Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori Quotes

45 Sourced Quotes

To obtain salvation we must tremble at the thought of being lost, and tremble not so much at the thought of hell, as of sin, which alone can send us thither. He who dreads sin avoids dangerous occasions, frequently recommends himself to God, and has recourse to the means of keeping himself in the state of grace. He who acts thus will be saved; but for him who lives not in this manner it is morally impossible to be saved.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
It would be the greatest delight of the seraphs to pile up sand on the seashore or to pull weeds in a garden for all eternity, if they found out such was God's will. Our Lord himself teaches us to ask to do the will of God on earth as the saints do it in heaven: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Let us, at any rate, give heed to suffer joyfully the crosses that God sends us, because they all, if we are saved, will become for us eternal joys. When infirmities, pains, or any adversities afflict us, let us lift up our eyes to heaven and say, "One day all these pains will have an end, and after them I hope to enjoy God forever."

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
When we hear people talk of riches, honors and amusements of the world, let us remember that all things have an end, and let us then say: My God, I wish for You alone and nothing more.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
To be silent when we are impelled to utter words injurious to God or to our neighbour, is an act of virtue; but, to be silent in confessing our sins, is the ruin of the soul.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God's.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Yet you should practice the greatest possible love and confidence in treating with Him.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
True charity consists in doing good to those who do us evil, and in thus winning them over.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears - of everything that concerns you.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
The principal means of acquiring an ardent love of Christ are mental prayer, Communion, mortification, retirement.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
In cold and heat, in rain and wind, the soul united to God says, "I want it to be warm, to be cold, windy, to rain, because God wills it."

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
O Mother blest, whom God bestows
On sinners and on just,
What joy, what hope thou givest those
Who in thy mercy trust!

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
What does it cost us to say: "My God help me! Have mercy on me!" Is there anything easier than this? And this little will suffice to save us if we be diligent in doing it.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Were you to ask what are the means of overcoming temptations, I would answer: The first means is prayer; the second is prayer; the third is prayer; and you should you ask me a thousand times, I would repeat the same.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Just as a mother finds pleasure in taking her little child on her lap, there to feed and caress him, in like manner our loving God shows His fondness for His beloved souls who have given themselves entirely to Him and have placed all their hope in His goodness.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Since His delights are to be with you, let yours be found in Him.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
There is no one, however wicked, whom Mary does not save by her intercession when she wishes... He who has recourse to Mary shall be saved.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
In temptations against chastity, the spiritual masters advise us, not so much to contend with the bad thought, as to turn the mind to some spiritual, or, at least, indifferent object. It is useful to combat other bad thoughts face to face, but not thoughts of impurity.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
Without prayer it is impossible to resist temptations and to keep the commandments.

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
How, then, shall God give himself entirely to that one who, besides his God, loves creatures still?

Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori