Father Isaac Hecker

What is it to follow Christ? What an invitation! Did you ever reflect upon the life of Christ?, what it is? Jesus was poor. Jesus was a virgin. The life of Jesus was one of self-denial. Here we have in the Gospel not only the sanction of the life of the class of men we spoke of, but, in the Founder of Christianity the Model of that life.

 

Romans 15:1-3,5-6

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." ... May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Father Isaac Hecker

Sometimes when I speak to souls in this Holy Sacrament [of Penance], I realize the words of Our Lord to be literally true: “He that heareth you, heareth Me.”  For it seems to me that I am only the passive, yet conscious organ of His Divine voice to their souls.

2 Corinthians 4:13

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." [Psalm 116:10] With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.

 

 

Saint John Eudes (1601-1680)

The Christian life is a continuation and completion of the life of Christ in us. We should be so many Christs here on earth, continuing His life and His works, laboring and suffering in a holy and divine manner in the spirit of Jesus. 

Saint Jeanne de Chantal (1572-1841)

There is no danger if our prayer is without words or reflection because the good success of prayer depends neither on words nor on study. It depends upon the simple raising of our minds to God, and the more simple and stripped of feeling it is, the surer it is. 

Saint John Climacus

Let us try to learn Divine Truth more by toil and sweat than by mere word, for at the time of our departure it's not words but deeds that have to shown. 

Saint Stephen of Hungary (969-1038)

Be strong lest prosperity lift you up too much or adversity cast you down. Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death. 

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941)

The most deadly poison of our times is indifference. And this happens, although the praise of God should know no limits. Let us strive, therefore, to praise Him to the greatest extent of our powers. 

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942)

God is there in these moments of rest and can give us in a single instant exactly what we need. Then the rest of the day can take its course, under the same effort and strain, perhaps, but in peace. 

Blessed Mark of Aviano (1631-1699)

God knows that the scope of all of my works is only to do His will. My only interest is God's glory and the good of souls. 

Father Isaac Hecker

"If thou wilt be perfect." Christ does not command.... He opens a door and invites those who desire to reach the heights of Christian perfection to leave all, and come and follow Him.

 

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Pope John Paul II (Beatification of Blessed Karl Leisner)

We are called against the "popular world view" illustrating that we are called to bear witness to a culture of life that finds its reward in eternal life. That we are called to "resist the culture of hatred and death regardless of the guise which it may assume.