Wednesday, May 21, 2008

WORDS OF WISDOM

I haven't had time to write anything original for a while so today I give you some words from the always quotable Father James Keller, founder of The Christophers, who wrote the following (condensed somewhat by me) in his book You Can Change the World:

"Long before they die, those who disregard others in furthering their own selfish interests begin to pay the penalty. They are never completely at peace. No matter how much of this world's goods they may possess, they seem forever ill at ease, restless, dissatisfied never to have caught up with the rainbow they are pursuing...

Those, however, whose lives are motivated with the vital purpose of doing all they can for others actually begin to live some of their heaven on earth. Nothing daunts them. They develop a gaiety of heart that carries them through the most trying circumstances...

You will be, in short, another Christ. And more and more, you will be able to say with the apostle Paul, 'It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me...'

A remarkable transformation will take place in you, and often surprisingly quickly, once you make within yourself the simple adjustment from dull, narrow concentration on self to the stimulating, vitalizing interest and concern in the general good of all...

Where in the past your approach to life was one of selfish timidity and fearful caution, you will find yourself charged with Christ's daring, bold yet prudent launching out...

More literally than anyone else, you will experience the real joy of living. Life itself will take on a new and exhilarating meaning. You will have the fun and thrill of knowing that, in however small a measure, you are building, not destroying; spreading love, not hate; light, not darkness. You will be fulfilling...the purpose for which you were created: to love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself."

TonyRossiBlogger@gmail.com

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