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4. The Time or Season of Contrition

1. As long as a person is a wayfarer (that is, as long ashe lives here on earth), he is to hate what hinders his progress toGod and heaven. Hence, the whole of earthly life is the time orseason for contrition.

2. Since contrition cannot be too great in the will orreason, though it may be excessive in the sentient part of man, itought to be continuous through a person's life in so far asthis is compatible with the duties of life. "Blessed are theythat mourn" (Matt. 5:5).

3. The time or season of contrition ends with this life.The souls in heaven have no grief, but supreme joy. The souls inpurgatory have grief, but no longer have need to crush out hardnessfrom their will, for it is not there. Besides, the souls inpurgatory have passed their time for meriting, and truesupernatural contrition is always meritorious.

"God commands not impossibilities, but by commanding he suggests to you to do what you can, to ask for what is beyond your strength; and he helps you, that you may be able."
St Augustine

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"If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel."
Thomas á Kempis

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"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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