Excellent collection of quotes and sayings by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen.
Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
All my sermons are prepared in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. As recreation is most pleasant and profitable in the sun, so homiletic creativity is best nourished before the Eucharist. The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face. The Holy Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the best atmosphere for illumination. Pope John Paul II keeps a small desk or writing pad near him whenever he is in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; and I have done this all my life — I am sure for the same reason he does, because a lover always works better when the beloved is with him. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
You must remember to love people and use things, rather than to love things and use people. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
It is easy to find truth; it is hard to face it, and harder still to follow it. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Our brains today are big enough. Could it be that our hearts are too small? ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Some will not look on suffering because it creates responsibility. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love? ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Another instance of how our Lord associated Peter with himself was in the payment of the temple tax. It is the only time in scripture where God ever associates a human being with himself under the personal pronoun we…. Now at the time of the payment of the temple tax our blessed Lord told Peter to pay it, and he said to pay it “for me and thee.” Then he adds, “that we may not scandalize.” Here he makes himself one with Peter. Peter is associated with the Master in a way that no one else can ever be associated. We — Christ and Peter. That is why papal encyclicals begin with the word we. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble man his blessings. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Life is like a cash register, in that every account, every thought, every deed, like every sale, is registered and recorded. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Love is a mutual self-giving which ends in self-recovery. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
If there is continuity in the universe, it is fitting that there should be intelligent beings without bodies which are called angels. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Too many people get credit for being good, when they are only being passive. They are too often praised for being broadminded when they are so broadminded they can never make up their minds about anything. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Communism is the final logic of the dehumanization of man. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
There are angels near you to guide you and protect you, if you would but invoke them. It is not later than we think, it is a bigger world than we think. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen
Archbishop Fulton John Sheen was a man of profound wisdom and eloquence, known for his inspirational quotes and sayings that continue to resonate with people across the world. In this article, we’ll explore some of his most insightful and thought-provoking words of wisdom.
The Universal Standard of Right and Wrong
“Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong.” Archbishop Fulton John Sheen’s words remind us that the moral compass does not waver with popular opinion. Right and wrong are universal truths, independent of consensus or conformity. It’s a powerful message that encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when they are at odds with prevailing beliefs.
Drawing Inspiration from the Blessed Sacrament
“All my sermons are prepared in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. As recreation is most pleasant and profitable in the sun, so homiletic creativity is best nourished before the Eucharist. The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face.” Here, Archbishop Sheen shares his secret to inspiration and creativity – the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. He likens it to basking in the sun, where ideas are illuminated by divine light. It’s a beautiful reminder of the role of faith in the creative process.
The Priority of Love Over Materialism
“You must remember to love people and use things, rather than to love things and use people.” This quote is a stark reminder of the misplaced priorities that often plague our materialistic world. It calls us to reevaluate our relationships with possessions and emphasize the primacy of love and human connection.
The Challenge of Facing Truth
“It is easy to find truth; it is hard to face it, and harder still to follow it.” Archbishop Sheen’s words highlight the multifaceted nature of truth. While truth is readily available, the real challenge lies in acknowledging it and then summoning the courage to live by it. It’s a call to embrace the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.
The Balance Between Knowledge and Compassion
“Our brains today are big enough. Could it be that our hearts are too small?” This quote invites us to reflect on the imbalance between our intellectual pursuits and our capacity for compassion. It underscores the importance of nurturing empathy and emotional intelligence alongside knowledge.
Avoidance of Suffering and Responsibility
“Some will not look on suffering because it creates responsibility.” This statement sheds light on the avoidance of suffering due to the burdens of responsibility it can bring. It prompts us to question whether we should turn away from suffering or embrace it as an opportunity for growth and compassion.
The Measure of a Giving Heart
“Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?” This powerful quote challenges us to examine the marks of a giving heart. It emphasizes that true service and love leave visible imprints, both physical and spiritual.
The Unique Association of Peter with Christ
“Another instance of how our Lord associated Peter with himself was in the payment of the temple tax… Here he makes himself one with Peter. Peter is associated with the Master in a way that no one else can ever be associated. We — Christ and Peter.” Archbishop Sheen delves into the unique relationship between Peter and Christ, emphasizing their unparalleled connection. It offers a glimpse into the profound bond between Christ and His chosen disciple.
The Contrast Between Pride and Humility
“The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble man his blessings.” This quote encapsulates the stark contrast between pride and humility. While pride seeks external validation and recognition, humility finds contentment in the simple blessings of life.
Jealousy as a Tribute to Genius
“Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.” Archbishop Sheen’s insight into jealousy shines a light on its origins and motivations. It suggests that jealousy often arises as a response to the exceptional qualities or achievements of others.
Generosity as a Measure of Wealth
“Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left.” This saying challenges the conventional notion of generosity, emphasizing that true generosity lies not in the amount given but in the sacrifice made. It invites us to assess our wealth by the good we retain rather than the possessions we give away.
Pride as an Admission of Weakness
“Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals.” Here, Archbishop Sheen unveils the paradox of pride. While it may appear as strength, it is, in reality, an acknowledgment of weakness. Pride’s relentless pursuit of dominance stems from its insecurity.
The Ledger of Life
“Life is like a cash register, in that every account, every thought, every deed, like every sale, is registered and recorded.” This analogy paints a vivid picture of life as a ledger, where every action and thought leaves a lasting mark. It reinforces the idea that our choices have consequences and are etched into the fabric of existence.
Love as Self-Giving and Self-Recovery
“Love is a mutual self-giving which ends in self-recovery.” Archbishop Sheen’s definition of love as a reciprocal act of self-giving underscores its transformative power. Love not only enriches the recipient but also leads to personal growth and healing.
The Existence of Angels
“If there is continuity in the universe, it is fitting that there should be intelligent beings without bodies which are called angels.” Archbishop Sheen touches on the existence of angels, aligning it with the order and continuity of the universe. It’s a thought-provoking perspective on celestial beings.
Misunderstandings About the Catholic Church
“There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing.” This quote addresses misconceptions and prejudices against the Catholic Church, highlighting the importance of accurate understanding.
The Difference Between Being Good and Being Indecisive
“Too many people get credit for being good when they are only being passive. They are too often praised for being broadminded when they are so broadminded they can never make up their minds about anything.” Here, Archbishop Sheen distinguishes between genuine goodness and indecisiveness. It challenges us to move beyond passivity and indecision to truly embody goodness.
The Dehumanizing Nature of Communism
“Communism is the final logic of the dehumanization of man.” In this quote, Archbishop Sheen provides a profound insight into the dehumanizing consequences of communism. It suggests that the ideology’s ultimate outcome is the erosion of humanity itself.
The Guiding Presence of Angels
“There are angels near you to guide you and protect you if you would but invoke them. It is not later than we think, it is a bigger world than we think.” Archbishop Sheen’s words offer comfort and reassurance in the belief that angels are ever-present, ready to guide and protect us if we call upon them. It expands our perspective of the world and its spiritual dimensions.
Archbishop Fulton John Sheen’s quotes and sayings serve as a testament to his profound wisdom and insight into the human condition. They offer guidance, challenge our perspectives, and inspire us to live more authentically, with love, humility, and unwavering commitment to truth and goodness. His words continue to resonate with people of all backgrounds and beliefs, reminding us of the enduring power of wisdom and faith.