J
Jenlyn
Guest
Bingo! True humility is being poor in spirit. We must first die to ourselves.
Peace,
Jen
- Status
Peace,
Jen
J
Jenlyn
Guest
It is not our will be done, it is Gods will be done in us. We must detach ourselves from the world and our very selves so that we will do God’s will with love. Penance and moritfications are ways to bring our will in accordance with God. Trials from God are His way to bring our will in accordiance with Him. This why the saints pray for trials so they can bring themselves closer to God’s will.
Peace,
Jen
Peace,
Jen
P
Pug
Guest
There is a translation of Introduction to the Devout Life by deSales online, though it is not the same translation as I own. Here is where I found it, it is in his third part number 7 which talks about preserving our good name. ccel.org/d/desales/devout_life/devout_life.html#158
J
Joysong
Guest
Dear Teresa,
“And that they may live no longer live for themselves, but for Him, He sent the Holy Spirit as His first gift from You, Father, to complete His work on earth and bring us to the fullness of grace.”
As the prayer and your quote says, we must remove “self” from the thrones of our thoughts, where everything we do is motivated by self-interest, and live through, with, and in Him — through His Spirit who helps us to accomplish it.
I was very inspired with what you wrote here:
Carole
So powerful! It reminds me of the especially profound words in our Eucharistic Prayer IV, that is unfortunately seldom used by our priests at mass.
“And that they may live no longer live for themselves, but for Him, He sent the Holy Spirit as His first gift from You, Father, to complete His work on earth and bring us to the fullness of grace.”
As the prayer and your quote says, we must remove “self” from the thrones of our thoughts, where everything we do is motivated by self-interest, and live through, with, and in Him — through His Spirit who helps us to accomplish it.
I was very inspired with what you wrote here:
God Bless you,
Carole
J
Joysong
Guest
Dear Buzzcut,
Thanks so much for giving us the background on the one-upmanship in St. Teresa’s Spanish society. I had really forgotten this, for it was many years ago since I read it.
Don’t you agree, though, that this stems from the common, inordinate inclinations in all of mankind? Our priest spoke about this today — man’s intense pursuit for honors, riches, fame, pleasure. He mentioned that the beatitudes given to us by Christ were an antidote that helps us to conquer these unspiritual and often sinful quests that will never satisfy us.
Dear Pug,
While I’m giving thanks in this post, may I also extend my appreciation to you for providing the chapter from St. Francis deSales. He is one of my very favorite saints, and we just celebrated his feastday last Monday. Have you read his other two volumes called, “On the Love of God?”
Thanks so much for giving us the background on the one-upmanship in St. Teresa’s Spanish society. I had really forgotten this, for it was many years ago since I read it.
Don’t you agree, though, that this stems from the common, inordinate inclinations in all of mankind? Our priest spoke about this today — man’s intense pursuit for honors, riches, fame, pleasure. He mentioned that the beatitudes given to us by Christ were an antidote that helps us to conquer these unspiritual and often sinful quests that will never satisfy us.
Dear Pug,
While I’m giving thanks in this post, may I also extend my appreciation to you for providing the chapter from St. Francis deSales. He is one of my very favorite saints, and we just celebrated his feastday last Monday. Have you read his other two volumes called, “On the Love of God?”
J
Joysong
Guest
Dear Teresa,
Very good example, Teresa!Am I on the right track with what I am thinking?? You bet!
A
Augustine
Guest
That was an excellent statement. I’d add that knowing one’s tendencies for evil could help us guide our relationship with him or her so as to help him or her to avoid falling in sin.
For example, if we know that someone is an easy prey of lustful thoughts, dressing and behaving modestly around that person is beneficial to both.
God bless.
S
serendipity
Guest
Joysong said:
This is so true. A few montsh ago, I created a tentative list of writings by saints, and then it spread over into other religious apsects, that I wanted to read to help me discern the direction of my life. I was thinking that in reading what God told them, and what they told other people, that I might hear words of wisdom for myself.
Strange thing is, people talk about synchronocity, or timing of events that seem to have meaning. God’s reason for the tiuming of things to speak to us.
My approach is pretty unstrucutred. Following one theme or person and pursuing another theme that seems to be an extension or to address a new question. And it seemed almost every time I finished a book, it was that saint’s feast day. Or if it was a person who is still alive, then I would hear something about the writing that I just read, as soon as I put it down.
M
Mary_s_Lamb
Guest
Thank you all for this discussion. It has been very well thought out.
I have a question in regards to detachment if anyone if willing to tackle it.
I have a friend who is a Secular Carmelite. She is determined to become detached to everything including her attachment to people. So for the last few years she ignores me as well as other friends because she wants to be attached only to our Lord. Although I understand her motivation, it hurts that she can be so unconcerned with my feelings. And she is always too busy to just talk. Am I the one who is attached to her? Or is she overly attached to trying to achieve detachment?
Thanks for your insights.
Mary
I have a question in regards to detachment if anyone if willing to tackle it.
I have a friend who is a Secular Carmelite. She is determined to become detached to everything including her attachment to people. So for the last few years she ignores me as well as other friends because she wants to be attached only to our Lord. Although I understand her motivation, it hurts that she can be so unconcerned with my feelings. And she is always too busy to just talk. Am I the one who is attached to her? Or is she overly attached to trying to achieve detachment?
Thanks for your insights.
Mary
J
Joysong
Guest
Hello Mary’s Lamb,
It’s so nice to meet you, for I saw a post of yours stating that you are a Secular Carmelite. I don’t need to go into a lot of detail, therefore, since you have studied the vocation, and the writings of our saints.
What distinguishes the “secular” from those in the cloister, is that the nuns are not permitted to have special friendships, but are to avoid partialities and love the others equally. However, if you read the Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis deSales, he instructs lay persons to have well-chosen, particular friendships, saying how good and necessary it is If you need further references, let me know.
Anyway, back to your friend. She may have a good reason for this, which you cannot know unless she shares it with you. Sometimes a person needs to “fast” from those things that interfere with holiness until the Lord gives them mastery over it. They can return to it safely when their virtue overcomes what formerly was an obstacle.
Or . . . she is overzealous in her desire for spirituality, and fails to understand her vocation properly. Ultimately, the Secular Carmelite is to be a light that ought not to be hidden under a basket, but willingly embrace charitable works in the apostolate according to their talents, and this would require solid friendships with others.
St. Teresa was over-attached to a particular friend with whom she had a real problem severing the relationship, at the advice of her director. He told her to pray the Veni, Sanctus, Spiritus, and after prayer, she had a powerful vision from God. He told her that it was His will that she have friendships only with angels. And so it was — she admitted it was impossible to maintain any relations with others unless they had a deep love for God. It was impossible!
Perhaps it would be a good idea to let it go for now, keeping her in prayer, and be willing to keep in touch with her occasionally with a friendly phone call, greeting card, etc. But give her the space she needs for now, and God may restore your friendship later.
Carole
It’s so nice to meet you, for I saw a post of yours stating that you are a Secular Carmelite. I don’t need to go into a lot of detail, therefore, since you have studied the vocation, and the writings of our saints.
What distinguishes the “secular” from those in the cloister, is that the nuns are not permitted to have special friendships, but are to avoid partialities and love the others equally. However, if you read the Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis deSales, he instructs lay persons to have well-chosen, particular friendships, saying how good and necessary it is If you need further references, let me know.
Anyway, back to your friend. She may have a good reason for this, which you cannot know unless she shares it with you. Sometimes a person needs to “fast” from those things that interfere with holiness until the Lord gives them mastery over it. They can return to it safely when their virtue overcomes what formerly was an obstacle.
Or . . . she is overzealous in her desire for spirituality, and fails to understand her vocation properly. Ultimately, the Secular Carmelite is to be a light that ought not to be hidden under a basket, but willingly embrace charitable works in the apostolate according to their talents, and this would require solid friendships with others.
St. Teresa was over-attached to a particular friend with whom she had a real problem severing the relationship, at the advice of her director. He told her to pray the Veni, Sanctus, Spiritus, and after prayer, she had a powerful vision from God. He told her that it was His will that she have friendships only with angels. And so it was — she admitted it was impossible to maintain any relations with others unless they had a deep love for God. It was impossible!
Perhaps it would be a good idea to let it go for now, keeping her in prayer, and be willing to keep in touch with her occasionally with a friendly phone call, greeting card, etc. But give her the space she needs for now, and God may restore your friendship later.
Carole
W
WhiteDove
Guest
Dear Mary’s lamb,
Regarding your friend: People are very complex with multiple layers of motivatition for their actions. Your friend’s reason for rejecting you is purportedly because of her high spiritual goal of detachment, but you can probably guess that most likely there are other motivations, probably not so lofty. Perhaps you have grown apart, or there are other troubling parts of the relationship that have been bothering her. Maybe she is taking too much pride in her spirituality, it wouldn’t be the first time that had happened to one of us pitiful humans!
Whatever it is, look at it as an opportunity for you! This is your chance to set aside hurt, and practise forgiveness and detachment. One door closes and another opens!
Regarding your friend: People are very complex with multiple layers of motivatition for their actions. Your friend’s reason for rejecting you is purportedly because of her high spiritual goal of detachment, but you can probably guess that most likely there are other motivations, probably not so lofty. Perhaps you have grown apart, or there are other troubling parts of the relationship that have been bothering her. Maybe she is taking too much pride in her spirituality, it wouldn’t be the first time that had happened to one of us pitiful humans!
Whatever it is, look at it as an opportunity for you! This is your chance to set aside hurt, and practise forgiveness and detachment. One door closes and another opens!
P
Pug
Guest
Joysong,
Yes I have, but I only have it in one volume. I read it six or so years ago, and appreciated it greatly. I have had trouble reading St. Teresa as she often soars over my head
(though I managed the Way of Perfection), but St. Francis deSales mostly is in my league.I liked how he talked about how we are attracted to God.
B
buzzcut
Guest
Hi, Mary’s Lamb, I agree with WhiteDove in that I don’t know what’s really happening with your friend, and in any case it’s not my business to comment on her spirituality.
All I can say is that what St John of the Cross meant by night of the senses is mortifying the appetite for things of the five senses. He gives some examples in Ascent of Mount Carmel 1.3. For example, removing the appetite for fragrant smells, delicious foods, etc.
St John of the Cross had a reputation for being quite strict. It was his job to enforce monastic discipline and to reprimand wayward friars. But sometimes as he walked around the monastery he would rattle his rosary so that people would know in advance he was coming. He may have removed his appetite for pleasant smells, delicious foods, etc., but this was accompanied by great sensitivity, concern, and compassion for other people.
All I can say is that what St John of the Cross meant by night of the senses is mortifying the appetite for things of the five senses. He gives some examples in Ascent of Mount Carmel 1.3. For example, removing the appetite for fragrant smells, delicious foods, etc.
St John of the Cross had a reputation for being quite strict. It was his job to enforce monastic discipline and to reprimand wayward friars. But sometimes as he walked around the monastery he would rattle his rosary so that people would know in advance he was coming. He may have removed his appetite for pleasant smells, delicious foods, etc., but this was accompanied by great sensitivity, concern, and compassion for other people.
S
springbreeze
Guest
Mary's Lamb:
Your friend is a ‘secular’ Carmelite, which means of course she is in the secular world and as such should live out her Carmelite spirituality IN the world as is proper to her state in the world.
I do not know you nor your friend nor the subtleties or depth of your friendship and how you both influence each other. As peers always do influence and affect each other.
I would be most saddened to learn a person would even think of USING their spirituality as an excuse to cease a friendship or significantly reduce the depth of a friendship.
Therefore we must believe your friend and take her at her word, believing of course the good of her.
As the Holy Spirit indwells us and we are the Tabbernacle of our Lord and as He indwells us therefore in His Most Holy Sacrament and as He died for all mankind, we must see our Lord in all people’s. She must treat youand you her as you would our Sweet Lord Jesus. If she has good motivation and reason to lessen your friendship then it may not be this that is in question, but moreover her manner of lessening your friendship. It may be that she has not done this in a loving way and this is why you feel as you do, perceiving that she is brutal towards you emotions and feelings. However she may appear brutal and brusque with you because this is an extremely hard thing for her to do also and her heart may equally be aching, so she refuses to enter into conversation about it.
The greatest charism of Carmel is LOVE and if her orders are to bring your friendship to a less attached state, then this must be done in a loving way with concern for you.
If your friend doesn’t wish to talk to you concerning this, then you will dear friend, have to accept her wishes and distance yourself from her. I can tell this hurts your heart greatly, give that hurt to Our Lord, for love of Him. This detaching from each other may in time bring good for you also.
However if this is an idea that your friend has perceived in herself without Spiritual guidance on it, then she may be make a rash decision and regrettable mistake as your union in friendship may well be the Lord’s Will. Has she sought advice from her Confessor Spiritual Director??
Pray for your friend for the better outcome for her spiritual journey and I will say a little prayer for you.
Bear in mind Our Lord’s words to Mary Magdalen ‘Do not touch (translated to …cling to) Me…I have not yet been to My Father’…do not cling to your friend, you will let her go and let her go because you love her…
God Bless you and much love and peace to you
Teresa
Dear Mary’s Lamb
Your friend is a ‘secular’ Carmelite, which means of course she is in the secular world and as such should live out her Carmelite spirituality IN the world as is proper to her state in the world.
I do not know you nor your friend nor the subtleties or depth of your friendship and how you both influence each other. As peers always do influence and affect each other.
I would be most saddened to learn a person would even think of USING their spirituality as an excuse to cease a friendship or significantly reduce the depth of a friendship.
Therefore we must believe your friend and take her at her word, believing of course the good of her.
As the Holy Spirit indwells us and we are the Tabbernacle of our Lord and as He indwells us therefore in His Most Holy Sacrament and as He died for all mankind, we must see our Lord in all people’s. She must treat youand you her as you would our Sweet Lord Jesus. If she has good motivation and reason to lessen your friendship then it may not be this that is in question, but moreover her manner of lessening your friendship. It may be that she has not done this in a loving way and this is why you feel as you do, perceiving that she is brutal towards you emotions and feelings. However she may appear brutal and brusque with you because this is an extremely hard thing for her to do also and her heart may equally be aching, so she refuses to enter into conversation about it.
The greatest charism of Carmel is LOVE and if her orders are to bring your friendship to a less attached state, then this must be done in a loving way with concern for you.
If your friend doesn’t wish to talk to you concerning this, then you will dear friend, have to accept her wishes and distance yourself from her. I can tell this hurts your heart greatly, give that hurt to Our Lord, for love of Him. This detaching from each other may in time bring good for you also.
However if this is an idea that your friend has perceived in herself without Spiritual guidance on it, then she may be make a rash decision and regrettable mistake as your union in friendship may well be the Lord’s Will. Has she sought advice from her Confessor Spiritual Director??
Pray for your friend for the better outcome for her spiritual journey and I will say a little prayer for you.
Bear in mind Our Lord’s words to Mary Magdalen ‘Do not touch (translated to …cling to) Me…I have not yet been to My Father’…do not cling to your friend, you will let her go and let her go because you love her…
God Bless you and much love and peace to you
Teresa
W
WhiteDove
Guest
Regarding friendships:
Sometimes our friendships that we developed during a time of less commitment to our walk with God can be based on things that might now drag us down. Perhaps our old friend and ourself have a long habit established of discussing the faults of others, complaining about our husbands, shopping together, or some other common place activity that can end up being a huge distraction to us now.
It’s really hard to not fall back into these habits when with our friend, therefore sometimes it’s better to not spend time together because we are a bad influence on each other. So, in this case, detachment can help us move forward with integrity.
I like the four agreements, one of which is to ‘never take anything personally’ That’s an important one to remember. People do things, positive and negative, because of themselves. People are mainly self centered beings. So don’t take it personally!
Sometimes our friendships that we developed during a time of less commitment to our walk with God can be based on things that might now drag us down. Perhaps our old friend and ourself have a long habit established of discussing the faults of others, complaining about our husbands, shopping together, or some other common place activity that can end up being a huge distraction to us now.
It’s really hard to not fall back into these habits when with our friend, therefore sometimes it’s better to not spend time together because we are a bad influence on each other. So, in this case, detachment can help us move forward with integrity.
I like the four agreements, one of which is to ‘never take anything personally’ That’s an important one to remember. People do things, positive and negative, because of themselves. People are mainly self centered beings. So don’t take it personally!
B
Br.Dan_OCD
Guest
Hello.
Regarding friendships and detachment: I can’t say anything about the particular case which was mentioned by Mary’s Lamb as i don’t know the people involved. In general, it’s important to remember that charity is the most important virtue. Humility and detachment serve our ability to love God and others authentically. Sometimes love for God and others requires a certain separation from a person but I think “the Golden Rule” should be kept in mind, too.
Regarding St. Teresa and St. John, they did have relationships which were very important to them. If you read St. Teresa’s letters, for instance, her love and dependence on Fr. Gratian is more than obvious. St. John’s strong feelings for his brother, while not as expressed as St. Teresa’s, are present.
Regarding friendships and detachment: I can’t say anything about the particular case which was mentioned by Mary’s Lamb as i don’t know the people involved. In general, it’s important to remember that charity is the most important virtue. Humility and detachment serve our ability to love God and others authentically. Sometimes love for God and others requires a certain separation from a person but I think “the Golden Rule” should be kept in mind, too.
Regarding St. Teresa and St. John, they did have relationships which were very important to them. If you read St. Teresa’s letters, for instance, her love and dependence on Fr. Gratian is more than obvious. St. John’s strong feelings for his brother, while not as expressed as St. Teresa’s, are present.
M
Mary_s_Lamb
Guest
Thank you all for your objective insights. First I’d like to say that our friendship was formed in our mutual love for Our Lord (not secular things.) All of our other common friends (from prayer groups and church) were upset with her years ago when she set her foot upon this path. I saw her intentions and supported her in this. Then I had a prolonged and difficult period in my life. I didn’t ask for or expect her compassion. But she treated me not just indifferently but callously. And I finally realized that she was no longer my friend.
In spite of the hurt, I pray for her. But I have wondered if it was me who had the problem with attachment or her. Of course I know I have my own attachments. But I try to allow God to remove them for me and cooperate with His grace . Rather than take it upon myself, like she has done (without spiritual direction). Either way God has used this situation to detach her from my life. But it has left me wondering if we should approach detachment in her manner or mine.
One fruit that I have gained from this is to not treat others indifferently. Even those who are annoying or “strange”.
And I do agree that there will be other graces that I am not aware of at present.
Thank you all for your insights.
Mary
In spite of the hurt, I pray for her. But I have wondered if it was me who had the problem with attachment or her. Of course I know I have my own attachments. But I try to allow God to remove them for me and cooperate with His grace . Rather than take it upon myself, like she has done (without spiritual direction). Either way God has used this situation to detach her from my life. But it has left me wondering if we should approach detachment in her manner or mine.
One fruit that I have gained from this is to not treat others indifferently. Even those who are annoying or “strange”.
And I do agree that there will be other graces that I am not aware of at present.
Thank you all for your insights.
Mary
W
WhiteDove
Guest
Dear Mary’s Lamb,
I can sympathise. I recently lost a friend of 11 years, not a Catholic, but a dear woman in many ways. She became involved in ‘Angel Writing’ a few years back. I always was careful to hold my tongue about this angel writing she did, where she said she would pray, write with her non-dominant hand, and receive messages from angels.
Well, she did a surprise ‘reading’ for me that she sprang on me one day. Not only did she claim to have received a message from the angels for me, but also one from my husband who died of cancer 7 years ago. I still have the messages on a pile of papers. I once again held my tongue. Finally she contacted me and seemed upset that I wouldn’t acknowledge her ‘gift’ from God. I tried to be diplomatic but to no avail, I believe the friendship is lost.
I consulted a priest friend of mine and he acknowledged that there was nothing I could do, that this was coming from my friend, that probably the friendship was over and, yes I needed to detach. But he also said it was important to grieve over the loss.
Remember, even Jesus wept. So, feel free to grieve over your friendship lost so that you can move on. And, from reading your words, there were probably some unhealthy things in this friendship all along. Maybe she realizes that too.
I can sympathise. I recently lost a friend of 11 years, not a Catholic, but a dear woman in many ways. She became involved in ‘Angel Writing’ a few years back. I always was careful to hold my tongue about this angel writing she did, where she said she would pray, write with her non-dominant hand, and receive messages from angels.
Well, she did a surprise ‘reading’ for me that she sprang on me one day. Not only did she claim to have received a message from the angels for me, but also one from my husband who died of cancer 7 years ago. I still have the messages on a pile of papers. I once again held my tongue. Finally she contacted me and seemed upset that I wouldn’t acknowledge her ‘gift’ from God. I tried to be diplomatic but to no avail, I believe the friendship is lost.
I consulted a priest friend of mine and he acknowledged that there was nothing I could do, that this was coming from my friend, that probably the friendship was over and, yes I needed to detach. But he also said it was important to grieve over the loss.
Remember, even Jesus wept. So, feel free to grieve over your friendship lost so that you can move on. And, from reading your words, there were probably some unhealthy things in this friendship all along. Maybe she realizes that too.
S
springbreeze
Guest
Dear Mary’s Lamb
The unfortunate thing is we don’t have the benefit of hindsight in the present. You may look back at this in 6 months time and realise that your friendship was moving towards an end anyway, or in 6 months time, your friend may not be what you once thought she was, or in 6 months time your friend may have resolved some things in her spirituality and you may be back on course, or in 6 months time, this event will be something you rarely call to mind.
Moments always passing, people pass in and out of our lives, but whilst they are in our lives, we love them.
God Bless you and much love and peace to you
Teresa
The unfortunate thing is we don’t have the benefit of hindsight in the present. You may look back at this in 6 months time and realise that your friendship was moving towards an end anyway, or in 6 months time, your friend may not be what you once thought she was, or in 6 months time your friend may have resolved some things in her spirituality and you may be back on course, or in 6 months time, this event will be something you rarely call to mind.
Moments always passing, people pass in and out of our lives, but whilst they are in our lives, we love them.
God Bless you and much love and peace to you
Teresa
J
Joysong
Guest
Dear Teresa,
When I looked this up, I noticed she spoke again about the “points of honor” and how detrimental they are to our union with Christ. Since we are in a “Carmelite” discussion, it seems good to me that our Saintly Teacher speak to us, and perhaps God will bring to light those things that are necessary for each of us.
Perhaps the reason He said this rather than anything else was because He knew that our fondness for this dreadful honour made mutual love the hardest virtue for us to attain, though it is the virtue dearest to His Father. Because of its very difficulty He put it where He did, and after having asked for so many great gifts for us, He offers it on our behalf to God.
These last effects which I have mentioned are produced in persons who have reached a high degree of perfection and to whom the Lord commonly grants the favour of uniting them to Himself by perfect contemplation. But the first of these effects – namely, the determination to suffer wrongs even though such suffering brings distress – is very quickly seen in anyone to whom the Lord has granted this grace of prayer as far as the stage of union. If these effects are not produced in a soul and it is not strengthened by prayer, you may take it that this was not Divine favour but indulgence and illusion coming from the devil, which he makes us think to be good, so that we may attach more importance to our honour.
I cannot believe that a soul which has approached so nearly to Mercy Itself, and has learned to know itself and the greatness of God’s pardon, will not immediately and readily forgive, and be mollified and remain on good terms with a person who has done it wrong. For such a soul remembers the consolation and grace which He has shown it, in which it has recognized the signs of great love, and it is glad that the occasion presents itself for showing Him some love in return.
I repeat that I know many persons to whom Our Lord has granted the grace of raising them to supernatural experiences and of giving them this prayer, or contemplation, which has been described; and although I may notice other faults and imperfections in them, I have never seen such a person who had this particular fault, nor do I believe such a person exists, if the favours he has received are of God.
I have considered your question in prayer, as I promised, but am still drawing a blank, except that I remembered St.Teresa wrote about the forgiveness of others in Way of Perfection, Chapter 36: catholicfirst.com/thefaith/catholicclassics/stteresa/way/wayofperfection7.cfm#CHAPTER%2036
When I looked this up, I noticed she spoke again about the “points of honor” and how detrimental they are to our union with Christ. Since we are in a “Carmelite” discussion, it seems good to me that our Saintly Teacher speak to us, and perhaps God will bring to light those things that are necessary for each of us.
."
Perhaps the reason He said this rather than anything else was because He knew that our fondness for this dreadful honour made mutual love the hardest virtue for us to attain, though it is the virtue dearest to His Father. Because of its very difficulty He put it where He did, and after having asked for so many great gifts for us, He offers it on our behalf to God.
These last effects which I have mentioned are produced in persons who have reached a high degree of perfection and to whom the Lord commonly grants the favour of uniting them to Himself by perfect contemplation. But the first of these effects – namely, the determination to suffer wrongs even though such suffering brings distress – is very quickly seen in anyone to whom the Lord has granted this grace of prayer as far as the stage of union. If these effects are not produced in a soul and it is not strengthened by prayer, you may take it that this was not Divine favour but indulgence and illusion coming from the devil, which he makes us think to be good, so that we may attach more importance to our honour.
I cannot believe that a soul which has approached so nearly to Mercy Itself, and has learned to know itself and the greatness of God’s pardon, will not immediately and readily forgive, and be mollified and remain on good terms with a person who has done it wrong. For such a soul remembers the consolation and grace which He has shown it, in which it has recognized the signs of great love, and it is glad that the occasion presents itself for showing Him some love in return.
I repeat that I know many persons to whom Our Lord has granted the grace of raising them to supernatural experiences and of giving them this prayer, or contemplation, which has been described; and although I may notice other faults and imperfections in them, I have never seen such a person who had this particular fault, nor do I believe such a person exists, if the favours he has received are of God.
- Status