During mental prayer, it is well, at times, to imagine that many insults and injuries are being heaped upon us, that misfortunes have befallen us, and then strive to train our heart to bear and forgive these things patiently, in imitation of our Saviour. This is the way to acquire a strong spirit.
Philip NeriThere is nothing more dangerous in the spiritual life, than to wish to rule ourselves after our own way of thinking.
Philip NeriThe best way to prepare for death is to spend every day of life as though it were the last.
Philip NeriWe must not trust in ourselves, but take the advice of our spiritual father, and recommend ourselves to everybodys prayers.
Philip NeriWe are not saints yet, but we, too, should beware. Uprightness and virtue do have their rewards, in self-respect and in respect from others, and it is easy to find ourselves aiming for the result rather than the cause. Let us aim for joy, rather than respectability. Let us make fools of ourselves from time to time, and thus see ourselves, for a moment, as the all-wise God sees us.
Philip Neri