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ST PHILIP NERI (1515—1595)

St Philip NeriBe gentle first with yourself, then with others.  Many people desire to be saints but will not take the trouble to become so.  Patience with oneself is the beginning of true wisdom, and patience with others is the sign of a soul that loves God…. The true servant of God acknowledges his own nothingness, and yet does not cease to work…. It is not important to do great things, but to do small things with great love—and without thinking you are doing something special…. Beware of the pride that comes from thinking you are humble.

 

 

 

 

In their many different idioms the classical spiritual writers have attempted to throw light on the eternal question of union with God. 
Every month we give you a brief passage from a spiritual classic.