March 31st
Book Three, Chapter 53
That the Grace of God is not Communicated to the Earthly-Minded
Son, My grace is precious; it does not suffer itself to be mingled with external things nor with earthly consolations. You must, therefore, cast away every obstacle to grace, if you desire to receive its infusion. Choose for yourself a retired place; love to dwell with yourself alone; seek not to be talking with any one, but rather pour forth devout prayer to God, that you may keep your mind in compunction, and your conscience pure. Esteem the whole world as nothing; prefer attendance on God before all external occupations. For you can not both attend to Me and at the same time delight yourself in transitory things.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
March 30th
Book Three, Chapter 52
That a man Ought not to Esteem Himself Worthy of Consolation, but Rather Deserving of Chastisement
In true contrition and humility of heart is brought forth hope of forgiveness; the troubled conscience is reconciled; lost grace is recovered; man is secured from the wrath to come; and God and the penitent soul meet together with a holy kiss. Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice to You, O Lord, of far sweeter odor in Your sight than the burning of frankincense. This is also that pleasing ointment which You would have to be poured upon Your sacred feet; for You never have despised a contrite and humble heart.
Book Three, Chapter 52
That a man Ought not to Esteem Himself Worthy of Consolation, but Rather Deserving of Chastisement
In true contrition and humility of heart is brought forth hope of forgiveness; the troubled conscience is reconciled; lost grace is recovered; man is secured from the wrath to come; and God and the penitent soul meet together with a holy kiss. Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice to You, O Lord, of far sweeter odor in Your sight than the burning of frankincense. This is also that pleasing ointment which You would have to be poured upon Your sacred feet; for You never have despised a contrite and humble heart.
Friday, March 29, 2013
March 29th
Book Three, Chapter 51
That we Must Exercise Ourselves in Humble Works When we Cannot Attain to the Highest
You can not always continue in the more fervent desire of virtue, nor remain constantly in the higher degree of contemplation; but it must needs be that you sometimes, by reason of original corruption, descend to low things, and bear the burden of this corruptible life, even against your will and with weariness....On such occasions it is expedient for you to betake yourself to humble and exterior works, and recreate yourself in good actions; to await my coming and heavenly visitation with an assured hope...until you be again visited by Me and freed from all anxieties. For I will cause you to forget your pains, and to enjoy internal quiet....And then will you say: The sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the future glory, which will be revealed in us.
Book Three, Chapter 51
That we Must Exercise Ourselves in Humble Works When we Cannot Attain to the Highest
You can not always continue in the more fervent desire of virtue, nor remain constantly in the higher degree of contemplation; but it must needs be that you sometimes, by reason of original corruption, descend to low things, and bear the burden of this corruptible life, even against your will and with weariness....On such occasions it is expedient for you to betake yourself to humble and exterior works, and recreate yourself in good actions; to await my coming and heavenly visitation with an assured hope...until you be again visited by Me and freed from all anxieties. For I will cause you to forget your pains, and to enjoy internal quiet....And then will you say: The sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the future glory, which will be revealed in us.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
March 28th
Book Three, Chapter 50
How a Desolate Person Ought to Offer Himself Into the Hands of God
Suffer me not to judge according to the sight of the outward eyes, nor to give sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men; but to determine upon matters both visible and spiritual with true judgment and, above all things, ever to seek Your good will and pleasure.
The senses of men are often deceived in giving judgments; and the lovers of this world are deceived in loving only visible things. How is a man a whit the better for being reputed greater by man?
The deceitful deceive the deceitful, the vain deceive the vain, the blind the blind, the weak the weak, as often as he extols him; and, in truth, rather confounds him, while he vainly praises him.
For how much soever each one is in Your eyes, so much is he and no more, says the humble Saint Francis.
Book Three, Chapter 50
How a Desolate Person Ought to Offer Himself Into the Hands of God
Suffer me not to judge according to the sight of the outward eyes, nor to give sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men; but to determine upon matters both visible and spiritual with true judgment and, above all things, ever to seek Your good will and pleasure.
The senses of men are often deceived in giving judgments; and the lovers of this world are deceived in loving only visible things. How is a man a whit the better for being reputed greater by man?
The deceitful deceive the deceitful, the vain deceive the vain, the blind the blind, the weak the weak, as often as he extols him; and, in truth, rather confounds him, while he vainly praises him.
For how much soever each one is in Your eyes, so much is he and no more, says the humble Saint Francis.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
March 27th
Book Three, Chapter 49
Of the Desire of Eternal Life, and how Great are the Benefits Promised to Them That Fight
Ask not that which is pleasant and convenient, but that which is acceptable to Me and for My honor; for if you judge rightly, you ought to prefer and to follow My appointment rather than your own desire or any other desirable thing....You would wish to be already in the liberty of the glory of the children of God....But that hour is not yet come; for there is yet another time, a time of war, a time of labor and of probation. You desire to be filled with the Sovereign Good, but you can not at present attain to it. I am He: wait for Me, says the Lord, until the kingdom of God come. You have yet to be tried upon earth and exercised in many things. Take courage, therefore, and be valiant, as well in doing as in suffering things repugnant to nature. You must put on the new man, and be changed into another person.
Book Three, Chapter 49
Of the Desire of Eternal Life, and how Great are the Benefits Promised to Them That Fight
Ask not that which is pleasant and convenient, but that which is acceptable to Me and for My honor; for if you judge rightly, you ought to prefer and to follow My appointment rather than your own desire or any other desirable thing....You would wish to be already in the liberty of the glory of the children of God....But that hour is not yet come; for there is yet another time, a time of war, a time of labor and of probation. You desire to be filled with the Sovereign Good, but you can not at present attain to it. I am He: wait for Me, says the Lord, until the kingdom of God come. You have yet to be tried upon earth and exercised in many things. Take courage, therefore, and be valiant, as well in doing as in suffering things repugnant to nature. You must put on the new man, and be changed into another person.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
March 26th
Book Three, Chapter 48
Of the day of Eternity, and of the Distresses of this Life
I desire to cleave to heavenly things, but things temporal and my unmortified passions weigh me down....Recollect my senses in You; make me forget all worldly things; grant me speedily to cast away and to despise all phantoms and vice....Pardon me also, and mercifully forgive me, as often as in my prayer I think of aught else beside You. For I truly confess that I am accustomed to be very much distracted....But blessed is that man who for You, O Lord, abandons all things created; who offers violence to nature, and through fervor of spirit crucifies the concupiscence of the flesh; that so, with a serene conscience, he may offer to You pure prayer....
Book Three, Chapter 48
Of the day of Eternity, and of the Distresses of this Life
I desire to cleave to heavenly things, but things temporal and my unmortified passions weigh me down....Recollect my senses in You; make me forget all worldly things; grant me speedily to cast away and to despise all phantoms and vice....Pardon me also, and mercifully forgive me, as often as in my prayer I think of aught else beside You. For I truly confess that I am accustomed to be very much distracted....But blessed is that man who for You, O Lord, abandons all things created; who offers violence to nature, and through fervor of spirit crucifies the concupiscence of the flesh; that so, with a serene conscience, he may offer to You pure prayer....
Monday, March 25, 2013
March 25th
Book three, Chapter 47
That all Grievous Things are to be Endured for Life Everlasting
It is not long you have to labor here, nor shall you be always oppressed with sorrows. Wait a little, and you shall see a speedy end of suffering. The hour comes when all labor and trouble shall be no more. All is little and short which passes away with time. Mind what you are about: labor faithfully in My vineyard: I will be your reward....Ought not all painful labors to be endured for everlasting life? It is no small matter to lose or gain the kingdom of God.
Book three, Chapter 47
That all Grievous Things are to be Endured for Life Everlasting
It is not long you have to labor here, nor shall you be always oppressed with sorrows. Wait a little, and you shall see a speedy end of suffering. The hour comes when all labor and trouble shall be no more. All is little and short which passes away with time. Mind what you are about: labor faithfully in My vineyard: I will be your reward....Ought not all painful labors to be endured for everlasting life? It is no small matter to lose or gain the kingdom of God.
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