Any real ecstasy is a sign you are moving in the right direction.

May I not come before You with empty hands, since we are rewarded according to our deeds.

We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can - namely, surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us.

Keep this in mind, for it is very important advice, so do not neglect it until you find you have such a fixed determination not to offend the Lord that you would rather lose a thousand lives and be persecuted by the whole world, than commit one mortal sin, and until you are most careful not to commit venial sins.

Discontent with this world gives such a painful longing to quit it that, if the heart finds comfort, it is solely from the thought that God wishes it to remain here in banishment.

People in the world pay little heed to reason where their own interests are involved.

Ah, how true it is that we love ourselves too much and proceed with too much human prudence, that we may not lose an atom of our consideration! Oh, what a great mistake that is! The Saints did not act thus.