"A sculptor who wishes to carve a figure
out of a block uses his chisel, first cutting away great chunks of marble, then
smaller pieces, until he finally reaches a point where only a brush of hand is
needed to reveal the figure. In the same way, the soul has to undergo
tremendous mortifications at first, and then more refined detachments, until
finally its Divine image is revealed. Because mortification is recognized as a
practice of death, there is fittingly inscribed on the tomb of Duns Scotus, Bis
Mortus; Semel Sepultus (twice died, but buried only once). When we die
to something, something comes alive within us. If we die to self, charity comes
alive; if we die to pride, service comes alive; if we die to lust, reverence
for personality comes alive; if we die to anger, love comes alive."
— Fulton J. Sheen, Peace of Soul, p. 219
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