When the sky is free from clouds we can see more clearly the brightness of the sun. In like manner, when the soul is free from sin and the gloom of passion, it participates in the divine light.--VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. 14 Our works are of no value if they be not united to the merits of Jesus Christ.--ST. TERESA. 15 If we are very determined to mortify ourselves and not to be too much occupied with our corporal health, we will soon, by the grace of God, become masters of our bodies.--ST. TERESA. 16 In every creature, however small it be, we may see a striking image of divine wisdom, power, and goodness.--VEN. BARTHOLOMEW OF MARTYRS. 17 Time is but a period. It passes like the lightning flash. Suffering passes with time; suffering, then, is very short.--BL. HENRY SUSO. 18 In order to bear our afflictions with patience, it is very useful to read the lives and legends of the saints who endured great torments for Jesus Christ.--ST. TERESA. 19 Open thine ears to the voices of nature, and thou shalt hear them in concert inviting thee to the love of God.--VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. 20 On the feasts of the saints consider their virtues, and beseech God to deign to adorn you with them.--ST. TERESA. 21 When faith grows weak, all virtues are weakened. When faith is lost, all virtues are lost--ST. ALPHONSUS. 22 A precious crown is reserved in heaven for those who perform all their actions with all the diligence of which they are capable; for it is not sufficient to do our part well; it must be done more than well.--ST. IGNATIUS. 23 Nothing created has ever been able to fill the heart of man. God alone can fill it infinitely.--ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. 24 We should only make use of life to grow in the love of God.--ST. ALPHONSUS. 25 In vain men try. They can never find in creatures sincere affection, perfect joy, or true peace.--BL. HENRY SUSO. 26 God is supreme strength, fortifying those who place their trust and confidence in Him.--ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. 27 God gives each one of us sufficient grace ever to know His holy will, and to do it fully.--ST. IGNATIUS. 28 Shun useless conversation. We lose by it both time and the spirit of devotion.--ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. 29 The upright intention is the soul of our actions. It gives them life and makes them good.--ST. ALPHONSUS. 30 The truth of faith alone, deeply graven in the soul, is sufficient to encourage us to very perfect works; for it strengthens man and increases his charity.--ST. TERESA. 31 It is folly not to think of death. It is greater folly to think of it, and not prepare for it.--ST. ALPHONSUS. February 1 THE most perfect and meritorious intention is that by which, in all our actions, we have in view only the good pleasure of God and the accomplishment of His holy will.--ST. ALPHONSUS. 2 Mary's sorrow was less when she saw her only Son crucified, than it is now at the sight of men offending Him by sin.--ST. IGNATIUS. 3