“The skin of self-love is fastened strongly on our hearts, and it hurts to flay it off. The more we get down to the quick, the more painful and difficult it is."

--Saint Philip Neri, Maxims and Counsels.

Ask yourself: Am I convinced it is important to remove this thick skin of self-love if I am to love God properly and be loved by Him? Am I convinced that it is necessary?

- Fr. D.B. Thompson