Father Isaac Hecker

 

He who interprets the acts of legitimate authority as an attack on his personal liberty, is as far out of the way as he who looks upon the exercise of reason as an attack on authority.

 

1 Corinthians 10:23

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.

Father Isaac Hecker

The Holy Spirit in the external authority of the Church acts as the infallible interpreter and criterion of divine revelation. The Holy Spirit in the soul acts as the Divine Life-Giver and Sanctifier.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:8

Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

 

Father Isaac Hecker

The wisest man goes astray when he takes a single step without God.

 

Ephesians 5:10-11

Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them.

Father Isaac Hecker

Intelligence and liberty are the human environments most favorable to the deepening of personal conviction of religious truth, and obedience to the interior movements of an enlightened conscience. To a well-ordered mind the question of the hour is how the soul which aspires to the supernatural life shall utilize the advantages of liberty and intelligence.

 

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Father Isaac Hecker

Every sin that we commit, every virtue we omit, we are weakened and deprived of that strength which it is our privilege to have and to enjoy.

 

Romans 8:26

The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness....

 

 

Father Isaac Hecker

Many Christians, and really good Christians, as things go, consider that the whole of their religious duties are fulfilled in going regularly to Holy Mass, in approaching the sacrament of confession and in receiving Holy Communion, in fidelity to their daily prayers, and beyond these they seldom look. When they have accomplished these duties they think they will be perfect Christians. Now these Christians are like the one who when asked, why do you eat? And he answers, to support my life and gain strength. True, but what is your life for?  To what purpose is your strength?  Life and strength is not an end, but the means to an end.... So one might say to these Christians, [why] do you go to Holy Mass, make confession, receive holy communion, and say your daily prayers for?  You ought to have an aim in all these holy exercises, and keep it steadfastly before your mind, and employ them as means to attain and secure it...

1 Corinthians 12:7

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Father Isaac Hecker

My path is one of love to God, and all my work is cheerful labor.

 

Ephesians 5:19

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.