'The years have gone by, one after the other, without our reflecting on how we have spent them, and whether there was anything in our conduct to improve, add or remove. We have lived thoughtlessly and unmindful that one day the eternal Judge shall call each of us and ask us to give an account of our deeds and how we made use of our time. And yet we shall have to give a most strict account of every minute, every grace, every holy inspiration and every occasion offered to us to do good.
We must rise up and value every instant of time that passes and is in our power. We must not waste a single moment. By divine grace we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year. This year, which only God knows if we shall see its end, must be used in reparation for the past and in preparation for the future.'
'The Lord is willing to do great things, but on condition that we are truly humble.'
'Pray, pray to the Lord with me, because the whole world needs prayer. And every day, when your heart especially feels the loneliness of life, pray. Pray to the Lord because even God needs our prayers.'
'If there wasn't anything else in a soul but the desire to love God, this would be sufficient because God Himself is there. He is not present where there is no desire to love Him. You ought to ask our Lord for just one thing, to love Him. All the rest should be thanksgiving.'
by Padre Pio
