Who has a stronger conflict than he who strives to overcome himself?
-Bk. I, ch. iii.
Such a one is conqueror of himself and lord of the world, a friend of Christ, and an heir of Heaven..
-Bk. II, ch. iii.
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There is a striking passage on bodily penance in the Life of Bl. Henry Suso. He had ruined his health by the appalling penances he inflicted on himself, when an angel appeared and bade him cease, saying: "All this time you have fought as a common soldier; you shall now be made a knight," thus teaching the holy man that the spiritual combat was more sublime than "bodily mortification.
God has never let me fight as a common soldier; from the very beginning I was made a knight, and set out on a spiritual campaign against myself, by self-denial and little, unknown sacrifices. I have found peace and humility in this hidden struggle where human nature can find no satisfaction.
-Letters.
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For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
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