Uniformity with God's Will by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri
In this short work, Saint Alphonsus Ligouri recommends that the greatest and surest way to holiness is to desire what God wills in all situations of our lives. Sure, it is easy to consent when we have good things or are experiencing good times. Even in those times, we experience a temptation to forget about God, to give the credit for those good things to ourselves (or luck or chance or fate). Conversely, we blame God for the bad things that happen to us, the suffering we undergo. Ligouri's key insight is that God desires our good at all times and in all situations. When suffering comes, do not complain about it, especially to God. He knows what we need and what is for our perfection. Perhaps we need humiliation or discomfort to move us away from sin and selfishness, to move us toward Him by conforming our will to His. If we can do this, i.e. unite our will to God's will, a sense of peace and joy is ours, even in tribulations. It's how martyrs sang and prayed as they were led to horrible deaths. They offered their lives to God and knew that their actions, even though probably not chosen by them, were in conformity to God's will and brought them to the Kingdom.
Ligouri includes some very practical advice in various situations, internal and external. Accepting concrete situations as a gift for our betterment is the truth path to holiness. Everything is from God who loves us and wants us to be His. We just need to offer ourselves.
Highly recommended--this is a quick read and the center of living a holy life.
SAMPLE QUOTE:
Sickness is the acid test of spirituality, because it discloses whether our virtue is real or sham. If the soul is not agitated, does not break out in lamentations, is not feverishly restless in seeking a cure, but instead is submissive to the doctors and to superiors, is serene and tranquil, completely resigned to God's will, it is a sign that that soul is well-grounded in virtue.
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