Whoever walks always in God's presence, will never commit sin, but will preserve his innocence and become a great saint – Saint John Joseph of the Cross
Were there neither heaven nor hell," he would say, "still would I ever wish to love God, who is a father so deserving of our love." Or "Let us love our Lord, love him verily and indeed, for the love of God is a great treasure. Blessed is he that loveth God.
John Joseph’s mortification allowed him to be the kind of forgiving superior intended by Saint Francis. Self-denial should lead us to charity—not to bitterness; it should help us clarify our priorities and make us more loving. (Franciscan Media)
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if we wish to attain heaven, we must be prepared to truly follow Christ by cutting off every and all things that will make us not attain the kingdom of heaven by resisting our evil inclinations. Then through sacrifice, give up things that are needed and that are dearest to our human nature and avoid the temptations of the devil.
This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively: if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and for my God. It is for Him that I die.
