Let us thank God for having called us to His holy faith. It is a great gift, and the number of those who thank God for it is small.
Alphonsus LiguoriTo obtain salvation we must tremble at the thought of being lost, and tremble not so much at the thought of hell, as of sin, which alone can send us thither. He who dreads sin avoids dangerous occasions, frequently recommends himself to God, and has recourse to the means of keeping himself in the state of grace. He who acts thus will be saved; but for him who lives not in this manner it is morally impossible to be saved.
Alphonsus LiguoriIf, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some severity in order to make a grievous crime felt, we should always, at the conclusion of the rebuke, add some kind words. We must heal wounds, as the Samaritan did, with wine and oil. But as oil floats above all other liquors, so meekness should predominate in all our actions.
Alphonsus LiguoriAs all our wickedness consists in turning away from our Creator, so all our goodness consists in uniting ourselves with Him.
Alphonsus Liguori