in your life. Start with that assumption.
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