Oh, why? Oh, why?

"Let us pass on now to the other question—namely, what you can do to strengthen your resolutions and make them succeed? There is no better mean than to put them into practice. But you say that you are still so weak that, although you often make strong resolutions not to fall into the particular imperfection of which you want to cure yourself, no sooner does the occasion present itself than down you go. Shall I tell you why we are still so weak? It is because we will not abstain from food that does not agree with us. It is as if a person who wished to be free from pains in the stomach were to ask a physician what he should do. The doctor replies, 'Do not eat such and such food, because it brings you pain'; and yet the person will not abstain from it. We do the same. For example, we should like to love reproof, and yet we obstinately cling to our own opinions. That is foolishness. You will never be strong enough to bear reproof courageously while you are nourishing yourself with the food of self-esteem. I wish to keep my soul recollected, and yet I will not restrain all sorts of idle thoughts: the two things are incompatible. Ah! How much I wish that I could be steadfast and regular in my religious exercises; at the same time I wish not to find them so trying—in fact, I want to find the work done for me. That cannot be in this life, for we shall always have to labor."

— St. Francis de Sales, The Art of Loving God, p. 97

We are loved!

"We might say the whole mystery of our redemption in Christ, by his incarnation, his death and his resurrection, consists of this marvelous exchange: in the heart of Christ, God has loved us humanly, so as to render our human hearts capable of loving divinely. God became man so that man might become God—might love as only God is capable of loving, with the purity, intensity, power, tenderness, and inexhaustible patience that belong to the divine love. It is an extraordinary source of hope and a great consolation to know that, by virtue of God’s grace working in us (if we remain open to it by persevering in faith, prayer, and the sacraments), the Holy Spirit will transform and expand our hearts to the point of one day making them capable of loving as God loves."

— Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom, p. 67-8

Why do we follow Jesus?

"Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers. Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for Him. Many will follow Him to the breaking of the bread, but few will drink the bitter cup of His Passion. Many revere His miracles, but few follow the shame of His cross. Many love Jesus when all goes well with them, and praise Him when He does them a favor; but if Jesus conceals Himself and leaves them for a little while, they fall to complaining or become depressed. They who love Jesus purely for Himself and not for their own sake bless Him in all trouble and anguish as well as in time of consolation. Even if He never sent them consolation, they would still praise Him and give thanks. Oh how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, when not mixed with self-interest or self-love!"

— Thomas à Kempis, Imitation of Christ, p. 88-89

Are you looking for peace?

"The Spirit of God is a spirit of peace, and he speaks and acts in peace and gentleness, never in tumult and agitation. What’s more, the motions of the Spirit are delicate touches that don’t make a great noise and can penetrate our spiritual consciousness only if we have within ourselves a sort of calm zone of silence and peace. If our inner world is noisy and agitated, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit will find it very difficult to be heard. If we want to recognize and follow the Spirit’s motions, it is of the greatest importance to maintain a peaceful heart in all circumstances."

— Fr. Jacques Philippe, In the School of the Holy Spirit, p. 37

Restoration of a life….

I saw her in the day room of the Lodestar Day Resource Center. Her appearance was not that of someone who looked like they should be in the day room. Her clothes were clean, her hair hidden under a cute cap, her lips were adorned with lipstick. As I smiled at her, she returned a smile and a question, “Are you the chaplain?” “Yes.” “Can we talk?”

I invited Jan into my office. “Do you think God can show up in the middle of a mental health breakdown?” “Yes.” We talked about how her life, physically, emotionally, relationally, socially had collapsed around her leaving her homeless. Apparently, her family had stolen her wealth, leaving her homeless. “Through tears she said, “The greatest heartache I have is that my family turned my daughter against me and I have not seen her for three years.” She shared with me that she did not have any background in any religious faith. “I was not raised to believe in God. My mother was an atheist. When I had my breakdown, God visited me. I want to learn more about God.” 

I talked to Jan about a verse in the Bible that says God will give back the years the locusts ate (Joel 2:25). I shared with her how I had seen God do this for people. I prayed with her a prayer of faith that God would restore her life. I invited her to join our twice weekly Bible studies. She came twice a week for several weeks to eagerly learn more about God. 

One Monday morning Jan showed up and announced that she would be moving into an apartment with a patio in about 10 days. A week later she appeared for Bible Study and announced that not only did the apartment have a patio, it had a backyard so she could have a dog! I reminded her that God gives more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)! 

A few days after moving into her apartment, Jan called me excitedly to report that her daughter and her were now talking and seeing each other. 

We continued to touch base over the next days. I asked Jan what she needed for her apartment. “I need a dresser.” I contacted John Thurston, Chairman of the Chaplaincy Board who is a very active volunteer with the Kiwanis Thrift Store in Carefree, AZ. John located a beautiful dresser. But how to get it to Jan’s house? I contacted John Humphrey, a Chaplaincy Volunteer who had been leading Bible Studies that Jan had been attending, as I knew he had a pick-up truck. In a few days the dresser was delivered. While John was delivering Jan’s dresser he met her daughter. Her daughter asked John many questions about the Christian faith and said she wanted to be baptized. John invited Jan and her daughter to his church. While Jan has moved into her apartment, she returned this week for John’s Bible Study with the clients of the Human Service Campus. 

Ronald Friesen © 2018

Chaplain for the Homeless

Praying for those suffering from Mental Illness

This evening I was asked to pray the Invocation for the 23rd Candlelight Service for the Mentally Ill. Here was my prayer:

Eternal God, giver of life we gather here this evening to pray for our community, for each other and especially those who suffer with a diagnosis of mental illness.

Among us this evening are those who live with mental illness, we pray for your healing mercies to touch them, strengthen them, love them.

Some among us suffer from the diseases of addictions that hold them captive, we pray for their healing.

We commend to your mercy and defense all who are contemplating suicide today, right now. Bring someone or something to intervene.

For the families who have lost a loved one to mental illness, bring them comfort in trusting that your grace accepts their ill loved one, despite the final desperate act that brought them into your loving arms. 

Empower us to speak up for those who do not have a voice; save us from making peace with the injustices in the social systems that have failed them. 

Guide those who do research for the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses; uphold them with your compassion and diligence. 

For those who are in recovery and for treatments that enable them to return to full and rewarding lives, we give you thanks. 

For those who work daily to bring healing, comfort and justice for those who live with mental illness we give thanks and pray they may have the strength to carry on their work.

Heavenly Father, Giver of life and health, we trust that in your time and way, you will dispel all darkness with your light, all confusion with your order, all fear with your peace. Shalom. 

What is your faith worth?

This blog is from Fr. Richard Rohr's reflection on St. Oscar Romero

Persecuted for My Sake
Sunday, October 14, 2018

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. . . .  And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. —Matthew 5:10,12, The Message

Today Óscar Romero (1917–1980) will be named a saint by the Catholic Church. As Archbishop of San Salvador for the last four years of his life, Romero was a strong, public voice for the many voiceless and anonymous poor of El Salvador and Latin America. When he preached in the cathedral on Sunday mornings, I’m told that the streets were empty and all the radios where on full volume, to hear truth and sanity in an insane and corrupt world.

Here is a man who suffered with and for those who suffered. His loving heart shines through clearly in his homilies:

The shepherd must be where the suffering is. [1]

My soul is sore when I learn how our people are tortured, when I learn how the rights of those created in the image of God are violated.  [2]

A Gospel that doesn’t take into account the rights of human beings, a Christianity that doesn’t make a positive contribution to the history of the world, is not the authentic doctrine of Christ, but rather simply an instrument of power. We . . . don’t want to be a plaything of the worldly powers, rather we want to be the Church that carries the authentic, courageous Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, even when it might become necessary to die like he did, on a cross. [3]

In his homily on March 23, 1980, the day before he was murdered, Romero addressed the Salvadoran military directly:

Brothers, we are part of the same people. You are killing your own brother and sister peasants and when you are faced with an order to kill given by a man, the law of God must prevail; the law that says: Thou shalt not kill. No soldier is obliged to obey an order against the law of God. No one has to obey an immoral law. And it is time that you recover your consciences. . . . In the name of God, then, and in the name of this suffering people whose laments rise up to heaven each day more tumultuously, I plead with you, I pray you, I order you, in the name of God: Stop the repression! [4]

The next day, following his sermon, a U.S.-supported government hit squad shot him through his heart as he stood at the altar.

Only a few weeks earlier, Romero had said:

I have often been threatened with death. I must tell you, as a Christian, I do not believe in death without resurrection. If I am killed, I shall arise in the Salvadoran people. I say so without boasting, with the greatest humility. . . . A bishop will die, but God’s church, which is the people, will never perish. [5]

Romero’s epitaph reads “Sentir con la Iglesia” (“To be of one mind and heart with the Church”); these words were his episcopal motto, his promise to share the suffering and strength of the people he served.

[1] Óscar Romero, Homily (October 30, 1977). See Through the Year with Óscar Romero: Daily Meditations, trans. Irene B. Hodgson (Franciscan Media: 2015, ©2005), 17.

[2] Homily (December 5, 1977). Ibid., 28.

[3] Homily (November 27, 1977). Ibid., 24.

[4] Homily (March 23, 1980). Ibid., 175.

[5] From a telephone interview with newspaper correspondent José Calderón Salazar. See James R. Brockman, Romero: A Life (Orbis Books: 2005), 247-248.

Adapted from Richard Rohr, “St. Óscar Romero,” The Mendicant, vol. 8, no. 4 (Center for Action and Contemplation: 2018). The print and digital issue of CAC’s newsletter will be published later this year.

Come be united with God...

Today is Worldwide Communion Sunday. 

Here is a something to think about if you go to a church today and participate.

"Whenever we receive Communion, we enter into communion with the Holy Trinity. Did anybody ever tell you that? With each reception of Holy Communion, we experience, already here on earth, the same divine activity that we will one day experience in all its fullness in heaven—the divine activity of love eternally taking place within the Trinity . . . God wants to live his triune life in us. We are called to be dwelling places for the Holy Trinity and to enter into a personal relationship with each of the persons in God."

— Vinney Flynn

God, give me more strength!

"Even though we know that God’s will and commandments apply to everyone, we do not always have the strength to fulfill them. Now, every time we respond faithfully to a motion of the Spirit, out of desire to be docile to what God expects of us, even if it’s something almost insignificant of itself, that faithfulness draws grace and strength down on us. That strength can then be applied to other areas and may make us capable of one day practicing the commandments that up until then we had not been capable of fulfilling entirely."

— Fr. Jacques Philippe

Feeding the Homeless

On Sunday, August 19, 2018, I took the opportunity to go the homeless feeding program at First Congregational Church in downtown Phoenix. 

I had heard about this program from Associate Pastor Susan Valiquette a few weeks earlier. 

I had no idea as what to expect.

When I arrived, the room was filled with over 140 hungry homeless folks. They were all ages, races, colors, ethnicities. They had one goal: to partake in the feast of food prepared for them.

About 5-six-foot tables were at the front with 2-six foot tables on the one end creating a L-shaped serving area.

Promptly at 4 PM, without any announcement, people formed a line and came forward to receive a paper plate. As they walked along, they were offered green leaf salad, cooked mixed vegetables, a variety of hot dish items, pasta salad, fresh fruit, sandwiches and desserts.

One of the creative parts of the serving line was the offering of jelly and peanut butter sandwiches. These sandwiches came in two forms. Some were simply on trays and not wrapped. These were offered for consumption on the time of the service. Some were wrapped in plastic bags for eating later. The wrapped ones came in white bread and whole wheat bread. I think this a thoughtful way to serve sandwiches. Not everyone likes white bread! And not everyone likes whole wheat bread!  

I volunteered to help serve the desserts: cookies, a variety of cakes, cream cheese filed bagels and power bars. 

There is a a clothes “closet” on the stage of the room where people can come and look for some clothes. I believe they are restricted to one or two items.

A volunteer medical agency was on site and offered blood pressure testing. The volunteers are all nursing students from a local university. 

I talked to some of the volunteers and found out that they had been doing this for at least a dozen years. The program is led by a quiet lady named Diane. Volunteers come from all over the Valley and range in age from High School students to seniors. 

I took the time to visit with a few of those who came to eat. I met a man and his sister. They told me they have been homeless since March when they lost their housing due to medical expenses. They are now living in Sunnyslope area. They said they had come downtown to use the large city library when they heard about the meal being served. They are in their late 60s. I referred them to a local shelter geared to people their age. They were grateful for the referral.

I understand that feeding homeless people is a controversial issue. I also believe that food does bring people together. I believe that programs such as this can be used to bring resources together to actually address homelessness. Just as I was able to make a referral to the homeless siblings; I am sure that bringing more resources to this meal time could actually help reduce homelessness. I will be meeting with the committee at the church in the near future to explore such a possibility.

Hats off First Congregational Church!

Ronald Friesen © 2018

What is your will?

"The strength of the soul consists in its faculties, passions and desires, all of which are governed by the will. Now when these faculties, passions and desires are directed by the will toward God, and turned away from all that is not God, then the strength of the soul is kept for God, and thus the soul is able to love God with all its strength."

— St. John of the Cross, Ascent of Mt. Carmel, p. 259

What can I learn from a homeless woman?

Planning a Memorial Service

Today (8/14/18) was a new experience for me: I sat with a young lady and her boyfriend as we planned a memorial service for her oldest sister who died a few weeks ago after an epileptic seizure. The young lady and her sister have been homeless for about 8 months.

This is not the first time I have sat with a grieving family to plan a service to honor the life of a loved one. As a pastor of over forty years, I have planned and presided over many funerals and memorial services. 

It is always a sacred time to talk about a loved one. There is the reflection of the entrance of the deceased into God’s world. Sarah spoke about how a smile (God’s smile?) was released into the world with the birth of her sister. Rachel. “She was always smiling.” Sarah brought half a dozen pictures of Rachel – and there it was – a smile in every picture: a mischievous smile, a pouting smile, an awe-shucks smile, and a “I am so cute” smile.

Then it came time to talk about the “miracle” of Rachel’s life. Rachel’s life began with being deprived of oxygen. “No one was sure she would even live for two years.” All of her life was a challenge as she struggled academically. What was lacking in cognitive abilities was made up with social skills.

Sitting with Sarah I realize how our lives are all intertwined. Our circumstances are just that circumstances. Being homeless did not change Rachel nor does it change Sarah who is also homeless. I recall the words of St. Paul, “In whatever my circumstances, I have learned to be content.”  I don’t know how my presence may have affected Sarah and her boyfriend, I do know I was changed by being in their presence. I have to do some work on learning to be content.

Ronald Friesen © 2018

An Evening with the Homeless

An evening at a Bible Study

“God is changing my life. I am trusting God to help me deal with my apartment and my belongings.”

The above words by a resident of Ozanam Manor, a 66-bed residence for homeless disabled over 18 years of age and elderly over 55, in Phoenix represent the changes that come in a few weeks of ministry.

I met Mike the first Sunday, we offered worship services at the chapel at OZ as it is lovingly known by staff and residents. “I just got here yesterday. My stuff is still in my apartment and I lost it while I was in the hospital. I need my stuff.” His voice was filled with fear, anxiety and some anger as he talked about the last few weeks which found him losing his job and spending time in the hospital. Mike shared his past walk with God; “I have wandered away from God.” Mike and I prayed for God’s forgiveness and a new desire to follow God.

Mike has been coming to the services offered through the auspices of the Chaplaincy for the Homeless. He misses some Sunday mornings; however, he makes sure he attends the Sunday evening Bible study.

Last evening, the leader of the service, Baiyina, asked if anyone wanted to talk about the homework that the leader of the previous week’s Sunday evening study had given the group. Mike was the first to stand up and talked about how he was waking up every morning and praising God and reading the Bible. “My attitude has completely changed.” It was evident in his smile, laughter and joy. “I don’t really care about my stuff anymore. If I can find a way to get it, that would be good. If not, I will find some people who can use it and bless them.” 

I thought to myself, “Oh, if I could be so detached from my stuff!’

The attendance at the services at OZ have not been large. The largest service was the first one with eight worshippers. Since then there have been from two to four. It is tempting to give up and wonder if it is worth it. Then there are the “Mikes” who God loves. They are the 100^thsheep God is still seeking.

Ronald Friesen © 2018

A death worth dying...

"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 Heart, p. 219

Watch out!

"In the spiritual life, I can promise myself nothing without the special help of God . . . From one moment to another, I may fall into mortal sin: consequently, even though I may have labored many years in acquiring virtues, I may in one instant lose all the good I have done, lose all my merit for eternity, and lose even that blessed eternity itself. How can a king rule with arrogance when he is besieged by his enemies and from day to day runs the risk of losing his kingdom and ceasing to be a king? And has not a saint abundant reasons, from the thought of his own weakness, to live always in a state of great humility, when he knows that from one hour to another he may lose the grace of God and the kingdom of Heaven, which he has merited by years of laboriously acquired virtues? 'Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it' (Ps. 126:1). However spiritual and holy a man may be, he cannot regard himself as absolutely secure. The Angels themselves, enriched with sanctity, were not safe in Paradise. Man, endowed with innocence, was not safe in his earthy paradise. What safety, therefore, can there be for us with our corrupt nature, amid so many perils and so many enemies who within and without are ever seeking insidiously to undermine our own eternal salvation? In order to be eternally damned, it is enough that I should follow the dictates of nature; but to be saved, it is necessary that divine grace should prevent (go before) and accompany me, should follow and help me, watch over me and never abandon me. Oh, how right therefore was St. Paul in exhorting us to 'work out our salvation'—which is for all eternity—'with fear and trembling' (Phil. 2:12)."

— Fr. Cajetan da Bergamo, Humilty of Heart, p. 21-22

The Impact of a Wedding...

“We are going to have a wedding in the chapel!” 

With these words, Cynthia Bach, Spiritual Care Advocate for St. Vincent de Paul, announced to me that two residents of the Central Arizona Shelter Service (CASS), had asked to be married. She also informed me that the couple needed a marriage license.

In a few days I met the young couple, Richard and Carol (names changed). We talked about their plans for their wedding. Having no income, they did not know how they could afford the $83 cost of a marriage license. I said to them that I would make sure they would have the money for the license. 

The next day I met them in the office to give them the money order and to help them fill out the marriage license application which I had printed off the County Clerk’s website. 

Meanwhile Cynthia and I met with the couple and worked out the details of the ceremony. Cynthia wanted to ensure the day would be special for them. The bride brought her dress to the meeting. Cynthia said she would find a veil, shoes, get a wedding cake and flowers for the occasion. 

I worked on the order of the service and prepared the ceremony. 

It was a nervous couple and friends who joined us in the Virginia G. Piper Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul building on the Human Service Campus. 

I was joined by a good friend of the couple to welcome the couple and their party at the altar. He arranged the music to be played for the bridal march to be played over his MP3 player and a Bluetooth speaker. The couple exchanged their vows and rings. The groom’s service dog served as the ringbearer. 

With much applause and celebrative cheers, the couple were pronounced husband and wife. 

In the lobby area, the couple danced their first dance. 

The bridal party and guests moved into the dining room for their meal. Cake was served by volunteers of St. Vincent de Paul.

A wedding is a wedding. Well, maybe not. The wedding ceremony brought a greater awareness of the presence of the chaplaincy to the campus.

On Sunday as I walked through the campus, many people who frequent the Human Service Campus recognized me as the chaplain who performed the ceremony. Many of the guests of the couple as well as the couple themselves attended the worship service. 

A prayer for today....

"My great God, you know all that is in the universe, because you yourself have made it. It is the very work of your hands. You are omniscient, because you are omnicreative. You know each part, however minute, as perfectly as you know the whole. You know mind as perfectly as you know matter. You know the thoughts and purposes of every soul as perfectly as if there were no other soul in the whole of your creation. You know me through and through; all my present, past, and future are before you as one whole. You see all those delicate and evanescent motions of my thought which altogether escape myself. You can trace every act, whether deed or thought, to its origin and can follow it into its whole growth and consequences. You know how it will be with me at the end; you have before you that hour when I shall come to you to be judged. How awful is the prospect of finding myself in the presence of my judge! Yet, O Lord, I would not that you should not know me. It is my greatest stay to know that you read my heart. Oh, give me more of that openhearted sincerity which I have desired. Keep me ever from being afraid of your eye, from the inward consciousness that I am not honestly trying to please you. Teach me to love you more, and then I shall be at peace, without any fear of you at all."

— Bl. John Henry Newman, Everyday Meditations, p.150

Change is a Daily Process

"Among the various indications that make the holiness of God known to men, the most convincing sign is the holiness of men, who are sanctified by the divine indwelling . . . In teaching us the words, ‘hallowed be Thy name,’ our Lord also bids us, when we pray, to ask that God may be glorified by our lives. The sense of the prayer is this: ‘Grant us so to live, that all men may glorify Thee through us.’ God is sanctified or hallowed in the minds of other men through us, to the extent that we are sanctified by Him. Hence when we say: ‘hallowed be Thy name,’ we pray, as Cyprian remarks, that God’s name may be hallowed in us.  Following the lead of Christ, who says: ‘Be holy, because I am holy,’ we beg that we, who have been sanctified in Baptism, may persevere in the state in which we began. Furthermore we pray daily to be sanctified in order that we, who daily fall, may wash away our sins by a constant process of purification."

— St. Thomas Aquinas,

It's a hot day among the homeless

It’s a hot day among the Homeless today.

Today as I walked among the homeless in the day room at the Lodestar Day Resource Center, I was informed that a homeless woman had died today on the sidewalk outside of the campus. She was well-known by the residents and some of the staff. One person informed she was 85 years old. 

Walking out of the dayroom I saw the yellow crime tape to the northeast side of the campus with several police vehicles. As there is not direct route to that side of the campus, I had to walk around the block. Arriving at the scene, I walked to the crime tape and prayed for the woman covered by a white sheet. I offered support to the police officers who were patrolling the scene. They were grateful for my support. 

Walking around the police vehicles, I encountered several Human Service Campus staff and residents of the Zone near the woman. The woman’s name was Angel (name changed) and she was in her early 60s. Pointing to the white covered body, several talked to me about the woman. “She has been sitting here on the sidewalk for several days.” “She refused water and food.” “I told her to get out of the hot sun. She refused. She just kept talking to herself.” 

The staff pointed out that there was no water handy where the homeless were hanging out in the Zone. Knowing that a local pastor had given me 60 bottles of water yesterday, I knew I had to do something. I asked one of the men if he would accompany me to my office to retrieve the two cases of water and bring them back. We put them in my car and delivered them to the staff. 

Please carry extra water with you as you go out to do your errands. If you can, collect some cases of water and deliver them to the Human Service Campus. Call Gina Brockdorff, 602-391-6701, for drop off locations or look at the Heat Relief map for Maricopa County for a drop off location near you: http://azmag.gov/Programs/Homelessness/Heat-Relief-Regional-Network

By the way it was 108 F. out there in the Zone and is all asphalt and concrete.

Set your gaze....

"My God, you know infinitely better than I how little I love you. I would not love you at all except for your grace. It is your grace that has opened the eyes of my mind and enabled them to see your glory. It is your grace that has touched my heart and brought upon it the influence of what is so wonderfully beautiful and fair . . . O my God, whatever is nearer to me than you, things of this earth, and things more naturally pleasing to me, will be sure to interrupt the sight of you, unless your grace interferes. Keep my eyes, my ears, my heart from any such miserable tyranny. Break my bonds—raise my heart. Keep my whole being fixed on you. Let me never lose sight of you; and, while I gaze on you, let my love of you grow more and more everyday."

— Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Everyday Meditations, p. 44-5

Don't give up!

"If, then, we wish to persevere and to be saved—for no one can be saved without perseverance—we must pray continually. Our perseverance depends, not on one grace, but on a thousand helps which we hope to obtain from God during our whole lives, that we may be preserved in his grace. Now, to this chain of graces a chain of prayers on our part must correspond: without these prayers, God ordinarily does not grant his graces. If we neglect to pray, and thus break the chain of prayers, the chain of graces shall also be broken, and we shall lose the grace of perseverance."

— St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Sermons of St. Alphonsus Liguori, p. 201

Come, Spirit of the Living God

"May the Holy Spirit enkindle you with the fire of His Love so that you may persevere, unfailingly, in the love of His service. Thus you may merit to become, at last, a living stone in the celestial Jerusalem."
— St. Hildegard von Bingen

"The man (or woman) who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks in different languages. These different languages are different ways of witnessing to Christ, such as humility, poverty, patience, and obedience; we speak in those languages when we reveal in ourselves these virtues to others. Actions speak louder than words . . . it is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions. But the apostles spoke as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech. Happy the man whose words issue from the Holy Spirit and not from himself! ... We should speak, then, as the Holy Spirit give us the gift of speech. Our humble and sincere request to the Spirit for ourselves should be that we may bring the day of Pentecost to fulfillment, insofar as he infuses us with his grace, by using our bodily senses in a perfect manner and by keeping the commandments. "

 — St. Anthony of Padua, Witness of the Saints, p. 492