I came across an old prayer book by Father F. X. Lasance, published in the USA in 1908, and browsing through it I found some gems of wisdom which I like to share with you.
The first reflection is on Frankness, another word that means being candid, open, free, uninhibited, honest, truthful and plain-spoken, guileless, unconstrained. This is the quote by Abbe’ Roux: 'Frankness – There is frankness that is brutal, and I detest it; a frankness which is indiscreet, and I fear it; a foolish frankness and I pity it. There is also a frankness which is opportune, delicate and good – honor it!’
Another sentence that
struck me with its beauty is this: ‘Distance lends enchantment to the view.’
Yes, it is so true, because we want everything up front, up close, but a little
space, a sense of distance let us appreciate the beauty of any view that is in
front of us. The space and emptiness of what lies between your eyes and the visible
object enhances its value and adds charm and magnificence.
Do it now! Do not put
until tomorrow what you can do today.
A final reflection on the
theme of suffering: Sufferings afford opportunities for the practice of many
virtues – of patience, repentance, fortitude, compassion, kindness, humility,
courage, generosity – virtues which develop greatness and nobility of soul.
Suffering is undoubtedly a source of great merit and happiness, when the
sufferer is animated by a supernatural motive – and especially the motive of
love. The grandest music of the human heart breaks forth in the day of trial. The
sweetest songs are sung in sorrow. The best things in character are developed
in the time of affliction.
You can download the entire book of 744 pages here:
http://www.holyromancatholicchurch.org/articles/MyPrayerBook.pdf
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