Quotes to read every few weeks

Daniel Spoto, in speaking of Francis of Assisi - "Stories of saints too often describe them as essentially perfect, always pious, suffering without complaint, ever clear about their commitment and destiny. How much more credible and moving are the accounts of those who endured struggles to remain true to their beliefs. Whatever one takes it to mean, saintliness is not a position one attains or state of life one achieves, the way one is called a doctor after receiving a medical certificate. However we chose to discuss it, holiness is certainly a lifelong process, and genuine saints probably never think about it. Their energies are directed toward God, not toward a consideration of their own merits or excellence. Most of all, their lives proclaim to the world the existence of a reality that transcends it."