Choose a topic from Part 3 Suppl:
1. Contrition is the greatest sorrow, for it is based onthe greatest charity, that is, the soul's supernatural love andfriendship with God. Sin is the greatest of evils; the sorrow whichcrushes it out of the soul is the greatest sorrow. Contrition is,indeed, not felt as the keenest sorrow in the sensitive part of aman, but as an act of the penitent's will it is the deepestsorrow of all.
2. In the sentient order, grief for sin may be excessive.It is not right or reasonable to become emotionally distrait, evenover sin. True contrition is in the will; here, it cannot be toogreat. But its sentient reaction must be regulated by reason, sothat the sinner retains calmness and patience.
3. Sins have degrees of evil in them; one is worse thananother. Therefore sorrow for one sin may, and sometimes should, begreater than sorrow for another.
"A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time.
"
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
* * *
"Does our conduct correspond with our Faith?"
The Cure D'Ars
* * *
"Men should often renew their good resolutions, and not lose heart because they are tempted against them."
St Philip Neri
* * *