Principles and Practices - December 13

DEPENDENT ON LOVE

A Christian ought to rejoice, not because of his good works and virtuous life, but because his life and goods are sweet solely for the love of God, and for no other reason whatever. A Christian, if he will make his rejoicing to God in moral goods, must keep in mind that the value of his good works, fasting, alms-giving, penances, and prayers, does not depend upon their number and nature, but on the love which moves him to perform them for God.

-St. John of the Cross.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930