Quotes from Charles de Foucauld

The absence of risk is a sure sign of mediocrity.

As soon as I came to believe there was a God, I understood that I could not do otherwise than live only for him.

We should never forget the two axioms: 'Jesus is with me' and whatever happens, happens by the will of God.

What great faith our Lord Jesus Christ asks of us - and how just that is. Do we not owe him such faith? It looks impossible to us, but Jesus is Master of the impossible.

Above all, always see Jesus in every person, and consequently treat each one not only as an equal and as a brother or sister, but also with great humility, respect and selfless generosity.

You have only one model, Jesus. Follow, follow, follow him, step by step, imitating him, sharing his life in every way.

Cry the Gospel with your whole life.

Anything that doesn't lead us to that - to better know and serve God - is a waste of time.

the one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything.

It is not necessary to teach others, to cure them or to improve them; it is only necessary to live among them, sharing the human condition and being present to them in love.

The moment I realized that God existed, I knew that I could not do otherwise than to live for him alone . . . Faith strips the mask from the world and reveals God in everything. It makes nothing impossible and renders meaningless such words as anxiety, danger, and fear, so that the believer goes through life calmly and peacefully, with profound joy- like a child, hand in hand with his mother.

Father of mine, I abandon myself to you, make of me that which is pleasing to you. Whatever you might do to me, I thank you.

What is this peace, different from that which the world gives? This peace is the one your love gives... a peace greater than suffering, not a peace without war, but a peace in spite of war, during war, above war, the peace of the soul, having, through love, its whole life in heaven and thus enjoying the peace of heaven in spite of everything which may happen on earth around it and against it. - from Michel Carrouges, Soldier of the Spirit

I no longer want a monastery which is too secure, I want a small monastery, like the house of a poor workman who is not sure if tomorrow he will find work and bread, who with all his being shares the suffering of the world.

Crosses release us from this world, and by doing so, bind us to God. —Charles de Foucauld

the one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything.