Quote of the day, 15 January: Silvio José Báez, O.C.D.

The Immaculate Virgin teaches us that the human being who abandons himself totally into God’s hands doesn’t become God’s puppet, a boring person who is a conformist; he doesn’t lose his freedom. Only the individual who places himself totally into God’s hands finds true freedom to desire and practice that which is good.

Faith doesn’t lead us to sacrifice our reason; on the contrary, the experience of God elevates it—making it noble, unconstrained, and worthy. Neither do we allow instinct to lead us astray, nor do we conspire against truth or justice.

Those who place themselves in God’s hands don’t distance themselves from others; they live united with God and follow His ways, finding joy in loving. Truly our hearts awake; we become sensitive and therefore benevolent and open persons who instinctively reject injustice, violence, and everything that violates human dignity and human rights.

Bishop Silvio José Báez, O.C.D.

Homily, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
8 December 2018

Carmelite Quotes extends our prayers and best wishes to our brother in the Teresian Carmel, Bishop Silvio José Báez as he celebrates the 37th anniversary of his priestly ordination in San Ramón, Alajuela, Costa Rica by Bishop José Rafael Barquero on 15 January 1985.

ad multos annos

Translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.