"A hidden and obscure
life affords great security to those who sincerely desire to love God. Our
Divine Master Himself deigned to teach us this by His own example, for He spent
thirty years in the obscurity of Nazareth and the workshop of a humble carpenter.
In imitation of their Divine Model, many saints withdrew into the desert and
lived in remote caves to escape the esteem of men. The desire to put ourselves
forward and merit the plaudits of men, to be regarded as very successful in our
undertakings, is, according to St. Vincent de Paul, and evil that causes us to
forget our God; it vitiates our holiest actions and more than anything else
impedes our progress in the spiritual life. To be pleasing and acceptable in
the sight of God, we must therefore banish from our hearts the desire to appear
before men to win their approval and applause and especially the desire to rule
over others."
— St. Alphonsus
Liguiori, 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation, p. 128-9
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