"Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars."

Thomas á Kempis

* * *

"Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God."

Thomas á Kempis

* * *

"If, devout soul, it is your will to please God and live a life of serenity in this world, unite yourself always and in all things to the divine will. Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God's will. For the future, embrace God's good pleasure and say to him in every happening: "Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight." "

St Alphonsus de Liguori

* * *

About this "Penny" Catechism - Visit the more detailed "Catechism of the Catholic Church" here.

 
 

FROM THE "PENNY CATECHISM"
     

Grace and Prayer
135.

Will Faith alone save us?
 

Faith alone will not save us without good works; we must also have Hope and Charity.
 
136. What is Hope?

 

Hope is a supernatural gift of God, by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life and all means necessary to obtain it, if we do what he requires of us.
 
  137. Why must we hope in God?
 
 

We must hope in God because he is infinitely good, infinitely powerful, and faithful to his promises.
 
  138. Can we do any good work of ourselves towards our salvation?
 
 

We can do no good work of ourselves towards our salvation; we need the help of God's grace.
 
139. What is Grace?
 

Grace is a supernatural gift of God, freely bestowed upon us for our sanctification and salvation.
 
140. How must we obtain God's grace?
 

We must obtain God's grace chiefly by prayer and the holy Sacraments.
 
141. What is prayer?
 

Prayer is the raising up of the mind and heart to God.
 
142. How do we raise up our mind and heart to God?
 

We raise up our mind and heart to God by thinking of God; by adoring, praising, and thanking him; and by begging of him all blessings for soul and body.
 
143. Do those pray well who, at their prayers, think neither of God nor of what they say?
 

Those who, at their prayers, think neither of God nor of what they say, do not pray well; but they offend God, if their distractions are wilful.