Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Presumption, as we use the word here, means the immoderateand unreasonable assuming that one can do what actually lies beyondone's power to perform. Since presumption conflicts withreason, it is sinful.
2. Presumption is an evil opposed to magnanimity. Formagnanimity is greatness of mind and purpose for honorableachievement which, however difficult, lies within a person'spower to attain. But presumption reaches with ill-foundedconfidence for what lies beyond its power to grasp.
"Men should often renew their good resolutions, and not lose heart because they are tempted against them."
St Philip Neri
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"The essence of perfection is to embrace the will of God in all things, prosperous or adverse. In prosperity, even sinners find it easy to unite themselves to the divine will; but it takes saints to unite themselves to God's will when things go wrong and are painful to self-love. Our conduct in such instances is the measure of our love of God."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP
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