HAPPY is he to whom truth manifests itself, not in signs and words that
fade, but as it actually is. Our opinions, our senses often deceive us
and we discern very little.
What good is much discussion of involved and obscure matters when our
ignorance of them will not be held against us on Judgment Day? Neglect
of things which are profitable and necessary and undue concern with
those which are irrelevant and harmful, are great folly.
We have eyes and do not see.
What, therefore, have we to do with questions of philosophy? He to whom
the Eternal Word speaks is free from theorizing. For from this Word are
all things and of Him all things speak--the Beginning Who also speaks
to us. Without this Word no man understands or judges aright. He to
whom it becomes everything, who traces all things to it and who sees
all things in it, may ease his heart and remain at peace with God.
O God, You Who are the truth, make me one with You in love everlasting.
I am often wearied by the many things I hear and read, but in You is
all that I long for. Let the learned be still, let all creatures be
silent before You; You alone speak to me.
The more recollected a man is, and the more simple of heart he becomes,
the easier he understands sublime things, for he receives the light of
knowledge from above. The pure, simple, and steadfast spirit is not
distracted by many labors, for he does them all for the honor of God.
And since he enjoys interior peace he seeks no selfish end in anything.
What, indeed, gives more trouble and affliction than uncontrolled
desires of the heart?
A good and devout man arranges in his mind the things he has to do, not
according to the whims of evil inclination but according to the
dictates of right reason. Who is forced to struggle more than he who
tries to master himself? This ought to be our purpose, then: to conquer
self, to become stronger each day, to advance in virtue.
Every perfection in this life has some imperfection mixed with it and
no learning of ours is without some darkness. Humble knowledge of self
is a surer path to God than the ardent pursuit of learning. Not that
learning is to be considered evil, or knowledge, which is good in
itself and so ordained by God; but a clean conscience and virtuous life
ought always to be preferred. Many often err and accomplish little or
nothing because they try to become learned rather than to live well.
If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as
they do in discussing problems, there would not be so much evil and
scandal in the world, or such laxity in religious organizations. On the
day of judgment, surely, we shall not be asked what we have read but
what we have done; not how well we have spoken but how well we have
lived.
Tell me, where now are all the masters and teachers whom you knew so
well in life and who were famous for their learning? Others have
already taken their places and I know not whether they ever think of
their predecessors. During life they seemed to be something; now they
are seldom remembered. How quickly the glory of the world passes away!
If only their lives had kept pace with their learning, then their study
and reading would have been worth while.
How many there are who perish because of vain worldly knowledge and too
little care for serving God. They became vain in their own conceits
because they chose to be great rather than humble.
He is truly great who has great charity. He is truly great who is
little in his own eyes and makes nothing of the highest honor. He is
truly wise who looks upon all earthly things as folly that he may gain
Christ. He who does God's will and renounces his own is truly very
learned.
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