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St. Charles Borromeo

I admit that we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily . . . Would you like me to teach you how to grow from virtue to virtue and how, if you are already recollected at prayer, you can be even more attentive next time? Listen, and I will tell you. If a tiny spark of God's love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out. Keep the stove tightly shut so that it will not lose its heat and grow cold. In other words, avoid distractions as well as you can. Stay quiet with God. Do not spend your time in useless chatter . . . My brothers, you must realize that for us churchmen, nothing is more necessary than meditation. We must meditate before, during, and after everything we do. The prophet says: I will pray, and then I will understand. This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are a part of our work. In meditation, we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in other men.

St. Charles Borromeo

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