theme by S D ▲ S
(Source: wannawakeupbesideyou, via amylorene)
(Source: rajjunderthesun, via jessasaurousrex)
(Source: wolf-teeth, via going-no-where-fastt)
Sorrow of Heart
If you wish to make progress in virtue, live in the fear of the Lord, do not look for too much freedom, discipline your senses, and shun inane silliness. Sorrow opens the door to many a blessing which dissoluteness usually destroys.
It is a wonder that any man who considers and meditates on his exiled state and the many dangers to his soul, can ever be perfectly happy in this life. Lighthearted and heedless of our defects, we do not feel the real sorrow of our souls, but often indulge in empty laughter when we have good reason to weep. No liberty is true and no joy is genuine unless is founded in the fear of the Lord and a good conscience.
Happy is the man who can throw off the weight of every care and recollect himself in holy contrition. Happy is the man who casts from him all that can stain or burden his conscience.
Fight like a man. Habit is overcome by habit. If you leave men alone, they will leave you alone to do what you have to do. Do not busy yourself about the affairs of others, and do not become entangled in the business of your superiors. Keep an eye primarily on yourself, and admonish yourself instead of your friends.
If you do not enjoy the favor of men, do not let it sadden you; but consider it a serious matter if you do not conduct yourself as well or as as carefully as is becoming for a servant of God and a devout religious.
It is often better and safer for us to have few consolations in this life, especially comforts of the body. Yet if we do not have divine consolation or experience it rarely, it is our own fault, because we seek no sorrow of heart and do not forsake vain outward satisfaction.
Consider yourself unworthy of divine solace and deserving rather of much tribulation. When a man is perfectly contrite, the whole world is bitter and wearisome to him.
A good man always finds enough over which to mourn and weep; whether he thinks of himself or of his neighbor he knows that no one lives here without suffering, and the closer he examines himself, the more he grieves.
The sins and vices in which we are so entangled that we can rarely apply ourselves to the contemplation of heaven are matters for just sorrow and inner remorse.
Pray humbly to the Lord, therefore, that He may give you the spirit of contrition and say with the Prophet, “Feed me, Lord, with the bread of mourning and give me to drink of tears in full measure.” (Ps. 80:5)
Excerpt from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis.
(Source: spiritualinspiration)
Above Everything Else by Rend Collective Experiment
Just discovered this band. This song is absolutely empowering.
KING JESUS, YOU ARE VICTORIOUS.
