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Uniformity with God's Will
Explains how God is glorified by our resignation to His will even more than by our acts. An easy way to become not only holy but enjoy serenity in this life. This is a little book to keep people from despair; will bring consolation to anyone having trouble accepting his lot in life. A real gem.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1758
198 people are currently reading
1768 people want to read
About the author
Alfonso María de Liguori
1,207 books182 followersSaint Alfonso María de Liguori, CSsR (1696–1787), was an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian.
He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). In 1762 he was appointed Bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti. A prolific writer, he published nine editions of his "Moral Theology" in his lifetime, in addition to other devotional and ascetic works and letters. Among his best known works are "The Glories of Mary" and "The Way of the Cross", the latter still used in parishes during Lenten devotions.
He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. One of the most widely read Catholic authors, he is the patron saint of confessors.
He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). In 1762 he was appointed Bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti. A prolific writer, he published nine editions of his "Moral Theology" in his lifetime, in addition to other devotional and ascetic works and letters. Among his best known works are "The Glories of Mary" and "The Way of the Cross", the latter still used in parishes during Lenten devotions.
He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. One of the most widely read Catholic authors, he is the patron saint of confessors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
August 26, 2024
August 13, 2024: Reread this classic work for the third time at least. It is one of those books that you could/should re/read every year or so as a reminder of what it’s all about. This life is all about God. God, not anything nor anyone else. It is so easy to get sidetracked. His Will is supreme. Since reading Heliotropium: Conformity of the Human Will to the Divine I have an even deeper appreciation of this little treatise, which is almost a summary of that tome. I noticed that I have an abridged copy of this work, so I am going to try to get the full book.
January 5, 2015: Recently I noticed a similarity in classic spiritual works. As I was working my way through Abandonment to Divine Providence, I stumbled into Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness and then this book, Uniformity with God's Will.
All three books speak to the centrality of making God's will your will. St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori puts it this way, ‘Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more – it means that we make one will of God's will and ours, so that we will only what God wills; that God's will alone, is our will.’ (emphasis mine)
How this is actually lived out I don’t know, although I would love to be able to.
What I find most difficult is that God also wills the trials (NOT the SIN!) we suffer from other people – for example, contempt, injustice, loss of reputation, loss of temporal goods and all kinds of persecution. On these occasions we must remember that while God does not will the sin, He does will our humiliation, our poverty, or our ‘mortification’, (yes, I know, bad word) as the case may be. Our 21st century First World mindset sees suffering as all bad and/or that it is sign of God’s disfavor when in actuality it is quite the reverse. One look at Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross should be enough to convince that God, Our Father is not averse to willing suffering at the hands of evil men. And then there is the other aspect of the physical tortures/sacrifices/regimens we modern folk readily accept to acquire ‘physical’ fitness, yet for spiritual health and wellness we aren't ready to do the same.
St. John of Avila used to say: “‘One ‘Blessed be God’ in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity.’
This side of eternity suffering is almost a certainty. How will I handle it? My track record isn’t the best, but the journey's not over either. Not yet anyway.
St. Liguori's masterpiece is another of those books which can be read in one sitting. I read it again last night in just over an hour.
It's sublime in its simplicity and a beautiful book to take to meditation. This is my third (at least) reading. God willing, (no pun intended) I will read it again.
January 5, 2015: Recently I noticed a similarity in classic spiritual works. As I was working my way through Abandonment to Divine Providence, I stumbled into Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness and then this book, Uniformity with God's Will.
All three books speak to the centrality of making God's will your will. St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori puts it this way, ‘Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more – it means that we make one will of God's will and ours, so that we will only what God wills; that God's will alone, is our will.’ (emphasis mine)
How this is actually lived out I don’t know, although I would love to be able to.
What I find most difficult is that God also wills the trials (NOT the SIN!) we suffer from other people – for example, contempt, injustice, loss of reputation, loss of temporal goods and all kinds of persecution. On these occasions we must remember that while God does not will the sin, He does will our humiliation, our poverty, or our ‘mortification’, (yes, I know, bad word) as the case may be. Our 21st century First World mindset sees suffering as all bad and/or that it is sign of God’s disfavor when in actuality it is quite the reverse. One look at Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross should be enough to convince that God, Our Father is not averse to willing suffering at the hands of evil men. And then there is the other aspect of the physical tortures/sacrifices/regimens we modern folk readily accept to acquire ‘physical’ fitness, yet for spiritual health and wellness we aren't ready to do the same.
St. John of Avila used to say: “‘One ‘Blessed be God’ in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity.’
This side of eternity suffering is almost a certainty. How will I handle it? My track record isn’t the best, but the journey's not over either. Not yet anyway.
St. Liguori's masterpiece is another of those books which can be read in one sitting. I read it again last night in just over an hour.
It's sublime in its simplicity and a beautiful book to take to meditation. This is my third (at least) reading. God willing, (no pun intended) I will read it again.
June 21, 2013
This little work is absolutely wonderful! I found St. Alphonsus's advice instantly applicable to my life and helpful for my growth in holiness. Some of his phraseology may seem harsh but, when reflected upon, it is most often clear that the saint is correct. Though I had one point of difference (the specifics of which I've forgotten) with St. Alphonsus, I give deference to the spiritual master and, if it comes up again, will reflect further upon that point and, more importantly, talk to the Lord about it.
April 18, 2024
Should probably read this at least once a year. "Lord let this cup pass from me, yet not as I will, but as You will it." This is the tension at the core of Christianity.
March 25, 2015
Completely against the 'wisdom' of the world, but completely true. All is gift.
January 30, 2022
Quite possibly one of the best books I have ever read.
April 7, 2021
Saint Alphonsus, a Doctor of the Church, often writes very long and scholarly works, and so it is a great joy and pleasure to find such a small pamphlet packed with his wisdom, in this particular case, directing us to better seek out conformity with the will of God, rather than the pursuit of our own.
(quoting St. Denis the Areopagite) "The principal effect of love is so to unite the wills of those who love each other as to make them will the same things." (p. 4)
(quoting Bl Henry Suso) "I would rather be the vilest worm on earth by God's will, then be a seraph by my own." (p. 6)
"Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more - it means that we make one will of God's will and ours, so that we will only what God wills; that God's will alone, is our will." (p. 7)
(quoting St. John of Avila) "One 'Blessed be God' in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity." (p. 8)
(speaking of Job) "He did not say: 'The Lord hath given me my children and possessions, and the Sabeans have taken them away'...We must not therefore consider the afflictions that come upon us as happening by chance or solely from the malice of men: we should be convinced that what happens, happens by the will of God." (p. 9)
"I want it to be warm, to be cold, windy, to rain, because God wills it." (p. 11)
"I practice silence towards men, while I cultivate the habit of speaking with God. Conversing with God is the way I found and maintain my peace of soul." (p. 14)
"[S]courges of the Lord have happened for our amendment and not for our destruction." (p. 15)
"God's holy will should be fulfilled in us and by us." (p. 16)
"Lord, I wish neither to be well nor to remain sick; I want only what thou wilt." (p. 19)
(quoting St. Teresa of Avila) "In this life our lot is not to enjoy God, but to do his holy will. Love of God does not consist in experiencing his tendernesses, but in serving him with resolution and humility." (p. 24)
"St. Teresa too feared to lose God and when she would hear the striking of the clock, she would find consolation in the thought that the passing of the hour was an hour less of the danger of losing God." (p. 28)
(quoting St. Bernard) "Why are we so tenacious of life when the longer we live, the more we sin?" (p. 29)
(quoting St. Denis the Areopagite) "The principal effect of love is so to unite the wills of those who love each other as to make them will the same things." (p. 4)
(quoting Bl Henry Suso) "I would rather be the vilest worm on earth by God's will, then be a seraph by my own." (p. 6)
"Conformity signifies that we join our wills to the will of God. Uniformity means more - it means that we make one will of God's will and ours, so that we will only what God wills; that God's will alone, is our will." (p. 7)
(quoting St. John of Avila) "One 'Blessed be God' in times of adversity, is worth more than a thousand acts of gratitude in times of prosperity." (p. 8)
(speaking of Job) "He did not say: 'The Lord hath given me my children and possessions, and the Sabeans have taken them away'...We must not therefore consider the afflictions that come upon us as happening by chance or solely from the malice of men: we should be convinced that what happens, happens by the will of God." (p. 9)
"I want it to be warm, to be cold, windy, to rain, because God wills it." (p. 11)
"I practice silence towards men, while I cultivate the habit of speaking with God. Conversing with God is the way I found and maintain my peace of soul." (p. 14)
"[S]courges of the Lord have happened for our amendment and not for our destruction." (p. 15)
"God's holy will should be fulfilled in us and by us." (p. 16)
"Lord, I wish neither to be well nor to remain sick; I want only what thou wilt." (p. 19)
(quoting St. Teresa of Avila) "In this life our lot is not to enjoy God, but to do his holy will. Love of God does not consist in experiencing his tendernesses, but in serving him with resolution and humility." (p. 24)
"St. Teresa too feared to lose God and when she would hear the striking of the clock, she would find consolation in the thought that the passing of the hour was an hour less of the danger of losing God." (p. 28)
(quoting St. Bernard) "Why are we so tenacious of life when the longer we live, the more we sin?" (p. 29)
February 9, 2013
St. Alphonsus de Liguori is a great writer of short, spiritually edifying, and enlightening writings, much like his "How to Converse With God" pamphlet-book this too contains the shortest yet high-quality information on living the honest Spiritual Life that no thick textbook on Theology could possibly provide, in fact I would wager that no Theology textbook should be read without reading these shorter spiritually edifying books.
I can definitely see myself bringing this book on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages, as well as referring to it for Lent as well as in times of Spiritual and Existential Desolation as well as in Psychological and Bodily Difficulties. I say this because, this book is helpful for getting the Will of the Soul to surrender to and identify more with the Will of God, thus bringing Peace that the world does not know.
I can definitely see myself bringing this book on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages, as well as referring to it for Lent as well as in times of Spiritual and Existential Desolation as well as in Psychological and Bodily Difficulties. I say this because, this book is helpful for getting the Will of the Soul to surrender to and identify more with the Will of God, thus bringing Peace that the world does not know.
March 17, 2018
Incredibly short read but so rich it took me days to get though. It was the exact boost I needed in my spiritual life. St. Alphonsus declares that sanctity and true joy and peace come solely from always desiring the will of God, and accepting everything that occurs as the will of God (even the bad and the ugly)
April 23, 2025
All the Saints emphasize submission to divine Providence. Must be important.
February 9, 2010
Well, I’m unfortunately a long way from being in uniformity with God’s will. Then again, I’m not entirely sure I agree that God wills every horrible thing that happens to us or that we should accept suffering quietly. (St. Alphonsus wouldn’t make much of a psalmist.) But Christ does tell us not to worry, and Paul tells us to learn to be content, so I am trying to put some of this book into practice. However, I think it takes a saint…
February 9, 2020
Well, there I go, highlighting another entire paragraph...
July 29, 2021
Awesome. Conformity is not enough, uniformity with The Father’s will is what we should all strive for!
July 6, 2025
Vibe with God and God will vibe with you
April 13, 2010
This is an amazing book about following God's will. It's short (only 45 pages) and simple but it does an excellent job of explaining how to accept and follow God's will in your life. Probably one of the best books I've ever read.
July 27, 2007
THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!!
Everyone should read it.
Everyone should read it.
June 29, 2019
This book is short, yet articulates so well the only real thing one needs to do for a truly happy life.
August 16, 2022
A short but very rich read on how to be subservient to God, relinquishing control of our lives and decisions and trials unto Him. My RCIA instructor had this and recommended it to me and my friends, would highly recommend to anyone, specifically those with the question of "Why do bad things happen to me? I am a good and faithful servant of God."
December 8, 2020
A lovely little work! Highly recommend. I did about a section each day, sometimes more sometimes less. Looking forward to more from the great saint
December 3, 2022
I’ll have to re-read this book a lot throughout my life, and i’m so excited about that
August 5, 2019
A small pamphlet full of excellent recommendations.
June 3, 2015
A good complement to Caussade's book, Abandonment to Divine Providence, but much more practical. Its not enough to just attempt to do God's will in the large things, the simplest path to holiness says Liguori is to unite oneself to God's will in the small things. You know how you sometimes wish, it were hot when it's snowing. Or that you were tall, when you are short. Don't do that. Even in speech, says Liguori, do not say anything that contradicts God's will. Don't just say: 'God's will be done' either. Say it. Know it. Here's that detachment that Buddhist's cultivate, but with a trust not in an abstract reality but in a person with whom you have a relationship of trust. Liguori expounds on some great anecdotes of people who repent from wishing their illnesses gone, because they realize God has put them there to sanctify them or to sanctify others.This is important because it is at the top of our Lord's prayer: Thy will be done. There can be no doubt that God is in control, so giving up the anxiety is that further affirmation of God's will. Be confident because it means that whatever you are doing (homeschooling, being an activist, trying to learn the faith) as long as you are following his will, it will all work out. Simple, but hard right. Catholic Priests say this when they leave the altar at the end of mass in the old rite: Lord, I will what you will. I will it, how you will it. I will it for as long as you will it. I will it because you will it.
August 26, 2019
One of my top recommendations, especially during times of trouble.
Ligouri is a superb writer, he manages to say within this little book so much about trust in Divine Providence, and nothing seems lacking.
Ligouri is a superb writer, he manages to say within this little book so much about trust in Divine Providence, and nothing seems lacking.
Read
January 7, 2014Short read but full of wisdom-will likely read again. Available for free from Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
October 2, 2014
Perfect, simple, deep, insightful... a very good stuff for the soul!
October 28, 2019
A personal favorite. His will must be done. Simple to say but so difficult to do.
Great read for Lent. Short book that takes maybe half an hour to read. The best way to live as a Christian.
Great read for Lent. Short book that takes maybe half an hour to read. The best way to live as a Christian.
April 10, 2015
St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori stresses in this book that we should follow what God wills for us... no matter how great our sacrifices if this is not according to His will then this is nothing....
April 18, 2015
Amazingly inspirational book. I read it all in one sitting.
January 28, 2019
Great spiritual reading!
December 3, 2022
Em cada uma das poucas páginas deste tratado o Doutor Zeloso discorre maravilhosamente sobre o assunto mais importante da existência humana: o fim sobrenatural da alma na Glória de Deus e o caminho santificante. Porquanto está escrito “Sede santos, porque eu sou santo.” (1 Ped 1:16).
E o que seria a santidade, senão a união em vida do homem com Deus, no limite que as contingências mortais e a finitude nos permitem, até a felicidade eterna e sobrenatural no Céu após a morte do corpo?
Unir a vontade desordenada e particular do homem à santíssima e ordenada Vontade do Senhor, para querer aquilo que Ele quer e do modo que Ele deseja, de tal maneira que não haja mais vestígios do velho homem do pecado mas apenas a livre e pura vontade de um servo em perfeita congruência com seu perfeito amo. Faze-mo-lo não de forma parcial, mas total e absoluta, abraçando bens e males, infortúnios e alegrias como provindas da mesma origem na permissão de Deus, mesmo que seja contra o nosso amor próprio. Sejam sofrimentos carnais nas dores e desagrados ou espirituais nas tentações e na secura espiritual, resignar-se ao que Deus permitiu é ama-lo e reconhecer ao mesmo tempo a pequenez de si mesmo e a infinita sabedoria do Senhor. Lembremo-nos do que diz o Apóstolo: “Sabemos que Deus age em todas as coisas para o bem daqueles que o amam, dos que foram chamados de acordo com o seu propósito.” (Rm, 8,28). E como duvidar que o propósito universal da pessoa humana é a união com o seu Criador? O retorno em vida e morte para o Ser por excelência, para o Logos Eterno do qual somos partícipes em sua imagem e semelhança, que dá e mantém todos os entes na existência em perfeita Ordem ontológica.
Renunciar ao amor e à obediência da vontade de Deus, por amargura, tibieza ou desagrado seria pois, a mais sofrida e ignóbil morte da alma, seria o aviltamento supremo do próprio homem e a traição da criatura para com o Criador, esse que sofreu e padeceu para vencer a morte do pecado e nos dar a Vida na bem-aventurança.
Para que essa terrível traição não aconteça, é necessário, antes de tudo, rezar e fazer como o próprio Cristo rezou e fez: “Que seja feita a Vossa vontade assim na terra como no Céu.” Não os meus desejos mas os Vossos, para que em sofrimento eu também não te abandone: “É um amigo e companheiro à mesa, mas me deixará no dia da aflição” (Ecl 6,10).
A satisfação de amar a Deus sobre todas as coisas e viver a doutrina que Ele nos deixou, dando-lhe graças por tudo, principalmente pelas inquietações e sofrimentos, imitando a voluntariedade amorosa do próprio Deus encarnado durante a sua Paixão e morte de Cruz. Eis a paz perpétua e verdadeira felicidade do homem, não se elevar na prosperidade nem ser abatido na adversidade, mas cumprir a vontade divina como o Filho e os Santos a cumpriram.
E o que seria a santidade, senão a união em vida do homem com Deus, no limite que as contingências mortais e a finitude nos permitem, até a felicidade eterna e sobrenatural no Céu após a morte do corpo?
Unir a vontade desordenada e particular do homem à santíssima e ordenada Vontade do Senhor, para querer aquilo que Ele quer e do modo que Ele deseja, de tal maneira que não haja mais vestígios do velho homem do pecado mas apenas a livre e pura vontade de um servo em perfeita congruência com seu perfeito amo. Faze-mo-lo não de forma parcial, mas total e absoluta, abraçando bens e males, infortúnios e alegrias como provindas da mesma origem na permissão de Deus, mesmo que seja contra o nosso amor próprio. Sejam sofrimentos carnais nas dores e desagrados ou espirituais nas tentações e na secura espiritual, resignar-se ao que Deus permitiu é ama-lo e reconhecer ao mesmo tempo a pequenez de si mesmo e a infinita sabedoria do Senhor. Lembremo-nos do que diz o Apóstolo: “Sabemos que Deus age em todas as coisas para o bem daqueles que o amam, dos que foram chamados de acordo com o seu propósito.” (Rm, 8,28). E como duvidar que o propósito universal da pessoa humana é a união com o seu Criador? O retorno em vida e morte para o Ser por excelência, para o Logos Eterno do qual somos partícipes em sua imagem e semelhança, que dá e mantém todos os entes na existência em perfeita Ordem ontológica.
Renunciar ao amor e à obediência da vontade de Deus, por amargura, tibieza ou desagrado seria pois, a mais sofrida e ignóbil morte da alma, seria o aviltamento supremo do próprio homem e a traição da criatura para com o Criador, esse que sofreu e padeceu para vencer a morte do pecado e nos dar a Vida na bem-aventurança.
Para que essa terrível traição não aconteça, é necessário, antes de tudo, rezar e fazer como o próprio Cristo rezou e fez: “Que seja feita a Vossa vontade assim na terra como no Céu.” Não os meus desejos mas os Vossos, para que em sofrimento eu também não te abandone: “É um amigo e companheiro à mesa, mas me deixará no dia da aflição” (Ecl 6,10).
A satisfação de amar a Deus sobre todas as coisas e viver a doutrina que Ele nos deixou, dando-lhe graças por tudo, principalmente pelas inquietações e sofrimentos, imitando a voluntariedade amorosa do próprio Deus encarnado durante a sua Paixão e morte de Cruz. Eis a paz perpétua e verdadeira felicidade do homem, não se elevar na prosperidade nem ser abatido na adversidade, mas cumprir a vontade divina como o Filho e os Santos a cumpriram.
September 28, 2023
BEAUTIFUL book. It’s only like 30 pages, but I’ve learned more practical steps in this book of how I can submit to God’s Will than probably my entire life up to this point. Bro just drops facts every other line
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews