To shrink back from all that can be called Nature into negative spirituality is as if we ran away from horses instead of learning to ride. There is in our present pilgrim condition plenty of room (more room than most of us like) for abstinence and renunciation and mortifying our natural desires. But behind all asceticism the thought should be, ‘Who will trust us with the true wealth if we cannot be trusted even with the wealth that perishes?’ Who will trust me with a spiritual body if I cannot control even an earthly body? These small and perishable bodies we now have were given to us as ponies are given to schoolboys. We must learn to manage: not that we may some day be free of horses altogether but that some day we may ride bare-back, confident and rejoicing, those greater mounts, those winged, shining and world- shaking horses which perhaps even now expect us with impatience, pawing and snorting in the King’s stables. Not that the gallop would be of any value unless it were a gallop with the King; but how else– since He has retained His own charger–should we accompany Him? . C.s. Lewis
About This Quote

It is said that St. Francis of Assisi’s response to the Devil was, “What have I to do with thee?” Throughout his life, St. Francis lived a life of poverty, humility, and kindness. He was known as an ascetic, which is a person who practices severe self-denial in order to achieve holiness.

He was often described as one who had given up everything for God. However, he also used things like peacocks and his own servants. He certainly understood that beauty can be found even in death.

The answer to the Devil’s question to St. Francis may be that he had nothing to do with him—that he was not his master—but instead an equal partner. He was willing to let go of material things for the sake of virtues like trust and love.

Even if we cannot control all of our earthly desires, there are still greater things we can attain through God’s grace!

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