Choose a topic from Part 1:
1. Since angels are superior to man, they can enlightenman. They can strengthen the understanding of human beings and makemen aware, in some sensible manner, of the truths to be imparted.Thus angels can act upon the human intellect.
2. But angels cannot act directly upon the human will; Godalone can do this.
3. Nevertheless, angels, good or bad, can exercise anindirect influence on human wills by stirring up images inthe human imagination. And angels, good or bad, can, by theirnatural power, arouse sentient appetites and passions in the sameway, that is, by producing images in the human imagination.
4. Equally, an angel can work upon the human senses,either outwardly, as, for example, by assuming some visible form,or inwardly, by disturbing the sense-functions themselves, as, forexample, making a man see what is not really there.
"Spiritual persons ought to be equally ready to experience sweetness and consolation in the things of God, or to suffer and keep their ground in drynesses of spirit and devotion, and for as long as God pleases, without their making any complaint about it."
St Philip Neri
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"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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"It is well to choose some one good devotion, and to stick to it, and never to abandon it."
St Philip Neri
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