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Contradictions, sickness, scruples, spiritual aridity, and all the inner and outward torments are the chisel with which God carves his statues for paradise. —St. Alphonsus Liguori
For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 [RSV])
As a spiritual seeker, you surely have bumped into popular gurus who guarantee an end to all suffering if you embrace their teaching. “Make these four agreements,” says one, “and you will insulate yourself against adversity.” Another says, “Focus on the power of now and still the persistent, evil voice of your thoughts. Then, you will never again experience pain or hardship.” “Pray this arcane prayer religiously,” says a third, “and it will ensure your comfort.” The purveyors of these promises package their alluring messages attractively, and the books…
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