Catholic Quote by Fulton J. Sheen
““The sun which warms the plant can under other conditions also wither it. The rain which nourishes the flower can under other conditions rot it. The same sun shines upon mud that shines upon wax. It hardens the mud but softens the wax. The difference is not in the sun, but in that upon which it shines. The Divine Life which shines upon a soul that loves Him, softens it into everlasting life; that same Divine Life which shines upon the slothful soul, neglectful of God, hardens it into everlasting death.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “The Divine Life” by Fulton J. Sheen, 1950s
External forces affect all, but the outcome depends on the nature of what receives them; love transforms divine influence into life, neglect turns it into death.
In simple terms: The effect of a gift depends on who receives it.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate love to receive blessings.
Themes
spirituality
morality
choice
consequence
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
aphilosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- faith practice
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Divine influence
human receptivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your inner attitude shape the impact of external blessings?
- What habits help you stay receptive to positive influences?
A Different Perspective
Neglect or misuse can nullify even the best gifts.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
![“Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.” quote by Benedict of Nursia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2f/benedict-of-nursia-29376_catholic_girded-with-faith-and-the-performance-of_6463.jpg)
