Just as a mother finds pleasure in taking her little child on her lap, there to feed and caress him, in like manner our loving God shows His fondness for His beloved souls who have given themselves entirely to Him and have placed all their hope in His goodness.

The quote by Alphonsus Liguori, "Just as a mother finds pleasure in taking her little child on her lap, there to feed and caress him, in like manner our loving God shows His fondness for His beloved souls who have given themselves entirely to Him and have placed all their hope in His goodness," draws a parallel between maternal love and divine care. Liguori emphasizes the nurturing, protective, and affectionate qualities of a mother, likening them to the way God cares for those who trust and devote themselves to Him. The quote highlights the tenderness and intimacy of both human and divine love.

The origin of this quote comes from Alphonsus Liguori, an 18th-century Italian Catholic bishop, theologian, and founder of the Redemptorist congregation. Known for his spiritual writings, Liguori often explored themes of divine love, devotion, and the analogy of God’s care to familiar human experiences, such as motherhood, to help the faithful better understand and relate to spiritual truths.

The phrase “finds pleasure in taking her little child on her lap, there to feed and caress him” emphasizes the intimacy, attentiveness, and joy of a mother’s care. By comparing this to God’s fondness for His souls, Liguori illustrates that divine love is both personal and attentive, offering comfort, nourishment, and security to those who place their hope in Him.

Ultimately, this quote celebrates the parallel between maternal and divine love. Liguori’s words honor the depth of a mother’s affection while showing how it reflects the nurturing, devoted, and protective nature of God’s care. It underscores that both human and divine love are expressions of tenderness, guidance, and unwavering commitment, providing reassurance and spiritual inspiration.

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