A Penitential Spirit

07-05-2020The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

Dear Friend,

Saint Theresa of Avila once said, "A growing Christian must have at his or her roots the life-giving waters of penitence.

The cultivation of a penitential spirit is absolutely essential to spiritual progress.

The lives of great saints teach us that self-distrust is vital to godliness.

Even while the obedient soul lies prostrate before God, or goes on in reverent obedience convinced that he is carrying out the will of God with a perfect conscience, he or she will yet feel a sense of utter brokenness and a deep consciousness that the person is still far from being what he ought to be.

This is one of the many paradoxical situations in which the humble individual will find them self as they follow on to know the Lord."

A penitential heart is created and sustained by praying always and never losing heart.

May you always pray and never lose heart.

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