tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44024069627921523002024-03-13T15:09:12.421-07:00The Divine Mercy MiraclesThe Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.comBlogger3216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-27010838690254631672020-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:002020-03-09T07:19:39.171-07:00Living Water-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background: white; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b><span style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Living Water</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 15, 2020. Third
Sunday of Lent</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 4:5-42</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus came to a town
of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his
son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down
there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to
buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a
Samaritan woman for a drink?” — For Jews use nothing in common with
Samaritans.— Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and
who is saying to you ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would
have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even
have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where, then, can you get this living
water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and
drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus answered and
said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but
whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall
give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The
woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or
have to keep coming here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go call your
husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a
husband.” Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband.’
For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband.
What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I can see that you
are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the
place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, "Believe me woman;
the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain
nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship
what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is
coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in
spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God
is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The
woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the
Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am
he, the one speaking with you.” At that moment his disciples returned, and
were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What are you
looking for?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman left her water jar
and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me
everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?” They went out of
the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat.”
But he said to them, “I have food to eat which you do not know.” So the
disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to
eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me
and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘In four months the harvest will be
here’? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The
reaper is already receiving payment and gathering crops for eternal live, so
that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For here the saying is
verified that ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you have
not worked for; others have done the work and you are sharing the fruits of
their work.” Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him
because of the word of the woman who testified, “He has told me everything I
have done.” When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with
them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because
of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of
your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly
the savior of the world.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory
Prayer: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I believe that
You are present in my life. I believe that You are my creator and that you
hold me in existence at every moment. I hope in You because I know that You
created me and want what’s best for me. I know that you want to give me the
living water you promised to the Samaritan woman. I am the one who places
obstacles in your way. My lack of faith, attachments to worldly things,
egoism and vanity all get in the way of receiving your gift. I come to you in
prayer today with a humble and contrite heart. You know my misery and how
much I need your grace. Accept my prayer today as a token of my desire to
remove the obstacles that come between us. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord help me to turn to You, the Wellspring
of Eternal Life, to satisfy my thirst.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Making Trips to
the Well: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Samaritan woman
comes to the well to draw water as she has so many times before. When her
water runs out and she is thirsty, she must go back to the well again. The
water she draws from the well has the power to satisfy for only a short time.
We can go through life just like this woman, searching for the little things
in life that satisfy our thirst – perhaps pleasure, the latest news, an
interesting job or a friendship. All these things satisfy, but their
satisfaction is limited and we must return to them again and again. To what
do you turn to satisfy your thirst for happiness and fulfillment? Reflect on
how that satisfaction is limited and how you must go back time and time again
to quench your thirst.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. The Living
Water: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Samaritan woman
comes to draw water, but this time there is a Jewish man at the well and he
asks her for a drink. She is taken aback by his request because Jews do not
associate with Samaritans. A Jew would not ask a Samaritan for a drink
because, according to Jewish law, the buckets that the Samaritans used were
unclean. In spite of her initial shock, she is willing to converse with him
and is startled when he offers her living water. It is soon clear that he is
speaking about something much greater than well water. He is speaking about
the life of grace – the life-giving water he has come to give all mankind. He
shares this life of grace with us in abundance – so much so that when we
accept his offer of life-giving grace, we no longer have need for inferior
satisfactions. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. We Must Ask for
This Water: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ tells the
woman, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you ‘Give me a
drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
The woman does not know she is speaking to the very source of life and grace.
If she only knew she was talking to the Christ, she would beg for the living
water that Christ has to offer. No doubt many times we are close to Christ in
our prayer or the Eucharist without recognizing him. We are like this
Samaritan woman – unaware that we speaking with Christ. Only when we are
truly aware of how close Christ and the great treasure he is offering us are
to us when we converse with him in prayer, are we able to beg him for the
living water of his grace.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with
Christ: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord Jesus, I want
to see beyond the ordinary and grasp the reality of what You are offering me.
You died on the cross so that I might partake in the living water that flowed
from Your side. Grant me your grace of living water, and teach me to thirst
for it alone. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will ask Christ, by short invocations
throughout the day, to give me the living water of his grace.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina
Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">780 O my God, how I
pity those people who do not believe in eternal life; how I pray for them
that a ray of mercy would envelop them too, and that God would clasp them to
His fatherly bosom.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1393 Jesus, delight
of my soul, Bread of Angels,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My whole being is
plunged in You,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And I live Your
divine life as do the elect in heaven,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And the reality of
this life will not cease, though I be laid in the grave.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus-Eucharist,
Immortal God,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who dwell in my
heart without cease,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I possess You,
death itself can do me no harm.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love tells me that I
will see You at life's end.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Permeated by Your
divine life,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I gaze with
assurance at the heavens thrown open for me,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And death will
shame-facedly go away, empty-handed,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For Your divine life
is contained within my soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And although by Your
holy will, O Lord,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Death is to touch my
body,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I want this
dissolution to come as quickly as possible,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For through it I am
entering eternal life.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus-Eucharist,
life of my soul,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You have raised me
up to the eternal spheres,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And this, by Your agony and death midst
terrible tortures.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">26 [November 1937].</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1471 Although I am
feeling weak, and my nature is clamoring for rest, I feel the inspiration of
grace telling me to take hold of myself and write, write for the comfort of
souls, whom I love so much and with whom I will share all eternity. And I
desire eternal life for them so ardently that that is why I use all my free
moments, no matter how short, for writing in the way that Jesus wishes of me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1549 I want to live
in the spirit of faith. I accept everything that comes my way as given me by
the loving will of God, who sincerely desires my happiness. And so I will
accept with submission and gratitude everything that God sends me. I will pay
no attention to the voice of nature and to the promptings of self-love.
Before each important action, I will stop to consider for a moment what
relationship it has to eternal life and what may be the main reason for my
undertaking it: is it for the glory of God, or for the good of my own soul,
or for the good of the souls of others? If my heart says yes, then I will not
swerve from carrying out the given action, unmindful of either obstacles or
sacrifices. I will not be frightened into abandoning my intention. It is
enough for me to know that it is pleasing to God. On the other hand, if I
learn that the action has nothing in common with what I have just mentioned,
I will try to elevate it to a loftier sphere by means of a good intention.
And if I learn that something flows from my self-love, I will cancel it out
right from the start.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1557 O Jesus, keep
me in holy fear, so that I may not waste graces. Help me to be faithful to
the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. Grant that my heart may burst for love
of You, rather than I should neglect even one act of love for You.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1559 At that moment
I saw Jesus, and from His Heart there issued those same two rays, which
enveloped me, whole and entire. At the same moment, all my torments
vanished. <b>My daughter</b>, the Lord said, <b>know that of
yourself you are just what you have gone through, and it is only by My grace
that you are a participant of eternal life and all the gifts I lavish on you.</b> And
with these words of the Lord, there came to me a true knowledge of myself.
Jesus is giving me a lesson in deep humility and, at the same time, one of
total trust in Him. My heart is reduced to dust and ashes, and even if all
people were to trample me under their feet, I would still consider that a
favor.<br />
<br />
I feel and am, in fact, very deeply permeated with the knowledge that I am
nothing, so that real humiliations will be a refreshment for me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1584 O inconceivable goodness of God, which
shields us at every step, may Your mercy be praised without cease. That You
became a brother to humans, not to angels, is a miracle of the unfathomable
mystery of Your mercy. All our trust is in You, our first-born Brother, Jesus
Christ, true God and true Man. My heart flutters with joy to see how good God
is to us wretched and ungrateful people. And as a proof of His love, He gives
us the incomprehensible gift of Himself in the person of His Son. Throughout
all eternity we shall never exhaust that mystery of love. O mankind, why do
you think so little about God being truly among us? O Lamb of God, I do not
know what to admire in You first: Your gentleness, Your hidden life, the
emptying of Yourself for the sake of man, or the constant miracle of Your
mercy, which transforms souls and raises them up to eternal life. Although
You are hidden in this way, Your omnipotence is more manifest here than in
the creation of man. Though the omnipotence of Your mercy is at work in the
justification of the sinner, yet Your action is gentle and hidden.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ J.M.J.<br />
<br />
The Soul's Expectation of the Coming of the Lord.<br />
<br />
1589 I do not know, O Lord, at what hour You will come.<br />
And so I keep constant watch and listen<br />
As Your chosen bride,<br />
Knowing that You like to come unexpected.<br />
Yet, a pure heart will sense You from afar, O Lord.<br />
<br />
I wait for You, Lord, in calm and silence,<br />
With great longing in my heart<br />
And with invincible desire.<br />
I feel that my love for You is changing into fire,<br />
And that it will rise up to heaven like a flame at life's end,<br />
And then all my wishes will be fulfilled.<br />
<br />
Come then, at last, my most sweet Lord<br />
And take my thirsting heart<br />
There, to Your home in the lofty regions of heaven,<br />
Where Your eternal life perdures.<br />
<br />
Life on this earth is but an agony,<br />
As my heart feels it is created for the heights.<br />
For it the lowlands of this life hold no interest,<br />
For my homeland is in heaven-this I firmly believe.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Creator and The
Creature.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1692 I adore You,
Lord and Creator, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament. I adore You for all the
works of Your hands, that reveal to me so much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O
Lord. You have spread so much beauty over the earth, and it tells me about
Your beauty, even though these beautiful things are but a faint reflection of
You, Incomprehensible Beauty. And although You have hidden Yourself and
concealed Your beauty, my eye, enlightened by faith, reaches You, and my soul
recognizes its Creator, its Highest Good; and my heart is completely immersed
in prayer of adoration.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Lord and Creator,
Your goodness encourages me to converse with You. Your mercy</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">abolishes the chasm
which separates the Creator from the creature. To converse with You, O Lord,
is the delight of my heart. In You I find everything that my heart could
desire. Here Your light illumines my mind, enabling it to know You more and
more deeply. Here streams of graces flow down upon my heart. Here my soul
draws eternal life. O my Lord and Creator, You alone, beyond all these gifts,
give Your own self to me and unite Yourself intimately with Your miserable
creature. Here, without searching for words, our hearts understand each
other. Here, no one is able to interrupt our conversation. What I talk to You
about, Jesus, is our secret, which creatures shall not know and Angels dare
not ask about. These are secret acts of forgiveness, known only to Jesus and
me; this is the mystery of His mercy, which embraces each soul separately.
For this incomprehensible goodness of Yours, I adore You, O Lord and Creator,
with all my heart and all my soul. And, although my worship is so little and
poor, I am at peace because I know that You know it is sincere, however
inadequate...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ God's Infinite
Goodness in Redeeming Man.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1747 God, You could
have saved thousands of worlds with one word; a single sigh from Jesus would
have satisfied Your justice. But You Yourself, Jesus, purely out of love for
us, underwent such a terrible Passion. Your Father's justice would have been
propitiated with a single sigh from You, and all Your self-abasement is
solely the work of Your mercy and Your inconceivable love. On leaving the
earth, O Lord, You wanted to stay with us, and so You left us Yourself in the
Sacrament of the Altar, and You opened wide Your mercy to us. There is no
misery that could exhaust You; You have called us all to this fountain of
love, to this spring of God's compassion. Here is the tabernacle of Your
mercy, here is the remedy for all our ills. To You, O living spring of mercy,
all souls are drawn; some like deer, thirsting for Your love, others to wash
the wound of their sins, and still others, exhausted by life, to draw
strength. At the moment of Your death on the Cross, You bestowed upon us
eternal life; allowing Your most holy side to be opened, You opened an
inexhaustible spring of mercy for us, giving us Your dearest possession, the
Blood and Water from Your Heart. Such is the omnipotence of Your mercy. From
it all grace flows to us.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1811 <b>But I
want to tell you that eternal life must begin already , here on earth through
Holy Communion. Each Holy Communion makes you more capable of communing with
God throughout eternity.</b><br />
<br />
And so, my King, I do not ask You for anything, although I know that You can give
me everything. I ask You for one thing only: remain forever the King of my
heart; that is enough for me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-780)<br />
(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1393, 1471, 1549, 1557, 1559,
1584) (Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1589)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1692, 1747)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Preparation for
Holy Communion-1811)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: #6666cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-8030219408620778572020-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:002020-03-09T07:16:58.248-07:00The Prodigal Father-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Prodigal Father</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 14, 2020.
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32</span></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to
listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
"This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." So to them he
addressed this parable. Then he said, "A man had two sons, and the younger
son said to his father, ´Father, give me the share of your estate that should
come to me.´ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days,
the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had
freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found
himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who
sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the
pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he
thought, ´How many of my father´s hired workers have more than enough food to
eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I
shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I
no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of
your hired workers."´ So he got up and went back to his father. While he
was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with
compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to
him, ´Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve
to be called your son.´ But his father ordered his servants, ´Quickly bring the
finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his
feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a
feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was
lost, and has been found.´ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had
been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard
the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what
this might mean. The servant said to him, ´Your brother has returned and your
father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and
sound.´ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father
came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ´Look, all these
years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave
me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who
swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened
calf.´ He said to him, ´My son, you are here with me always; everything I have
is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead
and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.´" </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Lord,
though I cannot see </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
with my eyes, I believe </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
are present to me now, in my innermost being, and that </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou know me far better than I know
myself. I also know that </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
love me much more than I love my own self. Thank </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou for loving and watching over me,
though I don’t deserve </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our
love. In return, I offer </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
my sorrow for my sins and my hope to love </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou more each day. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus,
guide me to a complete rejection of sin in my life. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Love - The Double-Edged Sword:</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Place yourself in the father´s shoes. He loves his sons, sacrifices himself for
them, and has tremendous hope and fatherly pride in them. He intensely wants
them to be happy and seeks what´s best for them. Above all, he wants them to
respond to his love for them with the same generosity, the same intensity of
self-giving. There is nothing more painful for a lover than unanswered, ignored
or scorned love. Imagine how much God loves us: he sends his only begotten Son
into the world, to become man––with all the limitations and suffering this
entails––to die on a cross, in our place, because of our sins. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Forgetting to Count Your Blessings</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
The minute the son begins to think about himself and turn his attention away
from the father´s love is the minute he begins to have problems that will lead
to spiritual and material bankruptcy. Asking for his inheritance was tantamount
to wishing his father´s death, since an inheritance is bestowed only after the
death of one’s parents. How many times have I asked God to die by choosing my
own will over his? Self-centeredness leads to ingratitude: forgetting that I
have received everything from God through no merit of my own and that it will
all return to him. Self-centeredness also leads to trying to find happiness
anywhere except the one place it truly is found: God. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. A Rude Awakening</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
Anytime we turn away from the love and grace of God and turn to sin, we lose
our senses and leave God for a “distant country.” God´s will is our home, even
if on the surface it may seem unpleasant. Sin blinds the intellect and weakens
the will. Its every moment is a point of departure. But—every saint has a past
and every sinner has a future. We can turn back to God right now. He is with us
right here, right now, pouring out his grace. He ardently longs for us to
respond to him, just as the father in the parable must have longed for the
return of his son. I can stand up. I can return to my Father. I can bury my
past in Christ. I can go to him for forgiveness. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heavenly
Father, I clearly see the many times I have said “No” to </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou and chosen myself. I give thanks for
having such a patient and forgiving father as </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou. I am sorry for my lack of love
for </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou.
Now I reject sin once more and turn back to </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou, confident of </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our mercy and forgiveness. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will say a heartfelt act of contrition, relishing God´s love and mercy for me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 O Eternal Love, You
command Your Sacred Image <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[1]</span></a> to
be painted And reveal to us the inconceivable fount of mercy,<br />
You bless whoever approaches Your rays,<br />
And a soul all black will turn into snow.<br />
<br />
O sweet Jesus, it is here <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#2" target="_self"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[2]</span></a> You
established the throne of Your mercy<br />
To bring joy and hope to sinful man.<br />
From Your open Heart, as from a pure fount,<br />
Flows comfort to a repentant heart and soul.<br />
<br />
May praise and glory for this Image<br />
Never cease to stream from man's soul.<br />
May praise of God's mercy pour from every heart,<br />
Now, and at every hour, and forever and ever.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">O My God<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 When I look
into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future?<br />
Only the present moment is precious to me,<br />
As the future may never enter my soul at all.<br />
<br />
It is no longer in my power,<br />
To change, correct or add to the past;<br />
For neither sages nor prophets could do that.<br />
And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God.<br />
<br />
O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.<br />
I desire to use you as best I can.<br />
And although I am weak and small,<br />
You grant me the grace of your omnipotence.<br />
<br />
And so, trusting in Your mercy,<br />
I walk through life like a little child,<br />
Offering You each day this heart<br />
Burning with love for Your greater glory</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God and Souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 Be adored, O Most
Holy Trinity, now and for all time. Be adored in all Your works and all Your
creatures. May the greatness of Your mercy be admired and glorified, O God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 I am to write </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[3] </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">down the encounters of my soul with You, O God, at the moments
of Your special visitations. I am to write about You, O Incomprehensible in
mercy towards my poor soul. Your holy will is the life of my soul. I have
received this order through him who is for me Your representative here on
earth, who interprets Your holy Will to me. Jesus, You see how difficult it is
for me to write, how unable I am to put down clearly what I experience in my
soul. O God, can a pen write down that for which many a time there are no
words? But You give the order to write, O God; that is enough for me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">49 When I told this to
my confessor,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#29" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[29]</span></a> I received this for a reply: "That refers to
your soul." He told me, "Certainly, paint God's image in your
soul." When I came out of the confessional, I again heard words such as
these: <b>My image already is in your soul. I desire that there be a Feast
of Mercy. I want this image, which you will paint with a brush, to be solemnly
blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of
Mercy.</b><br />
<br />
50 <b>+ I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards
souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of
mercy are burning Me - clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon
these souls.</b><br />
<br />
Jesus complained to me in these words,<b> Distrust on the part of souls is
tearing at My insides. The distrust of a chosen soul causes Me even greater
pain; despite My inexhaustible love for them they do not trust Me. Even My
death is not enough for them. Woe to the soul that abuses these</b> [gifts].</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">56 O my God, I
understand well that You demand this spiritual childhood<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#32" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[32]</span></a> of
me, because You are constantly asking it of me through Your representatives.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of my religious life, suffering and adversities frightened and
disheartened me. So I prayed continuously, asking Jesus to strengthen me and to
grant me the power of His Holy Spirit that I might carry out His holy will in
all things, because from the beginning I have been aware of my weakness. I know
very well what I am of myself, because for this purpose Jesus has opened the
eyes of my soul; I am an abyss of misery, and hence I understand that whatever
good there is in my soul consists solely of His holy grace. The knowledge of my
own misery allows me, at the same time, to know the immensity of Your mercy. In
my own interior life, I am looking with one eye at the abyss of my misery and
baseness, and with the other, at the abyss of Your mercy, O God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">66 O inexhaustible
treasure of purity of intention which makes all our actions perfect and so
pleasing to God!<br />
<br />
O Jesus, You know how weak I am; be then ever with me; guide my actions and my
whole being, You who are my very best Teacher! Truly, Jesus, I become
frightened when I look at my own misery, but at the same time I am reassured by
Your unfathomable mercy, which exceeds my misery by the measure of all
eternity. This disposition of soul clothes me in Your power. O joy that flows
from the knowledge of one's self! O unchanging Truth, Your constancy is
everlasting!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">69 +O Jesus, eternal
Truth, strengthen my feeble forces; You can do all things, Lord. I know that
without You all my efforts are in vain. O Jesus, do not hide from me, for I
cannot live without You. Listen to the cry of my soul. Your mercy has not been
exhausted, Lord, so have pity on my misery. Your mercy surpasses the
understanding of all Angels and people put together; and so, although it seems
to me that You do not hear me, I put my trust in the ocean of Your mercy, and I
know that my hope will not be deceived.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Divine Sun, in Your
rays the soul sees the tiniest specks of dust which displease You.<br />
<br />
72 O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for
poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy,
I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from
which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg
of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion
and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most
precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I
rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the
salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and
ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled. Therefore, let every
soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God
will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God's mercy
will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I
contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all
sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">73 O my Jesus, despite
the deep night that is all around me and the dark clouds which hide the
horizon, I know that the sun never goes out. O Lord, though I cannot comprehend
You and do not understand Your ways, I nonetheless trust in Your mercy. If it
is Your will, Lord, that I live always in such darkness, may You be blessed. I
ask You only one thing, Jesus: do not allow me to offend You in any way. O my
Jesus, You alone know the longings and the sufferings of my heart. I am glad I
can suffer for You, however little. When I feel that the suffering is more than
I can bear, I take refuge in the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and I speak to
Him with profound silence.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">78 Once when I was
being crushed by these dreadful sufferings, I went into the chapel and said
from the bottom of my soul, "Do what You will with me, O Jesus; I will
adore You in everything. May Your will be done in me, O my Lord and my God, and
I will praise Your infinite mercy." Through this act of submission, these
terrible torments left me. Suddenly I saw Jesus, who said to me,<b> I am
always in your heart. </b>An inconceivable joy entered my soul, and a
great love of God set my heart aflame. I see that God never tries us beyond
what we are able to suffer. Oh, I fear nothing; if God sends such great
suffering to a soul, He upholds it with an even greater grace, although we are
not aware of it. One act of trust at such moments gives greater glory to God
than whole hours passed in prayer filled with consolations. Now I see that if
God wants to keep a soul in darkness, no book, no confessor can bring it light.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">80 O Jesus, Divine
Prisoner of Love, when I consider Your love and how You emptied Yourself for
me, my senses fail me. You hide Your inconceivable majesty and lower Yourself
to miserable me. O King of Glory, though You hide Your beauty, yet the eye of
my soul rends the veil. I see the angelic choirs giving You honor without
cease, and all the heavenly Powers praising You without cease, and without
cease they are saying: Holy, Holy, Holy.<br />
<br />
Oh, who will comprehend Your love and Your unfathomable mercy toward us! O
Prisoner of Love, I lock up my poor heart in this tabernacle, that it may adore
You without cease night and day. I know of no obstacle in this adoration, and
even though I be physically distant, my heart is always with You. Nothing can
put a stop to my love for You. No obstacles exist for me. O my Jesus, I will
console You for all the ingratitude, the blasphemies, the coldness, the hatred
of the wicked, the sacrileges. O Jesus, I want to burn as 'a pure offering and
to be consumed before the throne of Your hiddenness. I plead with You
unceasingly for poor dying sinners.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">81 O Holy Trinity, One
and Indivisible God, may You be blessed for this great gift and testament of
mercy. My Jesus, to atone for blasphemers I will keep silent when unjustly
reprimanded and in this way make partial amends to You. I am singing within my
soul an unending hymn to You, and no one will suspect or understand this. The
song of my soul is known to You alone, O my Creator and Lord!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">83 <b>Write this:
before I come as the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before
the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens
of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be
great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in
the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were
nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period
of time. This will take place shortly before the last day.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">84 O Blood and Water,
which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust
in You!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vilnius, August 2,
1934.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">85 On Friday, after
Holy Communion, I was carried in spirit before the throne of God. There I saw
the heavenly Powers which incessantly praise God. Beyond the throne I saw a
brightness inaccessible to creatures, and there only the Incarnate Word enters
as Mediator. When Jesus entered this light, I heard these words, <b>Write
down at once what you hear: I am the</b> <b>Lord in My essence and am
immune to orders or needs. If I call creatures into being</b> <b>- that is
the abyss of My mercy. </b>And at that very moment I found myself, as
before, in our chapel at my kneeler, just as Mass had ended. I already had
these words written.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">88 +During adoration I
felt God close to me. A moment later I saw Jesus and Mary. At the sight of them
I was filled with joy, and I asked the Lord, "What is Your will, Jesus,
concerning the matter about which my confessor told me to ask You?" Jesus
replied, <b>It is My will that he</b> <b>should remain here and that
he should not take the initiative of dispensing himself.</b> I asked Jesus
whether the inscription could be: "Christ King of Mercy." He
answered, <b>I am</b> <b>King of Mercy, </b>but He did not say
"Christ." <b>I desire that this image be displayed in</b> <b>public
on the first Sunday after Easter. That Sunday is the Feast of Mercy. Through</b> <b>the
Word Incarnate I make known the bottomless depth of My mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame
my heart with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the
storms, the sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge
of God and the Terror of the Soul.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain;
it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it
received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it,
and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of
God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him.<br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is;
the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed
and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it
begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These
lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized,
the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded
faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His
consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain
moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly
rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of
perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within
it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult
for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and
taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take
account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact,
this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here,
however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a
well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">101 Jesus, You alone
know how the soul, engulfed in darkness, moans in the midst of these torments
and, despite all this, thirsts for God as burning lips thirst for water. It
dies and withers; it dies a death without death; that is to say, it cannot die.
All its efforts come to nothing; it is under a powerful hand. Now the soul
comes under the power of the Just One. All exterior temptations cease; all that
surrounds it becomes silent, like a dying person who loses contact with
everything around it: the person's entire soul is in the hand of the Just God,
the Thrice-Holy God,-rejected for all eternity! This is the culminating moment,
and God alone can test a soul in this way, because He alone knows what the soul
can endure.<br />
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When the soul has been saturated through and through by this infernal fire, it
is, as it were, cast headlong into great despair. My soul experienced this
moment when I was all alone in my cell. When my soul began to sink into this
despair, I felt that the end was near. But I seized my little crucifix and
clutched it tightly in my hand. And now I felt my body separate itself from my
soul; and though I wanted to go to my Superiors, I no longer had the physical
strength. I uttered my last words: "I trust in Your Mercy!"-and it
seemed to me that I provoked God to an even greater anger. And now I was
drowned in despair, and all that was left me was a moan of unadulterated pain
which, from time to time, tore itself from my soul. The soul is in agony-and it
seemed to me that I would remain in this state, because by my own strength I could
not emerge from it. Every recollection of God opened up an unspeakable ocean of
suffering, and yet despite this there is something within the soul which is
drawn to Him, though it seems to her for this only-that she suffer more. The
memory of the love with which God formerly surrounded it is still another kind
of suffering. His gaze pierces it, and everything within the soul is burned by
this gaze.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">102 After some time,
one of the sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was
frightened and went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy
obedience ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned
immediately, and I got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the
state of my soul and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying,
"Do not be distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in
virtue of obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that
God is calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you very
close to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so soon. Be
faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to have a
high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of these
words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set free
from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I
perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">116 My Jesus, You know
what my soul goes through at the recollection of these sufferings. I have often
marvelled that the angels and saints hold their peace at the sight of a soul
suffering like that. Yet they have special love for us at such moments. My soul
has often cried out after God, as a little child who cries as loudly as he can
when his mother covers her face and he cannot recognize her. O my Jesus, honor
and glory to You for these trials of love! Great and incomprehensible is your
mercy. All that You intended for my soul, O Lord, is steeped in Your mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">118 The tongue is a
small member, but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence
will never attain holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not
delude herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for
then she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has
to have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an
interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great
deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be
constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable damage is done by the breach
of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our neighbor, but even more to our own
selves.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In my opinion, and
according to my experience, the rule concerning silence should stand in the
very first place. God does not give himself to a chattering soul which, like a
drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is
empty inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A
deeper interior life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord
dwells, is quite out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the
sweetness of inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of
others. I have seen many souls in the depths of hell for not having kept their
silence; they told me so themselves when I asked them what was the cause of
their undoing. These were souls of religious. My God, what an agony it is to
think that not only might they have been in heaven, but they might even have
become saints! O Jesus, have mercy!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">119 I tremble to think
that I have to give an account of my tongue. There is life, but there is also
death in the tongue. Sometimes we kill with the tongue: we commit real murders.
And we are still to regard that as a small thing? I truly do not understand
such consciences. I have known a person who, when she learned from someone that
a certain thing was being said about her, fell seriously ill. She lost a good
deal of blood and shed many tears, and the outcome was very sad. It was not the
sword that did all this, but the tongue. O my silent Jesus, have mercy on us!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">133 +Once, one of the
older Mothers [probably Mother Jane<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#43" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[43]</span></a>]
summoned me, and it was as if fiery bolts from the blue were coming down upon
my head, so much so that I could not even discover what it was all about. But
after a while I understood that it was about a matter over which I had no
control whatsoever. She said to me, "Get it out of your head, Sister, that
the Lord Jesus might be communing in such an intimate way with such a miserable
bundle of imperfections as you! Bear in mind that it is only with holy souls
that the Lord Jesus communes in this way!" I acknowledged that she was
right, because I am indeed a wretched person, but still I trust in God's mercy.
When I met the Lord I humbled myself and said, "Jesus, it seems that You
do not associate intimately with such wretched people as I"<b> Be at
peace, My daughter, it is precisely through such misery that I want to show the
power of My mercy.</b> I understood that this Mother had merely wanted to
subject me to a [salutary] humiliation.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">154 Once, when there
was adoration at the convent of the Sisters of the Holy Family,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#50" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[50]</span></a> I
went there in the evening with one of our sisters. As soon as I entered the
chapel, the presence of God filled my soul. I prayed as I do at certain times,
without saying a word. Suddenly, I saw the Lord, who said to me,<b> Know
that if you neglect the matter of the painting of the image and the whole work
of mercy, you will have to answer for a multitude of souls on the day of
judgment.</b> After these words of Our Lord, a certain fear filled my
soul, and alarm took hold of me. Try as 1 would, 1 could not calm myself. These
words kept resounding in my ears: So, 1 will not only have to answer for myself
on the day of judgment, but also for the souls of others. These words cut deep
into my heart. When I returned home, I went to the little Jesus,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#51" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[51]</span></a> fell
on my face before the Blessed Sacrament and said to the Lord, "I will do
everything in my power, but I beg You to be always with me and to give me
strength to do Your holy will; for You can do everything, while I can do
nothing of myself."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">163 JMJ The Year 1937</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O Most Holy Trinity!
As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as
my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify
Your mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">+I want to be
completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O
Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable
mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that
my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances,
but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my ears
may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be
indifferent to their pains and moaning. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be
merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a
word of comfort and forgiveness for all.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that
my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good
to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my feet
may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own
fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that
my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my
neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those
who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most
merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your
mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">+You yourself command
me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of
whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy-if I cannot carry out a work of
mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer-if I cannot show mercy by
deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there
where I cannot reach out physically.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">O my Jesus, transform
me into Yourself, for you can do all things.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">164 +JMJ Warsaw, 1933.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Probation Before
Perpetual Vows</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[56]</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I learned I was
to go for probation, my heart beat with joy at the thought of such an immense
grace, that of the perpetual vows. I went before the Blessed Sacrament; and
when I immersed myself in a prayer of thanksgiving, I heard these words in my
soul: <b>My child</b> <b>you are My delight, you are the comfort of
My Heart. I grant you as many graces as</b> <b>you can hold. As often as
you want to make Me happy, speak to the world about My</b> <b>great and
unfathomable mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">167 Today [November,
1932], I arrived in Warsaw for the third probation. After a cordial meeting
with the dear Mothers, I went into the small chapel for a moment. Suddenly God's
presence filled my soul, and I heard these words, <b>My daughter, I desire
that your heart be formed after the model of My merciful Heart. You must be
completely imbued with My mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">177 +Renewal of vows.
From the moment I woke up in the morning, my spirit was totally submerged in
God, in that ocean of love. I felt that I had been completely immersed in Him.
During Holy Mass, my love for Him reached a peak of intensity. After the renewal
of vows and Holy Communion, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus, who said to me with
great kindness, <b>My daughter, look at My merciful Heart.</b> As I
fixed my gaze on the Most Sacred Heart, the same rays of light, as are
represented in the image as blood and water, came forth from it, and I
understood how great is the Lord's mercy. And again Jesus said to me with
kindness, <b>My daughter, speak to priests about this inconceivable mercy
of Mine. The flames of mercy are burning Me-clamoring to be spent; I want to
keep pouring them out upon souls; souls just don't want to believe in My
goodness. </b>Suddenly Jesus disappeared. But throughout that whole day my
spirit remained immersed in God's tangible presence, despite the buzz and
chatter that usually follow a retreat. It did not disturb me in the least. My
spirit was in God, although externally I took part in the conversations and
even went to visit Derdy.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#59" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[59]</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">178 Today we are
beginning the third probation. All three of us met at Mother Margaret's, as the
other sisters were having their probation in the novitiate. Mother Margaret
began with a prayer, explained to us what the third probation consists of, and
then spoke on how great is the grace of the perpetual vows. Suddenly I began to
cry out loud. In an instant all God's graces appeared before the eyes of my
soul, and I saw myself so wretched and ungrateful toward God. The sisters began
to rebuke me, saying, "Why did she break out crying?" But Mother
Margaret came to my defense, saying that she was not surprised.<br />
<br />
At the end of the hour, I went before the Blessed Sacrament and, like the
greatest and most miserable of wretches, I begged for His mercy that He might
heal and purify my poor soul. Then I heard these words,<b> My daughter,
all your miseries have been consumed in the flame of My love, like a little
twig thrown into a roaring fire. By humbling yourself in this way, you draw
upon yourself and upon other souls an entire sea of My mercy. </b>I
answered, "Jesus, mold my poor heart according to Your divine
delight."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">180 +During Advent, a
great yearning for God arose in my soul. My spirit rushed toward God with all
its might. During that time, the Lord gave me much light to know His attributes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first attribute
which the Lord gave me to know is His holiness. His holiness is so great that
all the Powers and Virtues tremble before Him. The pure spirits veil their
faces and lose themselves in unending adoration, and with one single word they
express the highest form of adoration; that is-Holy... The holiness of God is
poured out upon the Church of God and upon every living soul in it, but not in
the same degree. There are souls who are completely penetrated by God, and
there are those who are barely alive.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The second kind of
knowledge which the Lord granted me concerns His justice. His justice is so
great and penetrating that it reaches deep into the heart of things, and all
things stand before Him in naked truth, and nothing can withstand Him.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The third attribute is
love and mercy. And I understood that the greatest attribute is love and mercy.
It unites the creature with the Creator. This immense love and abyss of mercy
are made known in the Incarnation of the Word and in the Redemption [of
humanity], and it is here that I saw this as the greatest of all God's
attributes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">186 +Today Jesus said
to me,<b> I desire that you know more profoundly the love that burns in My
Heart for souls, and you will understand this when you meditate upon My Passion.
Call upon My mercy on behalf of sinners; I desire their salvation. When you say
this prayer, with a contrite heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I
will give him the grace of conversion. This is the prayer:</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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187 <b>"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus
as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You."</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">206 The next day,
after Communion, I heard the voice saying,<b> My daughter, look into the
abyss of My mercy and give praise and glory to this mercy of Mine. Do it in
this way: Gather all sinners from the entire world and immerse them in the
abyss of My mercy. I want to give Myself to souls; I yearn for souls, My
daughter. On the day of My feast, the Feast of Mercy, you will go through the
whole world and bring fainting souls to the spring of My mercy. I shall heal
and strengthen them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Moment Before the
Blessed Sacrament.<br />
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220 O my eternal Lord and Creator, how am I going to thank You for this great
favor; namely, that You have deigned to choose miserable me to be Your betrothed
and that You are to unite me to yourself in an eternal bond? O dearest Treasure
of my heart, I offer You all the adoration and thanksgiving of the Saints and
of all the choirs of Angels, and I unite myself in a special way with Your
Mother. O Mary, my Mother, I humbly beg of You, cover my soul with Your
virginal cloak at this very important moment of my life, so that thus I may
become dearer to Your Son and may worthily praise Your Son's mercy before the
whole world and throughout all eternity.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">223 O living Host, my
one and only strength, fountain of love and mercy, embrace the whole world,
fortify faint souls. Oh, blessed be the instant and the moment when Jesus left
us His most merciful Heart!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">224 To suffer without
complaining, to bring comfort to others and to drown my own sufferings in the
most Sacred Heart of Jesus!<br />
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I will spend all my free moments at the feet of [Our Lord in] the Blessed
Sacrament. At the feet of Jesus, I will seek light, comfort and strength. I
will show my gratitude unceasingly to God for His great mercy towards me, never
forgetting the favors He has bestowed on me, especially the grace of a
vocation. I will hide myself among the sisters like a little violet among
lilies. I want to blossom for my Lord and Maker, to forget about myself, to
empty myself totally for the sake of immortal souls-this is my delight.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">225 As regards Holy
Confession, I shall choose what costs and humiliates me most. Sometimes a
trifle costs more than something greater. I will call to mind the Passion of
Jesus at each confession, to arouse my heart to contrition. Insofar as possible
with the grace of God, I will always practice perfect contrition. I will devote
more time to this contrition. Before I approach the confessional, I shall first
enter the open and most merciful Heart of the Savior. When I leave the
confessional, I shall rouse in my soul great gratitude to the Holy Trinity for
this wonderful and inconceivable miracle of mercy that is wrought in my soul.
And the more miserable my soul is, the more I feel the ocean of God's mercy
engulfing me and giving me strength and great power.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">229 +At the beginning
of the retreat, Jesus told me, <b>During this retreat, I myself will
direct your soul. I want to confirm you in peace and love. </b>And so the
first few days passed by. On the fourth day, doubts began to trouble me: Is not
this tranquillity of mine false? Then I heard these words, <b>My daughter,
imagine that you are the sovereign of all the world and have the power to
dispose of all things according to your good pleasure. You have the power to do
all the good you want, and suddenly a little child knocks on your door, all
trembling and in tears and, trusting in your kindness, asks for a piece of
bread lest he die of starvation. What would you do for this child? Answer
Me, </b>my daughter. And I said, "Jesus, I would give the child all
it asked and a thousand times more. "And the Lord said to me,<b> That
is how I am treating your soul. In this retreat I am giving you, not only
peace, but also such a disposition of soul that even if you wanted to
experience uneasiness you could not do so. My love has taken possession of your
soul, and I want you to be confirmed in it. Bring your ear close to My Heart,
forget everything else, and meditate upon My wondrous mercy. My love will give
you the strength and courage you need in these matters.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">237 Holy Hour. During
this hour of adoration, I saw the abyss of my misery; whatever there is of good
in me is Yours, O Lord. But because I am so small and wretched, I have a right
to count on Your boundless mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">239 Prayer during the
Mass on the day of the perpetual vows. Today I place my heart on the paten
where Your Heart has been placed, O Jesus, and today I offer myself together
with You to God, Your Father and mine, as a sacrifice of love and praise.
Father of Mercy, look upon the sacrifice of my heart, but through the wound in
the Heart of Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">249 +Jesus, I trust in
You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a Mother to me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">256 +Thank You, Jesus,
for the great favor of making known to me the whole abyss of my misery. I know
that I am an abyss of nothingness and that, if Your holy grace did not hold me
up, I would return to nothingness in a moment. And so, with every beat of my
heart, I thank You, my God, for Your great mercy towards me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously,
this priest had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord
wanted these things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing
of a feast of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he
laughed at me and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I
came at eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that
Father had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I
was there, the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me
that priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home
emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole
hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might
obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and
he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while
previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he
now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets such things happen
sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace
not to falter.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">275 Jesus loves hidden
souls. A hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior
of my soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus. In difficult and painful
moments, O my Creator, I sing You a hymn of trust, for bottomless is the abyss
of my trust in You and in Your mercy!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">280 Jesus commanded me
to celebrate the Feast of God's Mercy on the first Sunday after Easter. [This I
did] through interior recollection and exterior mortification, wearing the belt
for three hours and praying continuously for sinners and for mercy on the whole
world. And Jesus said to me, <b>My eyes rest with pleasure upon this house
today.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">281 I feel certain
that my mission will not come to an end upon my death, but will begin. O
doubting souls, I will draw aside for you the veils of heaven to convince you
of God's goodness, so that you will no longer continue to wound with your
distrust the sweetest Heart of Jesus. God is Love and Mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said
to me, <b>My Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child,
when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in
repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I give you
first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see
every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the
humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">283 I want to love You
as no human soul has ever loved You before; and although I am utterly miserable
and small, I have nevertheless cast the anchor of my trust deep down into the
abyss of Your mercy, O my God and Creator! In spite of my great misery I fear
nothing, but hope to sing You a hymn of glory forever. Let no soul, even the
most miserable, fall prey to doubt; for, as long as one is alive, each one can
become a great saint, so great is the power of God's grace. It remains only for
us not to oppose God's action.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">286 +Once, after an
adoration for our country, a pain pierced my soul, and I began to pray in this
way: "Most merciful Jesus, I beseech You through the intercession of Your
Saints, and especially the intercession of Your dearest Mother who nurtured You
from childhood, bless my native land. I beg You, Jesus, look not on our sins,
but on the tears of little children, on the hunger and cold they suffer. Jesus,
for the sake of these innocent ones, grant me the grace that I am asking of You
for my country." At that moment, I saw the Lord Jesus, His eyes filled
with tears, and He said to me, <b>You see, My daughter, what great
compassion I have for them. Know that it is they who uphold the world.</b><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">294
+Once the Lord said to me,<b> Act like a beggar who does not back away
when he gets more alms [than he asked for], but offers thanks the more
fervently. You too should not back away and say that you are not worthy of
receiving greater graces when I give them to you. I know you are unworthy, but
rejoice all the more and take as many treasures from My Heart as you can carry,
for then you will please Me more. And I will tell you one more thing: Take
these graces not only for yourself, but also for others; that is, encourage the
souls with whom you come in contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I
love those souls who have complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for
them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">299 When, on one
occasion, my confessor told me to ask the Lord Jesus the meaning of the two
rays in the image,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#77" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[77]</span></a> I
answered, "Very well, I will ask the Lord."<br />
<br />
During prayer I heard these words within me: <b>The two rays denote Blood
and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The
red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls...<br />
<br />
These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized
Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross.<br />
<br />
These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who will
dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. I
desire that the first Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my
faithful servant [Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of
My great mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be
granted complete remission of sins and punishment.<br />
<br />
+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br />
<br />
+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am
Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My
Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br />
<br />
My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">301 <b>Proclaim
that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are
crowned with mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I
want all the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a
priest, for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls
drowned in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of
faith to savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be
completely consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for
them and for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a
missionary, a preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely
emptying myself and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal
souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">305 It is my greatest
desire that souls should recognize You as their eternal happiness, that they
should come to believe in Your goodness and glorify Your infinite mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">308 1934, Holy
Thursday. Jesus said to me,<b> I desire that you make an offering of
yourself for sinners and especially far those souls who have lost hope in God's
mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God and Souls. An Act
of Oblation.<br />
<br />
309 Before heaven and earth, before all the choirs of Angels, before the Most
Holy Virgin Mary, before all the Powers of heaven, I declare to the One Triune
God that today, in union with Jesus Christ, Redeemer of souls, I make a
voluntary offering of myself for the conversion of sinners, especially for those
souls who have lost hope in God's mercy. This offering consists in my
accepting, with total subjection to God's will, all the sufferings, fears and
terrors with which sinners are filled. In return, I give them all the
consolations which my soul receives from my communion with God. In a word, I
offer everything for them: Holy Masses, Holy Communions, penances,
mortifications, prayers. I do not fear the blows, blows of divine justice,
because I am united with Jesus. O my God, in this way I want to make amends to
You for the souls that do not trust in Your goodness. I hope against all hope
in the ocean of Your mercy. My Lord and my God, my portion-my portion forever,
I do not base this act of oblation on my own strength, but on the strength that
flows from the merits of Jesus Christ. I will daily repeat this act of
self-oblation by pronouncing the following prayer which You yourself have
taught me, Jesus:<br />
<br />
<b>"O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a
Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You!"</b><br />
<br />
S. M. Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament<br />
Holy Thursday, during Holy Mass, March 29, 1934.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">319 August 9, 1934.
Night adoration on Thursdays.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#79" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[79]</span></a> I
made my hour of adoration from eleven o'clock till midnight. I offered it for
the conversion of hardened sinners, especially for those who have lost hope in
God's mercy. I was reflecting on how much God had suffered and on how great was
the love He had shown for us, and on the fact that we still do not believe that
God loves us so much. O Jesus, who can understand this? What suffering it is
for our Savior! How can He convince us of His love if even His death cannot
convince us? I called upon the whole of heaven to join me in making amends to
the Lord for the ingratitude of certain souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">320 Jesus made known
to me how very pleasing to Him were prayers of atonement. He said to me,<b> The
prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws
down an ocean of blessings. </b>After the adoration, half way to my cell,
I was surrounded by a , pack of huge black dogs who were jumping and howling
and trying to tear me to pieces. I realized that they were not dogs, but
demons. One of them spoke up in a rage, "Because you have snatched so many
souls away from us this night, we will tear you to pieces." I answered,
"If that is the will of the most merciful God, tear me to pieces, for I
have justly deserved it, because I am the most miserable of all sinners, and
God is ever holy, just, and infinitely merciful." To these words all the
demons answered as one, "Let us flee, for she is not alone; the Almighty
is with her!" And they vanished like dust, like the noise of the road,
while I continued on my way to my cell undisturbed, finishing my Te Deum and
pondering the infinite and unfathomable mercy of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">364 +Once I was asked
to pray for a certain soul. I decided at once to make a novena to the Merciful
Lord to which I added a mortification; namely, that I would wear chains <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#86" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[86]</span></a> on
both legs throughout Holy Mass. I had been doing this already for three days
when I went to confession and told my spiritual director that I had undertaken
this mortification, presuming permission to do so. I had thought he would not
object, but I heard the contrary; that is, that I should do nothing without
permission. O my Jesus, so it was willfulness again! But my falls do not
discourage me; I know very well that 1 am misery [itself]. Because of the
condition of my health I did not receive this permission, and my spiritual
director was surprised that I had been allowing myself greater mortifications
without his permission. I asked pardon for my self-willfulness, or rather for
having presumed permission, and I asked him to change this mortification for
another one.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">376 My Jesus, I trust
that Your grace will help me to carry out these resolutions. Although the above
points are contained in the vow of obedience, I want to practice these things
in a special way, because this is the essence of the religious life. Merciful
Jesus, I beg You fervently to enlighten my mind so that I may come to know You
better, You who are the Infinite Being, and that I may get to know myself
better, who am nothingness itself.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">378 Once as I was
talking with my spiritual director, I had an interior vision-quicker than
lightning-of his soul in great suffering, in such agony that God touches very
few souls with such fire. The suffering arises from this work. There will come
a time when this work, which God is demanding so very much, will be as though
utterly undone. And then God will act with great power, which will give
evidence of its authenticity. It will be a new splendor for the Church,
although it has been dormant in it from long ago. That God is infinitely
merciful, no one can deny. He desires everyone to know this before He comes
again as Judge. He wants souls to come to know Him first as King of Mercy. When
this triumph comes, we shall already have entered the new life in which there
is no suffering. But before this, your soul [of the spiritual director] will be
surfeited with bitterness at the sight of the destruction of your efforts.
However, this will only appear to be so, because what God has once decided
upon, He does not change. But although this destruction will be such only in
outward appearance, the suffering will be real. When will this happen? I do not
know. How long will it last? I do not know.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#89" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[89]</span></a> But
God has promised a great grace especially to you and to all those... <b>who
will proclaim My great mercy. I shall protect them Myself at the hour of death,
as My own glory. And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the
sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My
Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to
the very bottom of hell.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">383 At the beginning
of the retreat, I saw, on the ceiling of the chapel, Jesus nailed to the Cross.
He was looking at the sisters with great love, but not at all of them. There
were three sisters at whom Jesus looked severely, for what reasons I do not
know. I only know what a terrible thing it is to meet with such a look, which
is the look of a severe Judge. That look was not directed at me, and yet I was
paralyzed with terror. I still tremble as I write these words. I did not dare
to say so much as a single word to Jesus. My physical strength failed me, and I
thought I would not live to the end of the conference. The next day, I saw the
same thing again, just as I had seen it the first time, and this time I dared
to speak these words: "Jesus, how great is Your mercy!"</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">465 Jesus, my Life,
how well I feel that You are transforming me into Yourself, in the secrecy of
my soul where the senses can no longer perceive much. O my Savior, conceal me
completely in the depths of Your Heart and shield me with Your rays against
everything that is not You. I beg You, Jesus, let the two rays that have issued
from Your most merciful Heart continuously nourish my soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">491 When I entered the
chapel, once again the majesty of God overwhelmed me. I felt that I was
immersed in God, totally immersed in Him and penetrated by Him, being aware of
how much the heavenly Father loves us. Oh, what great happiness fills my heart
from knowing God and the divine life! It is my desire to share this happiness
with all people. I cannot keep this happiness locked in my own heart alone, for
His flames burn me and cause my bosom and my entrails to burst asunder. I
desire to go throughout the whole world and speak to souls about the great
mercy of God. Priests, help me in this; use the strongest words [at your
disposal] to proclaim His mercy, for every word falls short of how merciful He
really is.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">609 I said to Him,
"I know that You are my Lord and Creator even though You are so
tiny." Jesus stretched His little arms out to me and looked at me with a
smile. My spirit was filled with incomparable joy. Then suddenly Jesus
disappeared, and it was time for Holy Communion. I went with the other sisters
to the Holy Table, my soul deeply moved. After Holy Communion, I heard these
words in my soul: <b>I am in your heart, I whom you had in your
arms. </b>I then pleaded with Jesus for a certain soul [Father Sopocko],
asking the Lord to grant him the grace to fight, and to take this trial from
him.<b> As you ask, so shall it be, but his merit will not be lessened.</b> Joy
reigned in my soul that God is so good and merciful; God grants everything that
we ask of Him with trust.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">615 March 1, 1936.
Today during Holy Mass I experienced a strange force and urge to start
realizing God's wishes. I had such a clear understanding of the things the Lord
was asking of me that truly if I were to say that I do not understand what God
is demanding from me, I would be lying, because the Lord is making His will known
to me so clearly and distinctly that I do not have the least shadow of a doubt
about them. I realized that it would be the greatest ingratitude to delay any
longer this undertaking which the Lord wishes to bring to fulfillment for His
glory and the benefit of a great number of souls. And He is using me as a
miserable tool through which to realize His eternal plans of mercy. Truly, how
ungrateful my soul would be to resist God's will any longer. Nothing will stop
me any longer, be it persecution, sufferings, sneers, threats, entreaties,
hunger, cold, flattery, friendships, adversities, friends or enemies; be it
things I am experiencing now or things that will come in the future or even the
hatred of hell-nothing will deter me from doing the will of God.<br />
<br />
I am not counting on my own strength, but on His omnipotence for, as he gave me
the grace of knowing His holy will, He will also grant me the grace of
fulfilling it. I cannot fail to mention how much my own lower nature resists
this thing, manifesting its own desires, and there results within my soul a
great struggle, like that of Jesus in the Garden of Olives. And so I too cry
out to God, the Eternal Father, "If it is possible, take this cup from me,
but, nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done, O Lord; may Your will be
done." What I am about to go through is no secret to me, but with full
knowledge I accept whatever You send me, O Lord. I trust in You, O merciful
God, and I wish to be the first to manifest to You that confidence which You
demand of souls. O Eternal Truth, help me and enlighten me along the roadways
of life, and grant that Your will be accomplished in me.<br />
<br />
My God, I desire nothing but the fulfillment of Your will. It does not matter
whether it will be easy or difficult. I feel an extraordinary force driving me
to action. One thing alone holds me back, and that is holy obedience. O my
Jesus, You urge me on the one hand and hold me back and restrain me on the
other. In this, too, O my Jesus, may Your holy will be done.<br />
<br />
I continued in this state, without a break, for many days. My physical strength
declined, and though I did not speak to anyone about it, nevertheless Mother
Superior [Borgia] noticed my pain and remarked that I had changed in appearance
and was very pale. She told me to go to bed earlier and to sleep longer, and
she had a cup of hot milk brought to me in the evening. She had a motherly
heart, full of care, and tried to help me. But in the case of spiritual
sufferings, external things have no influence, and they do not bring much
relief. It was from the confessional that I drew my strength and the
consolation of knowing that it would not be long before I could begin to act.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">635 March 25. In the
morning, during meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I
saw the immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension
to His creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how
pleasing to God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His
grace! I gave the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the
world about His great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him
who will come, not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible
is that day! Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The
angels tremble before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is
still the time for [granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be
answering for a great number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be
faithful to the end. I sympathize with you.</i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">650 O my Jesus, my
Master and Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of
my life. I expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in
the face of Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I
am fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible
throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do
with me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough for
me.<br />
<br />
O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to
me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I
may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire
nothing but Your glory.<br />
<br />
O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the light
of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite myself
with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the place of my
feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">660 O my Jesus, on the
day of the last judgment, You will demand from me an account of this work of
mercy. O just Judge, but my Spouse as well, help me to do Your holy will. O
mercy, O divine virtue!<br />
<br />
O most merciful Heart of Jesus, my Betrothed, make my heart like unto Yours.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">692 + O Jesus, I
understand that Your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore I ask You to
make my heart so big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the
souls living on the face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends beyond the
world, to the souls suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward
them by means of indulgenced prayers. God's mercy is unfathomable and
inexhaustible, just as God himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use the
strongest words there are to express this mercy of God, all this would be
nothing in comparison with what it is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart
sensitive to all the sufferings of my neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O
my Jesus, I know that You act toward us as we act toward our neighbor.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Jesus, make my
heart like unto Your merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go through life doing
good to everyone.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">703 At present, the
topic of my particular examen is my union with the Merciful Christ. This practice
gives me unusual strength; my heart is always united with the One it desires,
and its actions are regulated by mercy, which flows from love.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">728 + I have chosen
Saint Claude de la Colombiere and Saint Gertrude as my patron saints for this
retreat, that they may intercede for me before the Mother of God and the
merciful Savior.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">733 It sometimes
happens, while I am listening to the meditation, that one word puts me in very
close union with the Lord, and I no longer know what Father <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#144" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[144]</span></a> is
saying. I know that I am close to the most merciful Heart of Jesus; my whole
spirit is entirely plunged in Him, and in one moment I learn more than during
long hours of intellectual inquiry and meditation. These are sudden lights
which permit me to know things as God sees them, regarding matters of both the
interior and the exterior world.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">813 + O merciful
Jesus, stretched on the cross, be mindful of the hour of our death. O most
merciful Heart of Jesus, opened with a lance, shelter me at the last moment of
my life. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a
fount of unfathomable mercy for me at the hour of my death, O dying Jesus,
Hostage of mercy, avert the Divine wrath at the hour of my death.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">825 + O bright and
clear day on which all my dreams will be fulfilled; O day so eagerly desired,
the last day of my life! I look forward with joy to the last stroke the Divine
Artist will trace on my soul, which will give my soul a unique beauty that will
distinguish me from the beauty of other souls. O great day, on which divine
love will be confirmed in me. On that day, for the first time, I shall sing
before heaven and earth the song of the Lord's fathomless mercy. This is my
work and the mission which the Lord has destined for me from the beginning of
the world. That the song of my soul may be pleasing to the Holy Trinity, do
You, O Spirit of God, direct and form my soul yourself. I arm myself with patience
and await Your coming, O merciful God, and as to the terrible pains and fear of
death, at this moment more than at any other time, I trust in the abyss of Your
mercy and am reminding You, O merciful Jesus, sweet Savior, of all the promises
You have made to me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">832 O merciful Jesus,
how longingly You hurried to the Upper Room to consecrate the Host that I am to
receive in my life. Jesus, You desired to dwell in my heart. Your living Blood
unites with mine. Who can understand this close union? My heart encloses within
itself the Almighty, the Infinite One. 0 Jesus, continue to grant me Your
divine life. Let Your pure and noble Blood throb with all its might in my
heart. I give You my whole being. Transform me into Yourself and make me
capable of doing Your holy will in all things and of returning Your love. O my
sweet Spouse, You know that my heart knows no one but You. You have opened up
in my heart an insatiable depth of love for You. From the very first moment it
knew You, my heart has loved You and has lost itself in You as its one and only
object. May Your pure and omnipotent love be the driving force of all my
actions. Who will ever conceive and understand the depth of mercy that has
gushed forth from Your Heart?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">836 O most sweet
Jesus, who have deigned to allow miserable me to gain a knowledge of Your
unfathomable mercy; O most sweet Jesus, who have graciously demanded that I
tell the whole world of Your incomprehensible mercy, this day I take into my
hands the two rays that spring from Your merciful Heart; that is, the Blood and
the Water; and I scatter them all over the globe so that each soul may receive
Your mercy and, having received it, may glorify it for endless ages. O most
sweet Jesus who, in Your incomprehensible kindness, have deigned to unite my
wretched heart to Your most merciful Heart, it is with Your own Heart that I
glorify God, our Father, as no soul has ever glorified Him before.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">853 In the evening, a
great longing took possession of my soul. I took the pamphlet with the Image of
the Merciful Jesus on it and pressed it to my heart, and the following words
burst forth from my soul: "Jesus, Eternal Love, I live for You, I die for
You, and I want to become united with You." Suddenly I saw the Lord in His
inexpressible beauty. He looked at me graciously and said,<b> My daughter,
I too came down from heaven out of love for you; I lived for you, I died for
you, and I created the heavens for you. </b>And Jesus pressed me to His
Heart and said to me, <b>Very soon now; be at peace, My daughter.</b>When
I was alone, my soul was set afire with the desire to suffer until the moment
when the Lord would say, "Enough." And even if I were to live for
thousands of years, I see in the light of God that that is but one moment.
Souls ...[unfinished thought].</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">854 December 29,
[1936]. Today after Holy Communion, I heard a voice in my soul: <b>My
daughter, stand ready, for I will come unexpectedly. </b>Jesus, You do not
want to tell me the hour I am looking forward to with such longing?<b> My
daughter, it is for your own good. You will learn it, but not now; keep
watch. </b>O Jesus, do with me as You please. I know You are the merciful
Savior and You will not change towards me at the hour of my death. If at this
time you are showing me so much special love, and are condescending to unite
Yourself with me is such an intimate way and with such great kindness, I expect
even more at the hour of my death. You, my Lord-God, cannot change. You are
always the same. Heaven can change, as well as everything that is created; but
You, Lord, are ever the same and will endure forever. So come as You like and
when You like. Father of infinite mercy, I, Your child, wait longingly for Your
coming. O Jesus, You said in the Holy Gospel, "Out of your mouth do I
judge you." Well, Jesus, I am always speaking of Your inconceivable mercy,
so I trust that You will judge me according to Your unfathomable mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">886 January 15, 1937.
Sorrow will not establish itself in a heart which loves the will of God. My
heart, longing for God, feels the whole misery of exile. I keep going forward
bravely-though my feet become wounded-to my homeland and, on the way, I nourish
myself on the will of God. It is my food. Help me, happy inhabitants of the
heavenly homeland, so that your sister may not falter on the way. Although the
desert is fearful, I walk with lifted head and eyes fixed on the sun; that is
to say, on the merciful Heart of Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">893 January 22,
[1937]. Today is Friday. My soul is in a sea of suffering. Sinners have taken
everything away from me. But that is all right; I have given everything away
for their sake that they might know that You are good and infinitely merciful.
I shall be faithful to You, come rain or shine.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">906 + In difficult
moments, I will fix my gaze upon the silent Heart of Jesus, stretched upon the
Cross, and from the exploding flames of His merciful Heart, will flow down upon
me power and strength to keep fighting.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">938 The soul should
have prayed ardently and at greater length for a director and should have asked
the Lord himself to choose a spiritual director for it. What begins in God will
be godly, and what begins in a purely human manner will remain human. God is so
merciful that, in order to help a soul He himself chooses the spiritual guide
and will enlighten the soul concerning the one before whom it should uncover
the most hidden depths of its soul just as it sees itself before the Lord Jesus
himself. And when the soul considers and recognizes that God has been arranging
all this, it should pray fervently for the confessor that he might have the
divine light to know it well. And let it not change such a director except for
a serious reason. Just as it had prayed fervently and at great length in order
to learn God's will before choosing a director, so too should it pray fervently
and at great length to discern whether it is truly God's will that he leave
this director and choose another. If God's will is not absolutely clear, he
should not make this change, for a person will not go far by himself, and Satan
wants just this: to have the person who is aspiring for sanctity direct himself
because then, without doubt, he will never attain it.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1065 + My Jesus,
support me when difficult and stormy days come, days of testing, days of
ordeal, when suffering and fatigue begin to oppress my body and my soul.
Sustain me, Jesus, and give me strength to bear suffering. Set a guard upon my
lips that they may address no word of complaint to creatures. Your most
merciful Heart is all my hope. I have nothing for my defense but only Your
mercy; in it lies all my trust.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1074 When I went for
adoration, I heard these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down these
words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow
house]<b>. Tell the world about My mercy and My love.<br />
<br />
The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls.
Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br />
<br />
My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I
will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My
merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace.<br />
<br />
Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself.
When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of
graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other
souls.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1075 <b>Souls who
spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender
mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but
the Merciful Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend
itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed
itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1076 <b>Write
this: Everything that exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more deeply
than an infant in its mother's womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness
wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1122 God of great
mercy, who deigned to send us Your only begotten Son as the greatest proof of
Your fathomless love and mercy, You do not reject sinners; but in Your
boundless mercy You have opened for them also Your treasures, treasures from
which they can draw abundantly, not only justification, but also all the
sanctity that a soul can attain. Father of great mercy, I desire that all
hearts turn with confidence to Your infinite mercy. No one will be justified
before You if he is not accompanied by Your unfathomable mercy. When You reveal
the mystery of Your mercy to us, there will not be enough of eternity to
properly thank You for it.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1138 May 31. My
tormented soul finds aid nowhere but in You, O Living Host. I place all my trust
in Your merciful heart. I am waiting patiently for Your word, Lord.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1155 The Lord gave me
knowledge of His will under three aspects, so to speak, but it all comes down
to one. [198]<br />
<br />
The first is that souls separated from the world will burn as an offering
before God's throne and beg for mercy for the whole world... and by their
entreaties they will obtain blessings for priests, and through their prayers
prepare the world for the final coming of Jesus.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1156 The second is
prayer joined to the act of mercy. In particular, they will defend the souls of
children against the spirit of evil. Prayer and merciful deeds are all that
will be required of these souls, and even the poorest persons can be admitted
to their number. And in this egoistic world they will try to rouse up love, the
mercy of Jesus.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1157 The third is
prayer and deeds of mercy, without any obligation of taking vows. But by doing
this, these persons will have a share in all the merits and privileges of the
whole [congregation]. Everyone in the world can belong to this group.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1158 A member of this
group ought to perform at least one act of mercy a day; at least one, but there
can be many more, for such deeds can easily be carried out by anyone, even the
very poorest. For there are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the
merciful word, by forgiving and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no
word, then pray-that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy. And when the
Last Day comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we shall
receive the eternal verdict.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1159 God's floodgates
have been opened for us. Let us want to take advantage of them before the day
of God's justice arrives. And that will be a dreadful day!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1177 Particular
examen.<br />
<br />
Continuation of the same: to unite myself with the merciful Christ. For the
sake of His sorrowful Passion, I will entreat the heavenly Father for the whole
world. A point of the rule: strict observance of silence.<br />
<br />
I must probe the depth of my being and thank God for everything, uniting myself
with Jesus. With Him, in Him, and through Him, I give glory to God.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1178 O Lord, my Love,
I thank You for this day on which You have allowed me to draw a wealth of
graces from the fountain of Your unfathomable mercy. O Jesus, not only today,
but at every moment, I draw from Your unfathomable mercy everything that the
soul and body could want.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1183
O Jesus, I want to live in the present moment, to live as if this were the last
day of my life. I want to use every moment scrupulously for the greater glory
of God, to use every circumstance for the benefit of my soul. I want to look
upon everything, from the point of view that nothing happens without the will
of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1184 On an earlier occasion.<br />
<br />
In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet and
side, the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to
me, <b>All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter,
what you are doing for their salvation. </b>I answered, "Jesus, when
I look at Your suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the
salvation of souls." And the Lord said to me, <b>Know, My daughter,
that your silent day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers
many souls into heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds
your strength, contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and
judgment. Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things.</b> I
understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-1, 2, 5, 49-50, 56, 66, 69, 72-73, 78)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-81, 83-85, 88, 94-95, 101-102, 116)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-118-119, 133, 154, 163-164, 167, 177)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-180, 186-187, 206, 220, 223-225, 229 )</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-237, 239, 249, 256, 272, 275, 280-283)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-286, 294, 299-302, 305, 308-309, 320)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-364, 376, 383, 465, 491)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-609, 615, 635, 650, 660, 692, 703, 728)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-733, 813, 825, 832, 836, 853-854, 886)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-893, 906, 938)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1065, 1074-1076, 1122, 1138, 1155)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-84106295785880091222020-03-13T00:00:00.000-07:002020-03-09T07:14:14.811-07:00The Gift of Life-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SD3Is8FBJ4g/XmZPGxW2_6I/AAAAAAAAZ2M/543Rcn9fdxUYC1lV9WxuSkxG6syAGmMUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/50OrdinarioA27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="508" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SD3Is8FBJ4g/XmZPGxW2_6I/AAAAAAAAZ2M/543Rcn9fdxUYC1lV9WxuSkxG6syAGmMUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/50OrdinarioA27.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Gift of Life</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 13, 2020. Friday
of the Second Week of Lent</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the
people: "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a
vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew
near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the
tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third
they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them,
thinking, ´they will respect my son.´ But when the tenants saw the son, they
said to one another, ´This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his
inheritance.´ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"
They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and
lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper
times.” Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: ´The
stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has
this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes´? Therefore, I say to you, the
kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will
produce its fruit." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his
parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were
attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a
prophet.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord,
though I cannot see </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
with my eyes, I believe </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
are present to me now, in my innermost being, and that </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou know me far better than I know
myself. I also know that </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
love me much more than I love my own self. Thank </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou for loving and watching over me,
though I don’t deserve </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our
love. In return, I offer </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
my sorrow for my sins and my hopes to love </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou more each day.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Sanctify
me in my work, Lord. May it bring me closer to </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. God Entrusts Us with What He Values</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
It’s one thing to purchase an already functional property. It’s quite another
thing to purchase a rundown property and fix it up yourself. Once tidied up,
the latter is worth much more to you. It has become the fruit of your sweat and
blood. It is not simply a possession; it is a part of you. In today’s Gospel,
the landowner purchased the land and did the work himself to set up the
vineyard before he handed it over to the tenants. When he entrusted it to them,
he was not simply looking for a profit, but for someone to manage his vineyard.
He valued it greatly, greatly enough to risk the life of his son. Christ has
established his vineyard—the Church—and put it into our hands. Christ pays us the
compliment of entrusting us with his work, with what he values. He not only
gives us a job to do, but mysteriously puts the eternal salvation of other
souls in our hands. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. He Is Patient with Our Failures</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
The landowner did not stay around to supervise the tenants tightly. He did not
even lay down rules or specify methods of cultivation. The master left the
tenants to do their job as they saw fit. God is not a tyrannical
taskmaster. He knows that laboring in his vineyard is hard work. At harvest time
the master sent messenger after messenger. He did not become irate or condemn
the tenants after one messenger had been abused and another mistreated. Rather,
he sends them his son: he does everything possible to bear with their
egotism and inspire them with his understanding and generosity. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. God Is Equally Repulsed by Our
Inactivity as with Our Iniquity</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: “Because you are neither hot nor
cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15). The graver sin for
the Pharisees was not what they decided, but rather their selfish and blind
sterility in choosing not to decide. When Christ levies the sentence against
the Pharisees, he does not say, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will
be taken away from you and given to a people that respects life” (as serious as
this is); rather, he chides them for not producing fruit. Note that the
sentence is essentially equally severe: the one offense takes life, the other
refuses to give it. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord
Jesus, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our
hands knew human labor, and </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou sanctified </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our life and the lives of those around </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou through </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our toil. Help me to see the
virtue </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
teach. Help me to return all my talents to </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou by the work of my hands and mind. I want to
be </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our
working apostle. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
will accomplish today an apostolic task that I have been putting off.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #960000; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">23 Toward the end of
the first year of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul.
I felt no consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear
began to sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but great
misery. I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not dare to
raise my eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and begged for
mercy. My soul was in this state for almost six months. Our beloved Mother
Directress [Mary Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[14]</span></a>]
encouraged me in these difficult moments. But this suffering became greater and
greater.<br />
<br />
The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I
was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was
reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing
to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was offending
God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[15]</span></a>]
did not let me omit one single Holy Communion. God was working very strangely
in my soul. I did not understand anything at all of what my confessor was
telling me. The simple truths of the faith became incomprehensible to me. My
soul was in anguish, unable to find comfort anywhere.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">36 Once I was summoned
to the judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared
such as we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared
except for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the
complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is
displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will
have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before
the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered,
"I am Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire
in purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of
purgatory, but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for
one day in purgatory or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied,
"Jesus, I want to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer also the
greatest pains on earth, even if it were until the end of the world."
Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is enough; you will go
back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for long; you will
accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of Mine will help you
to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from it
strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find neither relief
nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have much, much to
suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">55 </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1933. Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior
inspirations, but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize
that these interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they
are for the good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to
follow them; and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation
with your confessor.<br />
<br />
<u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the
spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the evil
spirit.<br />
<br />
<u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor
specifically to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it
would be better to even ignore them.<br />
<br />
But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the other,
as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God. Humility,
humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all is purely
and simply God's grace.<br />
<br />
You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the
first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br />
<br />
Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special
graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the Lord,
paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God suffice you;
He alone."<br />
<br />
Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told me:
"Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages: `She
spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br />
<br />
Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like
the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of
little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of
others."<br />
<br />
On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a
way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow
happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then,
generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled
with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep
well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br />
<br />
Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God push
your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of the
interior life."<br />
<br />
Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress [Mary
Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity and
humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like a
little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility, content
with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others fear, you
will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility. Remember this,
Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains down into the
valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble souls."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">62 O life so dull and
monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the
eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear.
The grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It
may be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never
to return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a
seal for eternity.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">91 O my Jesus, You
alone know what persecutions I suffer, and this only because I am being
faithful to You and following Your orders. You are my strength; sustain me that
I may always carry out what You ask of me. Of myself I can do nothing, but when
You sustain me, all difficulties are nothing for me. O my Lord, I can see very
well that from the time when my soul first received the capacity to know You,
my life has been a continual struggle which has become increasingly intense.<br />
<br />
Every morning during meditation, I prepare myself for the whole day's struggle.
Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory; and so it is. I fear the
day when I do not receive Holy Communion. This Bread of t lie Strong gives me
all the strength I need to carry on my mission and the courage to do whatever
the Lord asks of me. The courage and strength that are in me are not of me, but
of Him who lives in me - it is the Eucharist.<br />
<br />
O my Jesus, the misunderstandings are so great; sometimes, were it not for the
Eucharist, I would not have the courage to go any further along the way You
have marked out for me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Divine Sun, in Your
rays the soul sees the tiniest specks of dust which displease You.<br />
<br />
72 O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for
poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy,
I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from
which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg
of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion
and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most
precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I
rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the
salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and
ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled. Therefore, let every
soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God
will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God's mercy
will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I
contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all
sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation is my
daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in everything that
is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times
when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which,
at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me
praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I
receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue
so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to
praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The
soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of
the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[39]</span></a><br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow?<br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act.<br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment?<br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege.<br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value?<br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the Church,
in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake to
strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules.<br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?"<br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state.<br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows?<br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them.<br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows?<br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows.<br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue?<br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage.<br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God.<br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern?<br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been
accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which
may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to
the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we
may receive for work or even any annuity.<br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment?<br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell
or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an
object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give
to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by
negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to
another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where the
vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it.<br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they?<br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with
necessities (this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with
things of inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment,
etc., and to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme
poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity<br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments.<br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow?<br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue.<br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin?<br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind.<br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue?<br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue.<br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved?<br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body.<br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a
grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors.<br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious?<br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and
without merit.<br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience?<br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our disobedience.<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow?<br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence.<br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience<br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of
the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it
or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame
my heart with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the
storms, the sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge
of God and the Terror of the Soul.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain;
it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it
received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it,
and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of
God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him.<br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is;
the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed
and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it
begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These
lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized,
the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded
faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His
consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain
moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly
rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of
perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within
it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult
for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and
taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take
account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact,
this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here,
however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a
well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers
under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God
by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and
love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul
in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would
be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in
its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It
sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And,
oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced
confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make
every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for
the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the
precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to
a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and
which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own
plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for
His future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried.
But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials,
the complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials,
Complete Abandonment - Despair<br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word,
rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the
bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax.
The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses
sight of everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being
abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the
soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">102 After some time,
one of the sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was
frightened and went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy
obedience ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned
immediately, and I got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the
state of my soul and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying,
"Do not be distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in
virtue of obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that
God is calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you
very close to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so
soon. Be faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to
have a high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of
these words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set
free from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I
perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">106 Though these are
frightening things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will never
test us beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may never send
us such sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the Lord to let a
soul pass through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but, insofar as this
depends on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God. God will do a soul
no harm, because He is Love itself, and in this unfathomable love has called it
into being. However, when I was so tormented, I myself did not understand this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">107 O my God, I have
come to know that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this
profound awareness into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with
earth, though I in no way neglect my duties.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">111 When, in the midst
of these interior torments, I tried to accuse myself in confession of the
smallest trifles, the priest was surprised that I had not committed graver
faults, and he said to me, "If you are as faithful as this to God during
these sufferings, this in itself is evidence to me that God is sustaining you,
Sister, with a special grace, and it is a good thing that you do not understand
this." It is a strange thing, nevertheless, that confessors could neither
understand me nor set my mind at peace concerning these matters, until I met
Father Andrasz and, later on, Father Sopocko.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">113 And again, I would
like to say three words to the soul that is determined to strive for sanctity
and to derive fruit; that is to say, benefit from confession.<br />
<br />
First word-complete sincerity and openness. Even the holiest and wisest
confessor cannot forcibly pour into the soul what he desires if it is not
sincere and open. An insincere, secretive soul risks great dangers in the
spiritual life, and even the Lord Jesus Himself does not give Himself to such a
soul on a higher level, because He knows it would derive no benefit from these
special graces.<br />
<br />
Second word-humility. A soul does not benefit as it should from the sacrament
of confession if it is not humble. Pride keeps it in darkness. The soul neither
knows how, nor is it willing, to probe with precision the depths of its own
misery. It puts on a mask and avoids everything that might bring it recovery.<br />
<br />
Third word-obedience. A disobedient soul will win no victory, even if the Lord
Jesus himself, in person, were to hear its confession. The most experienced
confessor will be of no help whatsoever to such a soul. The disobedient soul
exposes itself to great misfortunes; it will make no progress toward
perfection, nor will it succeed in the spiritual life. God lavishes His graces
most generously upon the soul, but it must be an obedient soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing
are the hymns flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a
soul, especially when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing
for Him. Great is its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through
the jungle of life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the
ground.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has
come out of these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is
great. It knows better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to
do at a given moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace
and is very faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices
in Him. It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment in
general. The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit,
introduces the soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first
prepared and purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close
communion with himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes
spiritually with the Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing
itself through the senses. God fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the
spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here,
the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound.
In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both
for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There
are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The
senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it
is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic
as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more
about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience
with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">129 Satan always takes
advantage of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the
surface-for your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be
sincere when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer.
Again I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and
fear began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard
a voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an
unusual light illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to
such sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new
courage to suffer.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">132 I must again
mention that there are some confessors who seem to be true spiritual fathers,
but only as long as things go well. When the soul finds itself in greater need,
they become perplexed, and either cannot or will not understand the soul. They
try to get rid of the person as soon as possible. But if the soul is humble, it
will always profit in some little way or other. God himself will sometimes cast
a shaft of light into the depths of the soul, because of its humility and
faith. The confessor will sometimes say something he had never intended to say,
without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the soul believe that such words are
the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed we ought to believe that every
word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I have referred to above is
something that comes directly from God. And the soul perceives that the priest
is not master of himself, that he is saying things that he would rather not
say. This is how God rewards faith.<br />
<br />
I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and respected
priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at Plock], to whom I
sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe and opposed to these
matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion he replied to me,
"Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of you, you should not
oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just this way. Be at peace;
what God has started, He will finish. But I say this to you: faithfulness to
God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well in mind what I have told
you today." I was delighted, and I thought that perhaps this priest had
understood me. But it so turned out that I never went to confession to him
again.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">133 +Once, one of the
older Mothers [probably Mother Jane<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#43" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[43]</span></a>]
summoned me, and it was as if fiery bolts from the blue were coming down upon
my head, so much so that I could not even discover what it was all about. But
after a while I understood that it was about a matter over which I had no
control whatsoever. She said to me, "Get it out of your head, Sister, that
the Lord Jesus might be communing in such an intimate way with such a miserable
bundle of imperfections as you! Bear in mind that it is only with holy souls
that the Lord Jesus communes in this way!" I acknowledged that she was
right, because I am indeed a wretched person, but still I trust in God's mercy.
When I met the Lord I humbled myself and said, "Jesus, it seems that You do
not associate intimately with such wretched people as I"<b> Be at
peace, My daughter, it is precisely through such misery that I want to show the
power of My mercy.</b> I understood that this Mother had merely wanted to
subject me to a [salutary] humiliation.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">136 And the Lord gave
me to know that the whole mystery depended on me, on my free consent to the
sacrifice given with full use of my faculties. In this free and conscious act
lies the whole power and value before His Majesty. Even if none of these things
for which I offered myself would ever happen to me, before the Lord everything
was as though it had already been consummated.<br />
<br />
At that moment, I realized I was entering into communion with the
incomprehensible Majesty. I felt that God was waiting for my word, for my
consent. Then my spirit immersed itself in the Lord, and I said, "Do with
me as You please. I subject myself to Your will. As of today, Your holy will
shall be my nourishment, and I will be faithful to Your commands with the help
of Your grace. Do with me as You please. I beg You, O Lord, be with me at every
moment of my life."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">138 A great mystery
has been accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in
my soul. When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced
everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a
great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was awaiting
me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled closely to the
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready for that for
which I had offered myself.<br />
<br />
Suffering seemed to spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself was
surprised. For others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't worth
paying any attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed; each
word was analyzed, each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get ready,
Sister, to receive a small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I feel sorry
for you." But as for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of my soul and
had been ready for it for a long time. When she saw my courage, she was
surprised. I see now that a soul cannot do much of itself, but with God it can
do all things. Behold what God's grace can do. Few are the souls that are
always watchful for divine graces, and even fewer of such souls who follow
those inspirations faithfully.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">139 Still, a soul
which is faithful to God cannot confirm its own inspirations; it must submit
them to the control of a very wise and learned priest; and until it is quite
certain, it should remain distrustful. It should not, on its own initiative
alone, put its trust in these inspirations and all other higher graces, because
it can thus expose itself to great losses.<br />
<br />
Even though a soul may immediately distinguish between false inspirations and
those of God, it should nevertheless be careful, because many things are
uncertain. God is pleased and rejoices when a soul distrusts Him for His own
sake; because it loves Him, it is prudent and itself asks and searches for help
to make certain that it is really God who is acting within it. And once a
well-instructed confessor has confirmed this, the soul should be at peace and
give itself up to God, according to His directions; that is, according to the directions
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">145 Oh, how wretched
my soul is for having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and
He pursued me with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I
least expected them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have
been more faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over
my soul, I have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus
warned me of the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that
I present to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions
against the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br />
<br />
When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and
peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for
combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br />
<br />
+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has
more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in
fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master.
For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a
spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not
understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often
says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has
never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what
the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father
Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me,
about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional,
my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br />
<br />
+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many
inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these
inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes
it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul
recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It
knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but
it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God
is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it
were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is
constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being
frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his
attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and
ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and
asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts
in this way, it nearly always wins.<br />
<br />
There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must
enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in
the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very
act the enemy is already defeated.<br />
<br />
In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time
of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no
chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of
preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and
again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted
soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O
Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for
the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">148 +A noble and
delicate soul, even the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees
God in everything, finds Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the
most hidden things. It finds all things important, it highly appreciates all
things, it thanks God for all things, it draws profit for the soul from all
things, and it gives all glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not
confused when the time of ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best
of Fathers and makes little of human opinion. It follows faithfully the
faintest breath of the Holy Spirit; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and
holds onto Him like a child to its mother. Where other souls come to a
standstill and fear, this soul passes on without fear or difficulty.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">149 When the Lord
himself wants to be close to a soul and to lead it, He will remove everything
that is external. When I fell ill and was taken to the infirmary, I suffered
much unpleasantness because of this. There were two of us sick in the
infirmary. Sisters would come to see Sister N., but no one came to visit me. It
is true that there was only one infirmary, but each one had her own cell. The
winter nights were long, and Sister N. had the light and the radio headphones,
while I could not even prepare my meditation for lack of a light.<br />
<br />
When nearly two weeks had passed in this way, I complained to the Lord one evening
that I was suffering so much and that I could not even prepare my meditation
because there was no light. And the Lord said that He would come every evening
and give me the points for the next day's meditation. These points always
concerned His sorrowful Passion. He would say, <b>Consider My sufferings
before Pilate. </b>And thus, point by point, I meditated upon His
sorrowful Passion for one week. From that moment, a great joy entered my soul,
and I no longer wanted either the visitors or the light; Jesus sufficed me for
everything. The superiors were indeed very solicitous for the sick, but the
Lord ordained that I should feel forsaken. This best of masters withdraws every
created thing in order that He himself might act. Many a time, I have
experienced such sufferings and persecutions that Mother M. [probably Mother
Margaret] herself said to me, "Sister, along your path, sufferings just
spring up out of the ground. I look upon you, Sister, as one crucified. But I
can see that Jesus has a hand in this. Be faithful to the Lord."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">150 + I want to write
down a dream that I had about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I was still a
novice at the time and was going through some difficulties which I did not know
how to overcome. They were interior difficulties connected with exterior ones.
I made novenas to various saints, but the situation grew more and more
difficult. The sufferings it caused me were so great that I did not know how to
go on living, but suddenly the thought occurred to me that I should pray to Saint
Therese of the Child Jesus. I started a novena to this Saint, because before
entering the convent I had had a great devotion to her. Lately I had somewhat
neglected this devotion, but in my need I began again to pray with great
fervor.<br />
<br />
On the fifth day of the novena, I dreamed of Saint Therese, but it was as if
she were still living on earth. She hid from me the fact that she was a saint
and began to comfort me, saying that I should not be worried about this matter,
but should trust more in God. She said, "I suffered greatly, too,"
but I did not quite believe her and said, "It seems to me that you have
not suffered at all." But Saint Therese answered me in a convincing manner
that she had suffered very much indeed and said to me, "Sister, know that
in three days the difficulty will come to a happy conclusion." When I was
not very willing to believe her, she revealed to me that she was a saint. At
that moment, a great joy filled my soul, and I said to her, "You are a
saint?" "Yes," she answered, "I am a saint. Trust that this
matter will be resolved in three days:" And I said, "Dear sweet
Therese, tell me, shall I go to heaven?" And she answered, "Yes, you
will go to heaven, Sister." "And will I be a saint?" To which
she replied, "Yes, you will be a saint." "But, little Therese,
shall I be a saint as you are, raised to the altar?" And she answered,
"Yes, you will be a saint just as I am, but you must trust in the Lord
Jesus." I then asked her if my mother and father would go to heaven, will
[unfinished sentence] And she replied that they would. I further asked,
"And will my brothers and sisters go to heaven?" She told me to pray
hard for them, but gave me no definite answer. I understood that they were in
need of much prayer.<br />
<br />
This was a dream. And as the proverb goes, dreams are phantoms; God is faith.
Nevertheless, three days later the difficulty was solved very easily, just as
she had said. And everything in this affair turned out exactly as she said it
would. It was a dream, but it had its significance.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">159 +O Blessed Host,
in golden chalice enclosed for me,<br />
That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />
I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />
Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul,<br />
O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />
With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />
Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />
Though Your beauty be veiled<br />
And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />
Strong faith tears away that veil.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">170 The first day of
the retreat. I tried to be the first in the chapel in the morning; before the
meditation I had a bit of time for prayer to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady. I
earnestly begged the Mother of God to obtain for me the grace of fidelity to
these inner inspirations and of faithfully carrying out God's will, whatever it
might be. I began this retreat with a very special kind of courage.<br />
<br />
171 Struggle to keep silence. As usual, sisters from various houses came to the
retreat. One of the sisters whom I had not seen for a long time, came to my
cell and said she had something to tell me. I did not answer her, and she saw
that I did not want to break silence. She said to me, "I didn't know you
were such an eccentric, sister," and she went away. I was well aware that
she had no other business with me than to satisfy her own curious self-love. O
God, preserve me in faithfulness.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">174 At that moment the
priest came in and began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he
were in a hurry. After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing
that none of the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an
instant was in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of
telling the father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my
dealings with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have
just described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and
said, "Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so
kindly. Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your
communing with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that
you are on the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces; you are
not free to shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your superiors
about these interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you clearly to do
so, and even then you should first consult with your confessor. But if the Lord
Jesus demands something external, in this case, after consulting your
confessor, you should carry out what He asks of you, even if this costs you
greatly. On the other hand, you must tell your confessor everything. There is
absolutely no other course for you to take, Sister. Pray that you may find a
spiritual director, or else you will waste these great gifts of God. I repeat
once again, be at peace; you are following the right path. Take no heed of
anything else, but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone
says about you. It is with just such miserable souls that the Lord Jesus
communes in this intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the
Lord Jesus will unite Himself with you." 175 176 177</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">186 +Today Jesus said
to me,<b> I desire that you know more profoundly the love that burns in My
Heart for souls, and you will understand this when you meditate upon My
Passion. Call upon My mercy on behalf of sinners; I desire their salvation.
When you say this prayer, with a contrite heart and with faith on behalf of
some sinner, I will give him the grace of conversion. This is the prayer:</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">187 <b>"O
Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy
for us, I trust in You."</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">189 On one occasion,
Jesus gave me to know how pleasing to Him is the soul that faithfully keeps the
rule. A soul will receive a greater reward for observing the rule than for
penances and great mortifications. The latter will be rewarded also if they are
undertaken over and above the rule, but they will not surpass the rule.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">204 A short
conversation with Mother Directress [Margaret]. When I asked her about some
particulars concerning progress in the spiritual life, this holy Mother
answered everything with great clarity. She said to me, "if you continue
cooperating with God's grace in this way, Sister, you will be only one step
away from close union with God. You understand what I mean by this. This means
that your characteristic trait should be faithfulness to the grace of the Lord.
God does not lead all souls along such a path." </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">210 I fervently beg
the Lord to strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not
be guided by human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything
drags man towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher
regions and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest one.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> 226 The rules
that I most often fail to obey: sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the
signal of the bell; sometimes I meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my
very best to improve.<br />
<br />
I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at
least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear
such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the
evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my actions.
I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act
at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must be mindful of
God.<br />
<br />
Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[67]</span></a> I
must report [even] small things to my superiors, and do so in as much detail as
is possible. I must be faithful in my spiritual exercises; I must not easily
ask to be dispensed from them. I must keep silence outside the time of
recreation, and avoid jokes and witty words that make others laugh and break
silence. I must have great appreciation for even the most minute rules. I must
not let myself become absorbed in the whirl of work, [but] take a break to look
up to heaven. Speak little with people, but a good deal with God. Avoid
familiarity. I must pay little attention as to who is for me and who is against
me. I must not tell others about those things I have had to put up with. I must
avoid speaking out loud to others during work. I must maintain peace and
equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge
in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation
in the wounds of Jesus.<br />
<br />
227 +In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing
is as constant as suffering-it always faithfully keeps the soul company. O
Jesus, I will let no one surpass me in loving You!<br />
<br />
+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">230 Jesus, living
Host, You are my Mother, You are my all! It is with simplicity and love, with
faith and trust that I will always come to You, O Jesus! I will share
everything with You, as a child with its loving mother, my joys and sorrows-in
a word, everything.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">234 When I finished
this confession, my spirit was immersed in God, and I prayed for three hours,
but it seemed to me like only a few minutes. Since then, I have placed no
obstacles in the way of grace working in my soul. Jesus knew why I had been
afraid to commune intimately with Him and was not at all offended. From the
moment the priest assured me that what I had experienced was not an illusion,
but the grace of God, I have tried to be faithful to God in everything. I can
see now that there are few such priests who understand the full depth of God's
work in the soul. Since then, my wings have been set free for flight, and I
yearn to soar into the very fire of the sun. My flight will not come to an end
until I rest in Him forever. When we fly very high, all the vapors, mists and
clouds are beneath our feet, and our whole carnal being is necessarily subject
to the spirit.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">248 The words of the
Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows:
"Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of burning love."
While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the
Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the
eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be
for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be
called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as
such] for all eternity.<br />
<br />
249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a
Mother to me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">257 Tomorrow I am to
leave for Vilnius. Today, I went to confession to Father Andrasz, this priest
who is so filled with the spirit of God, who untied my wings so that I could
soar to the highest summits. He reassured me in everything and told me to
believe in Divine Providence. "Have confidence and walk ahead with
courage." An extraordinary, divine power came over me after that
confession. Father stressed that I must be faithful to God's grace and said,
"No harm will come to you if, in the future, you continue to keep this
same simplicity and obedience. Have confidence in God; you are on the right
path and in good hands, in God's hands."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">263 +The week for
confession came and, to my great joy, I saw the priest I had known before
coming to Vilnius. [That is to say,] I had known him by seeing him in a vision.
At that moment, I heard these words in my soul: <b>This is My faithful
servant; he will help you to fulfill My will here on earth. </b>Yet, I did
not open myself to him as the Lord wished. And for some time I struggled
against grace. During each confession, God's grace penetrated me in a very
special way, yet I did not reveal my soul before him, and I had the intention
of not going to confession to that priest. After this decision, a terrible
anxiety entered my soul. God reproached me severely. When I did lay bare my
soul completely to this priest, Jesus poured an ocean of graces into it. Now I
understand what it means to be faithful to a particular grace. That one grace
draws down a whole series of others.<br />
<br />
264 +O my Jesus, keep me near to You! See how weak I am! I cannot go a step
forward by myself; so You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother by
a helpless child-and even more so.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously,
this priest had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord
wanted these things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing
of a feast of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he
laughed at me and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I
came at eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that
Father had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I
was there, the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me
that priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home
emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole
hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might
obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and
he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while
previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he
now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets such things happen
sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace
not to falter.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the
Lord. Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that
You forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You
carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O
mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not
returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all
understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I
cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the
Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They
admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given
us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the
veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn
me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">291 On a certain
occasion, I saw a person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send
me the greatest torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt
the terrible pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long
time, but that person remained in the Lord's grace. 0 my Jesus, how very easy
it is to become holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees
this little bit of good will in the soul, He hurries to give himself to the
soul, and nothing can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls-absolutely
nothing. Jesus is anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this
grace from God, it can very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a
creature here on earth. God is very generous and does not deny His grace to
anyone. Indeed He gives more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the
inspirations of the Holy Spirit-that is the shortest route.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">292 +When a soul loves
God sincerely, it ought not fear anything in the spiritual life. Let it subject
itself to the action of grace, and let it not impose any restraints on itself
in communing with the Lord.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord
said to me,<b> Act like a beggar who does not back away when he gets more
alms [than he asked for], but offers thanks the more fervently. You too should
not back away and say that you are not worthy of receiving greater graces when
I give them to you. I know you are unworthy, but rejoice all the more and take
as many treasures from My Heart as you can carry, for then you will please Me
more. And I will tell you one more thing: Take these graces not only for
yourself, but also for others; that is, encourage the souls with whom you come
in contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those souls who have
complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my
faithful servant [Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of
My great mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be
granted complete remission of sins and punishment.<br />
<br />
+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br />
<br />
+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am
Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My
Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br />
<br />
My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">301 <b>Proclaim
that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are
crowned with mercy.</b><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I
want all the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a
priest, for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls
drowned in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of
faith to savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be
completely consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for
them and for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a
missionary, a preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely
emptying myself and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal
souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">328 O purest Love,
rule in all Your plenitude in my heart and help me to do Your holy will most
faithfully!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">331 Oh, how great a
grace it is to have a spiritual director! One makes more rapid progress in
virtue, sees the will of God more clearly, fulfills it more faithfully, and
follows a road that is sure and free of dangers. The director knows how to
avoid the rocks against which the soul could be shattered. The Lord gave me
this grace rather late, to be sure, but I rejoice in it greatly, seeing how God
inclines His will to my director's wishes. I will mention just one incident out
of a thousand that have happened to me. As I usually do, I asked the Lord Jesus
one evening to give me the points for next day's meditation. I received the
answer: Meditate on the Prophet Jonah and his mission. I thanked the Lord, but
began to think within myself of how different that subject was from the others.
But with all my soul I strove to meditate about it, and I recognized myself in
the person of the prophet, in the sense that often I, too, try to make excuses to
the Lord, claiming that someone else would do His holy will better [than I
could], and not understanding that God can do all things and that His
omnipotence will be all the more manifest if the tool is poorer. God made this
clear to me in the following way. That afternoon, there was confession for the
community. When I presented to the director of my soul the fear that seized me
because of this mission for which God was using me, clumsy tool that I was, my
spiritual father answered that, willing or not, we must carry out the will of
God, and he gave me the Prophet Jonah as an example. After the confession, I
wondered how the confessor knew that God had told me to meditate about Jonah;
surely I myself had not told him. Then I heard these words:<b>When the priest
acts in my place, he does not act of himself, but I act through him. His wishes
are Mine. </b>I can see how Jesus defends His representatives. He himself
enters into their actions.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">333 I now see clearly
how God acts through the confessor and how faithfully He keeps His promises.
Two weeks ago, my confessor told me to reflect upon this spiritual childhood.
It was somewhat difficult at first, but my confessor, disregarding my
difficulties, told me to continue to reflect upon spiritual childhood. "In
practice, this spiritual childhood," [he said,] "should manifest
itself in this way: a child does not worry about the past or the future, but
makes use of the present moment. I want to emphasize that spiritual
childlikeness in you, Sister, and I place great stress upon it." I can see
how God bows down to my confessor's wishes; He does not show himself to me at
this time as a Teacher in the fullness of His strength and human adulthood, but
as a little Child. The God who is beyond all understanding stoops to me under the
appearance of a little Child.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">352 At the chapter,
Mother [Borgia] stressed a life of faith and fidelity in small things. Half way
through the chapter, I heard these words:<b> I desire that you would all
have more faith at the present time. How great is My joy at the faithfulness of
My spouse in the smallest things.</b> Then I looked at the crucifix and
saw that Jesus' head was turned towards the refectory, and His lips were
moving.<br />
<br />
When I told Mother Superior about it, she answered, "You see, Sister, how
Jesus demands that our life be a life of faith."<br />
<br />
353 When Mother left for the chapel and I stayed to set the room in order, I
heard these words: <b>Tell all the sisters that I demand that they live in
the spirit of faith towards the superiors at this present time.</b> I
begged my confessor to release me from this duty.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">424 In the evening, I
just about got into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep
quickly, I was awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up.
The child seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well,
as children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The
child was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to
me, <b>Look at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the
stars and the moon shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this
moon and these stars? </b>When I said yes, he spoke these words to
me, <b>These stars are the souls of faithful Christians, and the moon is
the souls of religious. Do you see how great the difference is between the
light of the moon and the light of the stars? Such is the difference in heaven
between the soul of a religious and the soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And
he went on to say that, <b>True greatness is in loving God and in humility.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">449 I prepared for
this feast with greater zeal than in previous years. On the morning of the
feast itself, I experienced an inner struggle at the thought that I must leave
this Congregation which enjoys such special protection from Mary. This struggle
lasted through the meditation and through the first Mass as well. During the
second Mass, I turned to our Holy Mother, telling Her that it was difficult for
me to separate myself from this Congregation... "which is under Your
special protection, O Mary." Then I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably
beautiful. She came down from the altar to my kneeler, held me close to herself
and said to me, <i>I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable
mercy of God. Most pleasing to Me is that soul which faithfully carries out the
will of God.</i> She gave me to understand that I had faithfully fulfilled
the will of God and had thus found favor in His eyes. <i>Be courageous. Do
not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and
in this way you will be victorious.</i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">481 Almost every feast
of the Church gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace. That is
why I prepare myself for each feast and unite myself closely with the spirit of
the Church. What a joy it is to be a faithful child of the Church! Oh, how much
I love Holy Church and all those who live in it! I look upon them as living
members of Christ, who is their Head. I burn with love with those who love; I
suffer with those who suffer, I am consumed with sorrow at the sight of those
whoa are cold and ungrateful; and I then try to have such a love for God that
it will make amends for those who do not love Him, those who feed their Savior
with ingratitude at its worst.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">497 O Eternal Truth,
Word Incarnate, who most faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am
becoming a martyr of Your inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because I
have no will of my own, though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit in
everything to the will of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow Your
will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my
Jesus, it cannot be helped, but I give priority to the voice of the Church over
the voice with which You speak to me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">500 During Holy Mass I
prayed fervently that Jesus might become King of all hearts and that divine
grace might shine in every soul. Then I saw Jesus as He is depicted in the
image, and He said to me,<b> My daughter, you give Me the greatest glory
by faithfully fulfilling My desires.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">506 "Do nothing
without the consent of the superiors. One must think this matter over
thoroughly and pray much. One must be very careful about these things because,
in your present situation, Sister, the will of God is certain and clear, for
you are in fact bound to this Congregation by vows, and perpetual vows at that;
so there should be no doubt. What you are experiencing interiorly, Sister, are
only the glimmerings of a project. God can make some alterations, but such
things are very rare. Don't be in a hurry, Sister, until you have received more
precise knowledge. The works of God proceed slowly, but if they are of Him, you
will surely recognize them clearly. If they are not, they will disappear; and
you, by being obedient, will not go astray. Speak frankly about everything to
your confessor and obey him blindly.<br />
<br />
"For the present, Sister, there is nothing more for you to do than accept
the suffering until the time when everything will become clear; that is, all
things will be resolved. You are well disposed as regards these matters, and so
continue in this simplicity and spirit of obedience; this is a good sign. If
you continue in this attitude, God will not allow you to fall into error.
Still, as much as is possible, keep far away from these things, but if despite
that they still come your way, receive them calmly and do not fear anything.
You are in the good hands of a very good God. In all that you have told me, I
do not see any illusion or anything contrary to faith. These are things which
are good in themselves, and it would indeed be good if there were a group of
souls pleading with God for the world, as we all are in need of prayer. You
have a good director; stay with him and be at peace. Be faithful to God's will
and carry it out. As to your duties, always do what you are told to do and as
you are told to do it, no matter how humiliating or toilsome it might be.
Always choose the last place, and then they themselves will say to you, `Go up
higher.' In spirit and in your demeanor, consider yourself the least in the
whole house and in the entire Congregation. In everything and at all times, be
most faithful to God."<br />
<br />
507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all
the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to
disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue
me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and change
its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in You as
one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You burn,
O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of loving God.
Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven by an
intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite
incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple
faithfulness of soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">544 The
novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[109]</span></a> is to last one year, without any interruption. At
this time the novice should be taught about the virtues relating to the vows
and about the importance of the vows. The directress should do her utmost to
provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices in the practice of
humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows easily and experiences the
great joys that God pours out upon the faithful soul. The novices should not be
burdened with duties that entail responsibilities, so that they may be free to
devote themselves to their own perfection. They are obliged to observe the
rules and statutes strictly, as are the postulants.<br />
<br />
545 After a year of novitiate, if the novice proves faithful, she may be
admitted to make her profession for one year. This is to be repeated for three
years. She may then be given duties of responsibility. However, she will still
belong to the novitiate, and once a week she must attend conferences together
with the novices, and she will spend the last six months entirely in the
novitiate in order to prepare well for her solemn profession. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#110" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[110]</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Relationship of Sisters
with the Superior.<br />
<br />
567 All the sisters should respect the superior as the Lord Jesus himself, as I
mentioned when speaking about the vow of obedience. They should behave toward
her with childlike trust, and should never murmur or find fault with her commands,
as this is very displeasing to God. Let each be guided by a spirit of faith in
her relationship to superiors; let her ask with simplicity for all that she
needs. God forbid that it ever happen or be repeated that any of the sisters
would be a cause of sorrow or tears to the superior. Let each one know that as
the fourth commandment obliges a child to honor its parents, in like manner is
the religious bound to respect her superior. Only a bad religious would take
the liberty of judging her superior. Let the sisters be sincere with the
superior, telling her about everything and about their needs with childlike
simplicity.<br />
<br />
The sisters will address the superior thus: "With your leave, Sister
Superior." They shall never kiss her hand, but whenever they meet her in
the corridor or enter her cell, they should say, "Praised be Jesus
Christ," bowing their heads slightly.<br />
<br />
They shall address each other as "Sister," adding the proper name.
Their relationship toward the superior should be marked by a spirit of faith
and not by sentimentality or flattery, as these are unworthy of a religious and
would degrade her very much. A religious should be as free as a queen, and will
be such only when she lives in the spirit of faith. We should obey and respect
the superior, not because she is good, holy or prudent, but solely because she
represents God, and by obeying her we are obeying God himself.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">635 March 25. In the
morning, during meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I
saw the immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension
to His creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how
pleasing to God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His
grace! I gave the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the
world about His great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him
who will come, not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible
is that day! Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The angels
tremble before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is still the
time for [granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be answering for a
great number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the
end. I sympathize with you.</i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">637 Confession. As I
was preparing for confession, I said to Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,
"Jesus, I beg You to speak to me through the mouth of this priest. And
this will be a sign to me, because he does not know at all that You want me to
establish that Congregation of Mercy. Let him say something to me about this
mercy."<br />
<br />
When I approached the confessional and started my confession, the priest
interrupted me and started telling me about the great mercy of God, and he
spoke more forcefully about it than I had ever heard anyone speak before. And
he asked me, "Do you know that the mercy of the Lord is greater than all
His works, that it is the crown of His works?" And I listened attentively
to these words which the Lord was speaking through the mouth of the priest.
Although I believe that it is always God who speaks through the lips of the
priest in the confessional, I experienced it in a special way on that occasion.<br />
<br />
Although I did not reveal anything of the divine life which is in my soul and
only accused myself of my offenses, the priest himself told me very much of
what was in my soul and put me under obligation to be faithful to the
inspirations of God. He said to me, "You are going through life with the
Mother of God, who faithfully responded to every divine inspiration." O my
Jesus, who can ever comprehend Your goodness?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">650 O my Jesus, my
Master and Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of
my life. I expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in
the face of Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I
am fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible
throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do with
me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough for me.<br />
<br />
O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to
me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I
may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire
nothing but Your glory.<br />
<br />
O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the light
of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite myself
with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the place of my
feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">666 I understood that
all striving for perfection and all sanctity consist in doing God's will.
Perfect fulfillment of God's will is maturity in sanctity; there is no room for
doubt here. To receive God's light and recognize what God wants of us and yet
not do it is a great offense against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves
to be completely forsaken by God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light,
but did not do God's will. An extraordinary peace entered my soul when I
reflected on the fact that, despite great difficulties, I had always faithfully
followed God's will as I knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to put Your will
into practice as I have come to know it, O God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">667 July 14. I
received a letter at three o'clock [from Father Sopocko <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#135" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[135]</span></a>].
O Jesus, You alone know what I suffer, but I will keep silent and will not say
anything about it to any creature, because I know that no one will comfort me.
You are everything to me, O God, and Your holy will is my nourishment. I am
living now on what I will live on in eternity.<br />
<br />
I have great reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel; he had no example to
follow in doing the will of God, and yet he fulfilled God's will faithfully.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">678 The essence of the
virtues is the will of God. He who does the will of God faithfully, practices
all the virtues. In all the events and circumstances of my life, I adore and
bless the holy will of God. The holy will of God is the object of my love. In
the most secret depths of my soul, I live according to His will. I act
exteriorly according to what I recognize inwardly as the will of God. Sweeter
to me are the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all manner of adversities
by divine will than popularity, praise and esteem by my own will.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">683 + Once, when I was
praying fervently to the Jesuit Saints, I suddenly saw my Guardian Angel, who
led me before the throne of God. I passed through great hosts of saints, and I
recognized many of them, whom I knew from their pictures. I saw many Jesuits,
who asked me from what congregation I was. When I answered they asked, "Who
is your spiritual director?" I answered that it was Father A.... When they
wanted to say more, my Guardian Angel beckoned me to be silent, and I came
before the throne of God. I saw a great and inaccessible light, and I saw a
place destined for me, close to God. But what it was like I do not know,
because a cloud covered it. However, my Guardian Angel said to me, "Here
is your throne, for your faithfulness in fulfilling the will of God."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">724 On the eve of the
retreat, I started to pray that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little
health so that I could take part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill
that I thought perhaps it might be my last. However, as soon as I had started
praying I felt a strange dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of supplication
and began to thank the Lord for everything He sends me, submitting myself
completely to His holy will. Then I felt profound peace of soul. + Faithful
submission to the will of God, always and everywhere, in all events and
circumstances of life, gives great glory to God. Such submission to the will of
God carries more weight with Him than long fasts, mortifications and the most
severe penances. Oh, how great is the reward for one act of loving submission
to the will of God! As I write, my soul is enraptured at the thought of how
much God loves it and of the peace that my soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">734 I see that Jesus
himself is acting in my soul during this retreat. And as for me, I try only to
be faithful to His grace. I have submitted my soul completely to the influence
of God. This Mighty Ruler of Heaven has taken entire possession of my soul. I
feel that I am being lifted up above earth and heaven into the inner life of
God, where I come to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but always
in the unity of majesty.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 <b>My
daughter, if I demand through you that people revere My mercy, you should be
the first to distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from
you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show
mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or
try to excuse or absolve yourself from it.<br />
<br />
I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the
first-by deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees
is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love
for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the
first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of
mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of
the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of
this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the
demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without
works. </b>O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because
You see how very little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1030 + O my Jesus,
give me wisdom, give me a mind great and enlightened by Your light, and this
only, that I may know You better, O Lord. For the better I get to know You, the
more ardently will I love You, the sole object of my love. In You my soul drowns,
in You my heart dissolves. I know not how to love partially, but only with the
full strength of my soul and the total ardor of my heart. You yourself, O Lord,
have enkindled this love of mine for You; in You my heart has drowned forever.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1420 When I steeped
myself in prayer, I was transported in spirit to the chapel, where I saw the
Lord Jesus, exposed in the monstrance. In place of the monstrance, I saw the
glorious face of the Lord, and He said to me, <b>What you see in reality,
these souls see through faith. Oh, how pleasing to Me is their great faith! You
see, although there appears to be no trace of life in Me, in reality it is
present in its fullness in each and every Host. But for Me to be able to act
upon a soul, the soul must have faith. O how pleasing to Me is living faith!</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1448 <b>Write,
speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are to look for solace; that is, in
the Tribunal of Mercy </b>[the Sacrament of Reconciliation]<b>. There the
greatest miracles take place </b>[and]<b> are incessantly repeated.
To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great
pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with
faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one's misery, and
the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul like a
decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint, there would be no </b>[hope
of]<b> restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with
God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. Oh, how miserable
are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God's mercy! You will
call out in vain, but it will be too late.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1456 + O most gracious
Lord, how merciful it is on Your part to judge each one according to his
conscience and his discernment, and not according to people's talk. My spirit
delights and feeds more and more on Your wisdom, which I am getting to know
more and more deeply. And in this, the vastness of Your mercy becomes more and
more manifest to me. O my Jesus, the effect of all this knowledge on my soul is
that I am being transformed into a flame of love towards You, my God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1564 Jesus, hide me;
just as You have hidden Yourself under the form of the white Host, so hide me
from human eyes, and particularly hide the gifts which You so kindly grant me.
May I not betray outwardly what You are effecting in my soul. I am a white host
before You, O Divine Priest. Consecrate me Yourself, and may my
transubstantiation be known only to You. I stand before You each day as a
sacrificial host and implore Your mercy upon the world. In silence, and unseen,
I will empty myself before You; my pure and undivided love will burn, in
profound silence, as a holocaust. And may the fragrance of my love be wafted to
the foot of Your throne. You are the Lord of lords, but You delight in innocent
and humble souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1586 O my Jesus, You
see how very grateful I am to Father Sopocko, who has advanced Your work so
much. That soul, so humble, has had to endure all the storms. He has not
allowed himself to become discouraged by adversities, but has faithfully
responded to the call of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1602 Today the Lord
said to me, <b>Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My
mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down
upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse
yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty
of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that
I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself
act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell
souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of
trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The
torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and
misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1605 <b>Write
down everything that occurs to you regarding My goodness.</b> I answered,
"What do You mean, Lord, what if I write too much?" And the Lord
replied, <b>My daughter, even if you were to speak at one and the same
time in all human and angelic tongues, even then you would not have said very
much, but on the contrary, you would have sung in only a small measure the
praises of My goodness-of My unfathomable mercy.</b><br />
<br />
O my Jesus, You Yourself must put words into my mouth, that I may praise You
worthily.<br />
<br />
<b>My daughter, be at peace; do as I tell you. Your thoughts are united to My thoughts,
so write whatever comes to your mind. You are the secretary of My mercy. I have
chosen you for that office in this life and the next life. That is how I want
it to be in spite all the opposition they will give you. Know that My choice
will not change.</b><br />
<br />
At that moment I steeped myself in profound humility before God's majesty. But
the more I humbled myself, the more God's presence penetrated me...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1682 + May 1, [1938].
This evening, Jesus said to me, <b>My daughter, do you need anything?</b> I
answered, "O my Love, when I have You I have everything." And the
Lord answered, <b>If souls would put themselves completely in My care, I
Myself would undertake the task of sanctifying them, and I would lavish even
greater graces on them. There are souls who thwart My efforts, but I have not
given up on them; as often as they turn to Me, I hurry to their aid, shielding
them with My mercy, and I give them the first place in My compassionate Heart.</b><br />
<br />
1683 <b>Write for the benefit of religious souls that it delights Me to
come to their hearts in Holy Communion. But if there is anyone else in such a
heart, I cannot bear it and quickly leave that heart, taking with Me all the
gifts and graces I have prepared for the soul. And the soul does not even
notice My going. After some time, inner emptiness and dissatisfaction will come
to her attention. Oh, if only she would turn to Me then, I would help her to
cleanse her heart, and I would fulfill everything in her soul; but without her
knowledge and consent, I cannot be the Master of her heart.</b><br />
<br />
1684 + I often communicate with persons who are dying and obtain the divine
mercy for them. Oh, how great is the goodness of God, greater than we can
understand. There are moments and there are mysteries of the divine mercy over
which the heavens are astounded. Let our judgment of souls cease, for God's
mercy upon them is extraordinary.<br />
<br />
1685 During Holy Hour today, I asked the Lord Jesus if He would deign to teach
me about the spiritual life. Jesus answered me,<b> My daughter, faithfully
live up to the words which I speak to you. Do not value any external thing too
highly, even if it were to seem very precious to you. Let go of yourself, and
abide with Me continually. Entrust everything to Me and do nothing on your own,
and you will always have great freedom of spirit. No circumstances or events
will ever be able to upset you. Set little store on what people say. Let
everyone judge you as they like. Do not make excuses for yourself; it will do
you no harm. Give away everything at the first sign of a demand, even if they
were the most necessary things. Do not ask for anything without consulting Me.
Allow them to take away even what is due you-respect, your good name-let your
spirit rise above all that. And so, set free from everything, rest close to My
Heart, not allowing your peace to be disturbed by anything. My pupil, consider
the words which I have spoken to you.</b><br />
<br />
1686 O my Love, my eternal Master, how good it is to obey; because when
obedience infuses the soul, it brings with it power and strength to act.<br />
<br />
1687 Today I saw the Crucified Lord Jesus. Precious pearls and diamonds were
pouring forth from the wound in His Heart. I saw how a multitude of souls was
gathering these gifts, but there was one soul who was closest to His Heart and
she, knowing the greatness of these gifts, was gathering them with liberality,
not only for herself, but for others as well. The Savior said to me, <b>Behold,
the treasures of grace that flow down upon souls, but not all souls know how to
take advantage of My generosity.</b><br />
<br />
1688 Today, the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, look into My Merciful
Heart and reflect its compassion in your own heart and in your deeds, so that
you, who proclaim My mercy to the world, may yourself be aflame with it.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1692 I adore You, Lord
and Creator, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament. I adore You for all the works of
Your hands, that reveal to me so much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O Lord. You
have spread so much beauty over the earth, and it tells me about Your beauty,
even though these beautiful things are but a faint reflection of You,
Incomprehensible Beauty. And although You have hidden Yourself and concealed
Your beauty, my eye, enlightened by faith, reaches You, and my soul recognizes
its Creator, its Highest Good; and my heart is completely immersed in prayer of
adoration.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Lord and Creator,
Your goodness encourages me to converse with You. Your mercy</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">abolishes the chasm
which separates the Creator from the creature. To converse with You, O Lord, is
the delight of my heart. In You I find everything that my heart could desire.
Here Your light illumines my mind, enabling it to know You more and more
deeply. Here streams of graces flow down upon my heart. Here my soul draws
eternal life. O my Lord and Creator, You alone, beyond all these gifts, give
Your own self to me and unite Yourself intimately with Your miserable creature.
Here, without searching for words, our hearts understand each other. Here, no
one is able to interrupt our conversation. What I talk to You about, Jesus, is
our secret, which creatures shall not know and Angels dare not ask about. These
are secret acts of forgiveness, known only to Jesus and me; this is the mystery
of His mercy, which embraces each soul separately. For this incomprehensible
goodness of Yours, I adore You, O Lord and Creator, with all my heart and all
my soul. And, although my worship is so little and poor, I am at peace because
I know that You know it is sincere, however inadequate...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1701 I asked the Lord
today that He might deign to teach me about the interior life, because of
myself I can neither understand nor conceive anything perfectly. The Lord
answered me,<b> I was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make
your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart. Never claim your rights. Bear
with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend
yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not
stop being good when you notice that your goodness is being abused. I Myself
will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be grateful for the smallest of My
graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1711 When I was left
alone with the Blessed Virgin, She instructed me concerning the interior life.
She said, <i>The soul's true greatness is in loving God and in humbling
oneself in His presence, completely forgetting oneself and believing oneself to
be nothing; because the Lord is great, but He is well pleased only with the
humble; He always opposes the proud.</i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1734 O my Jesus, You
know that there are times when I have neither lofty thoughts nor a soaring
spirit. I bear with myself patiently and admit that that is just what I am,
because all that is beautiful is a grace from God. And so I humble myself
profoundly and cry out for Your help; and the grace of visitation is not slow
in coming to the humble heart.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1742 Be praised,
merciful God, One God in the Holy Trinity,<br />
Unfathomable, infinite, incomprehensible,<br />
immersing themselves in You, their minds cannot comprehend You,<br />
So they repeat without end their eternal: Holy.<br />
<br />
Be glorified, O merciful Creator of ours, O Lord,<br />
Omnipotent, but full of compassion, inconceivable.<br />
To love You is the mission of our existence,<br />
Singing our eternal hymn: Holy...<br />
<br />
Be blessed, merciful God, Eternal Love.<br />
You are above the heavens, the saphires, the firmaments.<br />
The host of pure spirits sings You praises,<br />
With its eternal hymn: Thrice Holy.<br />
<br />
And, gazing upon You, face to face, O God,<br />
I see that You could have called other creatures before them.<br />
Therefore they humble themselves before You in great humility,<br />
For well they see that this grace comes solely from Your mercy.<br />
<br />
One of the most beautiful spirits would not recognize Your mercy,<br />
And, blinded by his pride, he drew others after him.<br />
Angel of great beauty, he became Satan<br />
And was cast down in one moment from heaven's heights into hell.<br />
<br />
Then the faithful spirits cried, "Glory to God's mercy!"<br />
And they stood firm in spite of the fiery test.<br />
Glory to Jesus, the Christ abased,<br />
Glory to His Mother, the humble and pure Virgin.<br />
<br />
After this battle, the pure spirits plunged into the ocean of Divinity;<br />
Contemplating and praising the depths of His mercy,<br />
They drown in His mercy and manifold light,<br />
Possessing in knowledge the Trinity of Persons, the Oneness of Godhead.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 36, 55, 62, 72, 91-95, 97-98)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-102, 106-107, 111, 113-115, 129, 132)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-133, 136, 138-139, 145, 149-150, 159)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-170-171, 186-187, 189, 210, 226-227)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-230, 234, 248, 249, 257, 263-264, 272)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-278, 291-292, 294, 300-302, 328, 331)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-333, 352-353, 424, 449, 481, 497, 500)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-544-545, 567, 635, 637, 650, 666-668)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-683, 724, 734, 742)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1030)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1420, 1448, 1465)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1564, 1586, 1602, 1605, 1682-1688)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1692, 1701, 1711, 1734, 1742)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-83514443111847300712020-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:002020-03-09T07:11:16.830-07:00Too Late for Change?-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background: white; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b><span style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Too Late for Change?</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 12, 2020.
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 16: 19-31</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said to the Pharisees "There was
a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined
sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus,
covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell
from the rich man´s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When
the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The
rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in
torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ´Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the
tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in
these flames.´ Abraham replied, ´My child, remember that you received what
was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us
and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might
wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.´ He said, ´Then
I beg you, father, send him to my father´s house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.´ But
Abraham replied, ´They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.´
He said, ´Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them,
they will repent.´ Then Abraham said, ´If they will not listen to Moses and
the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the
dead.´"</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, although I cannot see You with my
eyes, I believe You are present to me now, in my innermost being, and that
You know me far better than I know myself. I also know that You love me much
more than I love my own self. Thank You for loving and watching over me,
though I don’t deserve Your love. In return, I offer You my sorrow for my
sins and my hopes to love You more each day. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, help me to be generous and serve the
needs of my neighbor.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Self-centeredness Is Useless and
Sinful: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The rich man lived
in isolated luxury, absorbed with the latest in fashion and the finest in
dining. He did not hurt anyone: He didn’t run Lazarus off his property. He
didn’t mind Lazarus hanging around his table for the leftovers. He didn’t
criticize him for not getting a job to earn a living. Then what was the rich
man’s sin? He didn’t treat Lazarus as a person. To the rich man, Lazarus was
simply a part of the landscape. How many people do I come in contact with,
perhaps repeatedly, who are nothing more to me than part of the
landscape? </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Suffering Helps Us Grow: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our words “compassion” and “sympathy” come
from Latin and Greek roots that mean to “suffer with.” Our personal suffering
makes us more humane and opens us up to the plight of others. Our vision
becomes more perceptive of other’s hardships, and our hearts become quicker
to respond compassionately. Yet suffering can be a double-edged sword. It can
also push us into envy, hatred, bitterness and isolation if we are proud, or
if we forget that God permits trials to purify our love. How have I responded
to suffering in my life? Has it made me more compassionate or more bitter and
self-centered?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. There Is More to Life Than Riches: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Suffering also makes us more zealous for
souls, more apostolic. Unfortunately for his brothers, the rich man’s zeal
was a “zeal come lately.” Because he spent all his energy and fortune in
avoiding suffering, he was totally absorbed in self. The meaning of his life
was completely temporal, and in the end he had nothing to show for it. One of
our greatest sufferings in purgatory will be the realization that we could
have done so much more for the salvation of souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I have had a chance to look more
seriously at myself in this meditation and to examine if my heart is set on
You, if you are my treasure. Perhaps in some areas I still cling to the
treasures of this world. But now I want to get rid of them completely. I know
that my heart can be set on only one thing and that it will radiate with
whatever fills it. Fill me with yourself, so that I may radiate You. Anything
that is not You cripples my efforts to give You to others. Rid me of my
selfishness. Make me Your apostle.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will pray for someone who is difficult for
me to love, and I will be kind to a stranger. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina
Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the judgment
[seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as we know
Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except for
five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the complete
condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is
displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will
have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before
the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I
answered, "I am Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one
day of fire in purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the
flames of purgatory, but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer,
suffer now for one day in purgatory or for a short while on earth?</b> I
replied, "Jesus, I want to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer
also the greatest pains on earth, even if it were until the end of the
world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is enough;
you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for long;
you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of Mine
will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and
draw from it strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find
neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have
much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">83 <b>Write this: before I come as the
just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice
arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All
light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness
over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and
from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will
come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time.
This will take place shortly before the last day.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">112 +A few words about confession and
confessors. I shall speak only of what I have experienced and gone through
within my own soul. There are three things which hinder the soul from drawing
profit from confession in these exceptional moments.<br />
<br />
The first thing: when the confessor has little knowledge of extraordinary
ways and shows surprise if a soul discloses to him the great mysteries worked
in it by God. Such surprise frightens a sensitive soul, and it notices that
the confessor hesitates to give his opinion; and if it does notice this, it
will not be set at peace, but will have even more doubts after confession
than before, because it will sense that the confessor is trying to set it at
peace while he himself is uncertain. Or else, as has happened to me, a
confessor, unable to penetrate some of the soul's mysteries, refuses to hear
the confession, showing a certain fear when the soul approaches the confessional.<br />
<br />
How can a soul in this state obtain peace in the confessional when it has
become so oversensitive to every word of the priest? In my opinion, at times
of such special trials sent by God to a soul, the priest, if he does not
understand the soul, should direct it to some other experienced and
well-instructed confessor. Or else he himself should seek light in order to
give the soul what it needs, instead of downrightly denying it confession.
For in this way he is exposing the soul to a great danger; and more than one
soul may well leave the road along which God wanted it to journey. This is a
matter of great importance, for I have experienced it myself. I myself began
to waver; despite special gifts from God, and even though God himself
reassured me, I have nevertheless always wanted to have the Church's seal as
well.<br />
<br />
The second thing: the confessor does not allow the soul to express itself
frankly, and shows impatience. The soul then falls silent and does not say
everything [it has to say] and, by this, profits nothing. It profits even
less when the confessor, without really knowing the soul, proceeds to put it
to the test. Instead of helping the soul, he does it harm. The soul is aware
that the confessor does not know it, because he did not allow it to lay
itself open fully as regards both its graces and its misery. And so the test
is ill-adapted. I have been submitted to some tests at which I have had to
laugh.<br />
<br />
I will express this better thus: The confessor is the doctor of the soul, but
how can a doctor prescribe a suitable remedy if he does not know the nature
of the sickness? Never will he be able to do so. For either the remedy will
not produce the desired effect, or else it will be too strong and will
aggravate the illness, and sometimes-God forbid-even bring about death. I am
speaking from my own experience because, in certain instances, it was the
Lord himself who directly sustained me.<br />
<br />
The third thing: it also happens sometimes that the confessor makes light of
little things. There is nothing little in the spiritual life. Sometimes a
seemingly insignificant thing will disclose a matter of great consequence and
will be for the confessor a beam of light which helps him to get to know the
soul. Many spiritual undertones are concealed in little things.<br />
<br />
A magnificent building will never rise if we reject the insignificant bricks.
God demands great purity of certain souls, and so He gives them a deeper
knowledge of their own misery. Illuminated by light from on high, the soul
can better know what pleases God and what does not. Sin depends upon the
degree of knowledge and light that exists within the soul. The same is true
of imperfections. Although the soul knows that it is only sin in the strict
sense of the term which pertains to the sacrament of penance, yet these petty
things are of great importance to a soul which is tending to sanctity, and
the confessor must not treat them lightly. The patience and kindness of the
confessor open the way to the innermost secrets of the soul. The soul, unconsciously
as it were, reveals its abysmal depth and feels stronger and more resistant;
it fights with greater courage and tries to do things better because it knows
it must give an account of them.<br />
<br />
I will mention one more thing regarding the confessor. It is his duty to
occasionally put to the test, to try, to exercise, to learn whether he is
dealing with straw, with iron or with pure gold. Each of these three types of
souls needs different kinds of training. The confessor must-and this is
absolutely necessary-form a clear judgment of each soul in order to know how
heavy a burden it can carry at certain times, in certain circumstances, or in
particular situations. As for myself, it was only later on, after many
[negative] experiences, that, when I saw that I was not understood, I no
longer laid bare my soul or allowed my peace to be disturbed. But this
happened only when all these graces had already been submitted to the
judgement of a wise, well-instructed and experienced confessor. Now I know
what to go by in certain cases.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for having
wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me with
his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected them.
From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful to
grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have
learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the
least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to
my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against
the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br />
<br />
When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and
peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for
combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br />
<br />
+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has
more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in
fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a
Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave
me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I
did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything
and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It
has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to
what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director
[Father Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things
of me, about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the
confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is
infrequent.<br />
<br />
+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many
inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these
inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes
it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul
recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It
knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties,
but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to
which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily
bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a
warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the
cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side
the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing
blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on
itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are
experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br />
<br />
There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it
must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for
cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By
this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br />
<br />
In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time
of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has
no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of
preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and
again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted
soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall.
O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But
for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b>My
Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child, when I saw you
torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in repenting for your
sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I give you first place among the
virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of
your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the humble even to my
very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">374 J.M.J Vilnius, Februrary 4, 1935<br />
<br />
[page in the Dairy with the words "From today on my will does not
exist" crossed out with a large 'X']<br />
<br />
The moment I knelt down to cross out my own will, as the Lord had bid me to
do, I heard this voice in my soul:<b>From today on, do not fear God's
judgment, for you will not be judged</b><br />
<br />
[The next page has...]<br />
J.M.J Vilnius, February 4, 1935<br />
<br />
From today on, I do the Will of God everywhere, always, and in everything.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#88" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[88]</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">378 Once as I was talking with my spiritual
director, I had an interior vision-quicker than lightning-of his soul in
great suffering, in such agony that God touches very few souls with such
fire. The suffering arises from this work. There will come a time when this
work, which God is demanding so very much, will be as though utterly undone.
And then God will act with great power, which will give evidence of its
authenticity. It will be a new splendor for the Church, although it has been
dormant in it from long ago. That God is infinitely merciful, no one can
deny. He desires everyone to know this before He comes again as Judge. He
wants souls to come to know Him first as King of Mercy. When this triumph
comes, we shall already have entered the new life in which there is no
suffering. But before this, your soul [of the spiritual director] will be
surfeited with bitterness at the sight of the destruction of your efforts.
However, this will only appear to be so, because what God has once decided
upon, He does not change. But although this destruction will be such only in
outward appearance, the suffering will be real. When will this happen? I do
not know. How long will it last? I do not know.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#89" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[89]</span></a> But
God has promised a great grace especially to you and to all those... <b>who
will proclaim My great mercy. I shall protect them Myself at the hour of
death, as My own glory. And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night,
when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the
glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before
it and flees to the very bottom of hell.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">423 Praise the Lord, my soul, for
everything, and glorify His mercy, for His goodness is without end.
Everything will pass, but His mercy is without limit or end. And although
evil will attain its measure, in mercy there is no measure.<br />
<br />
O my God, even in the punishments You send down upon the earth I see the
abyss of Your mercy, for by punishing us here on earth You free us from
eternal punishment. Rejoice, all you creatures, for you are closer to God in
His infinite mercy than a baby to its mother's heart. O God, You are
compassion itself for the greatest sinners who sincerely repent. The greater
the sinner, the greater his right to God's mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">496 Confession Day. From early morning, the
turmoil in my soul was more violent than anything I had ever experienced
before. Complete abandonment by God; I felt the utter weakness that I was.
Thoughts bore in upon me: why should I leave this convent where I am loved by
the sisters and superiors, where life is so tranquil; [where I am] bound by
perpetual vows and carry out my duties without difficulty; why should I
listen to the voice of my conscience; why follow an inspiration coming from
who knows where; wouldn't it be better to carry on like all the other
sisters? Perhaps the Lord's words could be stifled, not taken heed of; maybe
God will not demand an account of them on the day of judgment. Where will
this inner voice lead me? If I follow it, what tremendous difficulties,
tribulations and adversities are in store for me. I fear the future, and I am
agonizing in the present.<br />
<br />
This suffering continued with the same intensity throughout the whole day.
When, in the evening, my turn came for confession, I could not make a full
confession, even though I had been preparing for a long time. I received
absolution and left, not knowing what was going on within me. When I went to
bed, the suffering grew even worse; or rather, it changed into a fire which
penetrated all the faculties of my soul like lightning, piercing me to the
marrow, and to the most secret recesses of my heart. In the midst of this
suffering, I was unable to bring myself to do anything. "Your will be
done, Lord." At times I could not even think these words. Truly, a
deadly fear had taken hold of me, and the flames of hell were touching me.
Toward morning, silence set in, and my tribulations disappeared in the twinkling
of an eye, but I felt so frightfully exhausted that I could not even move.
During my conversation with Mother Superior, my strength returned bit by bit,
but God alone knows how I felt throughout that whole day.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">566 One day, after Holy Communion, I
suddenly saw the Infant Jesus standing by my kneeler and holding on to it
with His two little hands. Although He was but a little Child, my soul was
filled with awe and fear, for I see in Him my Judge, my Lord, and my Creator,
before whose holiness the Angels tremble. At the same time, my soul was
flooded with such unspeakable love that I thought I would die under its
influence. I now see that Jesus first strengthens my soul and makes it
capable of abiding with Him, for otherwise I would not be able to bear what I
experience at such a moment.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">660 O my Jesus, on the day of the last
judgment, You will demand from me an account of this work of mercy. O just
Judge, but my Spouse as well, help me to do Your holy will. O mercy, O divine
virtue!<br />
<br />
O most merciful Heart of Jesus, my Betrothed, make my heart like unto Yours.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">717 All night long, I was preparing to
receive Holy Communion, since I could not sleep because of physical
suffering. My soul was flooded with love and repentance.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">852 Today the Lord's gaze shot through me
suddenly, like lightning. At once, I came to know the tiniest specks in my
soul, and knowing the depths of my misery, I fell to my knees and begged the
Lord's pardon, and with great trust I immersed myself in His infinite mercy.
Such knowledge does not depress me nor keep me away from the Lord, but rather
it arouses in my soul greater love and boundless trust. The repentance of my
heart is linked to love. These extraordinary flashes from the Lord educate my
soul. O sweet rays of God, enlighten me to the most secret depth, for I want
to arrive at the greatest possible purity of heart and soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">854 December 29, [1936]. Today after Holy
Communion, I heard a voice in my soul: <b>My daughter, stand ready, for
I will come unexpectedly. </b>Jesus, You do not want to tell me the hour
I am looking forward to with such longing?<b> My daughter, it is for
your own good. You will learn it, but not now; keep watch. </b>O Jesus,
do with me as You please. I know You are the merciful Savior and You will not
change towards me at the hour of my death. If at this time you are showing me
so much special love, and are condescending to unite Yourself with me is such
an intimate way and with such great kindness, I expect even more at the hour
of my death. You, my Lord-God, cannot change. You are always the same. Heaven
can change, as well as everything that is created; but You, Lord, are ever
the same and will endure forever. So come as You like and when You like.
Father of infinite mercy, I, Your child, wait longingly for Your coming. O
Jesus, You said in the Holy Gospel, "Out of your mouth do I judge
you." Well, Jesus, I am always speaking of Your inconceivable mercy, so
I trust that You will judge me according to Your unfathomable mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">895 January 23, [1937]. I did not feel like
writing today. Then I heard a voice in my soul:<b>My daughter, you do not
live for yourself but for souls; write for their benefit. You know that My
will as to your writing has been confirmed many times by your confessors. You
know what is pleasing to Me, and if you have any doubts about what I am
saying, you also know whom you are to ask. I grant him light to pronounce
judgment on my case. My eye watches over him. My daughter, you are to be like
a child towards him, full of simplicity and candor. Put his judgment above
all My demands. He will guide you according to My will. If he doesn't allow
you to carry out My demands, be at peace; I will not judge you, but the
matter will remain between Me and him. You are to be obedient.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">934 Small practices for Lent. Although I wish
and desire to do so, I cannot practice big mortifications as before, because
I am under the strict surveillance of the doctor. But I can practice little
things: first-sleep without a pillow; keep myself a little hungry; every day,
with my arms outstretched, say the chaplet which the Lord taught me;
occasionally, with arms outstretched, for an indefinite period of time pray
informally. Intention: to beg divine mercy for poor sinners, and for priests,
the power to bring sinful hearts to repentance.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1052 O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the
whole Church: Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit, and give power to
the words of priests so that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance
and return to You, O Lord. Lord, give us holy priests; You yourself maintain
them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy
accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil's traps and snares
which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of
Your mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the
sanctity of priests, for You can do all things.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1054 When Jesus was taking leave of me, such
great pain filled my soul that it is impossible to express it. Physical
strength left me; I left the chapel quickly and went to bed. I was oblivious
of what was going on around me. My soul was filled with longing for the Lord,
and all the bitterness of His Divine Heart was imparted to me. This lasted
for about three hours. I asked the Lord to protect me from the eyes of those
around me. Although I wanted to, I could not take any food all day, until
evening.<br />
<br />
I earnestly desired to spend the whole night with Jesus in the dark prison
cell. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#184"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[184]</span></a> I
prayed until eleven o'clock. At eleven, the Lord said to me,<b> Lie down
and take your rest. I have let you experience in three hours what I suffered
during the whole night.</b> And immediately I went to bed.<br />
<br />
I had no physical strength left; the suffering had deprived me of it
completely. Throughout all this time, I had been in a sort of swoon. Every
beat of Jesus' Heart was reflected in my heart and pierced my soul. If these
tortures had concerned me only, I would have suffered less; but as I looked
at the One whom my heart has loved with all its might and saw that He was
suffering, and that I could not bring Him any relief, my heart dissolved in
love and bitterness. I was dying with Him, and yet I could not die. But I
would not have exchanged that martyrdom for all the pleasures in the whole
world. In the course of this suffering, my love grew immeasurably. I know
that the Lord was supporting me with His omnipotence, for otherwise I would
not have been able to endure it for even a moment. Together with Him, I
underwent, in a special way, all the various tortures. The world still has no
idea of all that Jesus suffered. I accompanied Him to the Garden of
Gethsemane; I stayed with Him in the prison; I went with Him before the
judges; I underwent with Him each of the tortures. Not a single one of His
movements or looks escaped my notice. I came to know all the omnipotence of
His love and of His mercy toward souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1064 + O my most sweet Master, good Jesus, I
give You my heart. You shape and mold it after Your liking. O fathomless
love, I open the calyx of my heart to You, like a rosebud to the freshness of
dew. To You alone, my Betrothed, is known the fragrance of the flower of my
heart. Let the fragrance of my sacrifice be pleasing to You. O Immortal God,
my everlasting delight, already here on earth You are my heaven. May every
beat of my heart be a new hymn of praise to You, O Holy Trinity! Had I as
many hearts as there are drops of water in the ocean or grains of sand in the
whole world, I would offer them all to You, O my Love, O Treasure of my
heart! Whomever I shall meet in my life, no matter who they may be, I want to
draw them all to love You, O my Jesus, my Beauty, my Repose, my sole Master,
Judge, Savior and Spouse, all in one; I know that one title will modify the
other-I have entrusted everything to Your mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1074 When I went for adoration, I heard
these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down these words, that today
My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow house]<b>. Tell the
world about My mercy and My love.<br />
<br />
The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human
souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br />
<br />
My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy.
I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My
merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace.<br />
<br />
Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself.
When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of
graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other
souls.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1075 <b>Souls who spread the honor of
My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant,
and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful
Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend itself
except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed itself
in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1076 <b>Write this: Everything that
exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more deeply than an infant in
its mother's womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness wounds Me! Sins of
distrust wound Me most painfully.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1093 + O Jesus, shield me with Your mercy
and also judge me leniently, or else Your justice may rightly damn me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1146 <b>[Let] the greatest sinners
place their trust in My mercy. They have the right before others to trust in
the abyss of My mercy. My daughter, write about My mercy towards tormented
souls. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I
grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest
sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion, but on the contrary, I justify
him in My unfathomable and inscrutable mercy. Write: before I come as a just
Judge, I first open wide the door of My mercy. He who refuses to pass through
the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1158 A member of this group ought to perform
at least one act of mercy a day; at least one, but there can be many more,
for such deeds can easily be carried out by anyone, even the very poorest.
For there are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the merciful word, by
forgiving and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no word, then
pray-that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy. And when the Last Day
comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we shall receive the
eternal verdict.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1159 God's floodgates have been opened for
us. Let us want to take advantage of them before the day of God's justice
arrives. And that will be a dreadful day!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1317 I understand Your words, Lord, and the
magnitude of the mercy that ought to shine in my soul. Jesus:<b> I know,
My daughter, that you understand it and that you do everything within your
power. But write this for the many souls who are often worried because they
do not have the material means with which to carry out an act of mercy. Yet
spiritual mercy, which requires neither permissions nor storehouses, is much
more meritorious and is within the grasp of every soul. If a soul does not
exercise mercy somehow or other, it will not obtain My mercy on the day of
judgment. Oh, if only souls knew how to gather eternal treasure for
themselves, they would not be judged, for they would forestall My judgment
with their mercy</b>.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1426 Christ, give me souls. Let anything You
like happen to me, but give me souls in return. I want the salvation of
souls. I want souls to know Your mercy. I have nothing left for myself,
because I have given everything away to souls, with the result that on the
day of judgment I will stand before You empty-handed, since I have given
everything away to souls. Thus You will have nothing on which to judge me,
and we shall meet on that day: Love and mercy... + J. M. J.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1515 + I spent this
whole night with Jesus in the dark dungeon. This was a night of adoration.
The sisters were praying in the chapel, and I was uniting myself with them in
spirit, because poor health prevents me from going to the chapel. But all
night long I could not fall asleep, so I spent the night in the dark prison
with Jesus. Jesus gave me to know of the sufferings He experienced there. The
world will learn about them on the day of judgment.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1528 + When I
complained to the Lord Jesus about a certain person [saying], "Jesus,
how can this person pass judgment like that, even about an intention?"
the Lord answered, <b>Do not be surprised. That soul does not even know
her own self, so how could she pass a fair judgment on another soul?</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1701 I asked the
Lord today that He might deign to teach me about the interior life, because
of myself I can neither understand nor conceive anything perfectly. The Lord
answered me,<b> I was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make
your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart. Never claim your rights. Bear
with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend
yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do
not stop being good when you notice that your goodness is being abused. I
Myself will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be grateful for the
smallest of My graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new
graces...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1702 Towards the end
of the Way of the Cross which I was making, the Lord Jesus began to complain
about the souls of religious and priests, about the lack of love in chosen
souls. <b>I will allow convents and churches to be destroyed.</b> I
answered, "Jesus, but there are so many souls praising You in
convents." The Lord answered, <b>That praise wounds My Heart,
because love has been banished from convents. Souls without love and without
devotion, souls full of egoism and self-love, souls full of pride and
arrogance, souls full of deceit and hypocrisy, lukewarm souls who have just
enough warmth to keep them alive: My Heart cannot bear this. All the graces
that I pour out upon them flow off them as off the face of a rock. I cannot
stand them, because they are neither good or bad. I called convents into
being to sanctify the world through them. It is from them that a powerful
flame of love and sacrifice should burst forth. And if they do not repent and
become enkindled by their first love, I will deliver them over to the fate of
this world...<br />
<br />
How can they sit on the promised throne of judgment to judge the world, when
their guilt is greater than the guilt of the world? There is neither penance
nor atonement. O heart, which received Me in the morning and at noon are all
ablaze with hatred against Me, hatred of all sorts! O heart specially chosen
by Me, were you chosen for this, to give Me more pain? The great sins of the
world are superficial wounds on My Heart, but the sins of a chosen soul
pierce My Heart through and through...</b><br />
<br />
1703 When I tried to intercede for them, I could find nothing with which to
excuse them and, being at the time unable to think of anything in their
defense, my heart was seized with pain, and I wept bitterly. Then the Lord
looked at me kindly and comforted me with these words:<b> Do not cry.
There are still a great number of souls who love Me very much, but My Heart
desires to be loved by all and, because My love is great, that is why I warn
and chastise them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1712 A certain
person whom I have mentioned before visited me again. When I saw that she was
beginning to get entangled in her own lies, I let her know that I knew she
was lying. She became very embarrassed and stopped speaking. Then I spoke to
her about the great judgments of God, and I also remarked that she was
leading innocent souls astray and along dangerous roads. I uncovered before
her everything that was in her heart. Since I had to overcome my own feelings
in order to talk to her, to prove to Jesus that I love my enemies, I gave her
my afternoon snack. She went away enlightened in soul, but action is still
far away...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1722 I heard these
words: <b>If you did not tie My hands, I would send down many
punishments upon the earth. My daughter, your look disarms My anger. Although
your lips are silent, you call out to Me so mightily that all heaven is
moved. I cannot escape from your requests, because you pursue Me, not from
afar but within your own heart.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1728 <b>Write:
I am Thrice Holy, and I detest the smallest sin. I cannot love a soul which
is stained with sin; but when it repents, there is no limit to My generosity
toward it. My mercy embraces and justifies it. With My mercy, I pursue
sinners along all their paths, and My Heart rejoices when they return to Me.
I forget the bitterness with which they fed My Heart and rejoice at their
return.<br />
<br />
Tell sinners that no one shall escape My Hand; if they run away from My Merciful
Heart, they will fall into My Just Hands. Tell sinners that I am always
waiting for them, that I listen intently to the beating of their heart...
when will it beat for Me? Write, that I am speaking to them through their
remorse of conscience, through their failures and sufferings, through
thunderstorms, through the voice of the Church. And if they bring all My
graces to naught, I begin to be angry with them, leaving them alone and
giving them what they want.</b><br />
<br />
1729 O my Jesus, You alone know of my efforts. I seem to be a bit better, but
better only to the point that I can go out on the veranda instead of lying in
bed. I see and am fully aware of what is happening to me. Despite the
diligent care of my superiors and the efforts of the doctors, my health is
fading and running out. But I rejoice greatly at Your call, my God, my Love,
because I know that my mission will begin at the moment of my death. Oh, how
much I desire to be set free from the bonds of this body. O my Jesus, You
know that, in all my desires, I always want to see Your will. Of myself, I
would not want to die one minute sooner, or to live one minute longer, or to
suffer less, or to suffer more, but I only want to do Your holy will.
Although I have great enthusiasm, and the desires burning in my heart are
immense, they are never above Your will.<br />
<br />
1730 I fly to Your mercy, Compassionate God, who alone are good. Although my
misery is great, and my offenses are many, I trust in Your mercy, because You
are the God of mercy; and, from time immemorial, it has never been heard of,
nor do heaven or earth remember, that a soul trusting in Your mercy has been
disappointed.<br />
<br />
O God of compassion, You alone can justify me, and You will never reject me
when I, contrite, approach Your Merciful Heart, where no one has ever been
refused, even if he were the greatest sinner.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1784 Today, in the
course of a long conversation, the Lord said to me, <b>How very much I
desire the salvation of souls! My dearest secretary, write that I want to
pour out My divine life into human souls and sanctify them, if only they were
willing to accept My grace. The greatest sinners would achieve great
sanctity, if only they would trust in My mercy. The very inner depths of My
being are filled to overflowing with mercy, and it is being poured out upon
all I have created. My delight is to act in a human soul and to fill it with
My mercy and to justify it. My kingdom on earth is My life in the human soul.
Write, My secretary, that I Myself am the spiritual guide of souls-and I
guide them indirectly through the priest, and lead each one to sanctity by a
road known to Me alone.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I- 36, 83, 112, 145, 282, 374, 378)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-423, 496)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-566, 660, 717, 852, 854, 895, 934)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1052, 1054, 1064, 1074-1076, 1093)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1146, 1158-1159)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1317)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1426, 1515, 1528)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1701-1703, 1712, 1722)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1728-1730, 1784)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; text-decoration: none;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-21179367836312984182020-03-11T00:00:00.000-07:002020-03-09T07:11:25.500-07:00Put God at the Center-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background: white; mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b><span style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Put God at the
Center</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 11, 2020.
Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 20: 17-28</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took
the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way,
"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed
over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to
death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and
crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." Then the mother of
the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing
to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She
answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your
right and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in reply,
"You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am
going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied,
"My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my
left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared
by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two
brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over
them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be
great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you
shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to
serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, though I cannot see You with my eyes,
I believe You are present to me now, in my innermost being, and that You know
me far better than I know myself. I also know that You love me much more than
I love my own self. Thank You for loving and watching over me, though I don’t
deserve Your love. In return, I offer You my sorrow for my sins and my hopes
to love You more each day.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, wean me from dependence on human
honors and approval.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Seeking the Limelight: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">James and John rub shoulders with that
temptation the devil puts before every apostle: “What’s in it for me, Lord?”
We start out our apostolic work with purity of intention, but if we are
careless, it soon becomes “purely attention.” That is why we should always be
willing to submit our work to the approval of the proper ecclesiastical authorities.
Christ steered clear from all power grabs and squabbles. John would alert
Christ, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we
tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Christ simply replied,
“Do not prevent him … for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:38-9).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Christ is Never Discouraged: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ has just told his apostles of his
passion, and it weighs heavily on his heart. Drowning in their own
fascination for recognition, however, they are completely oblivious to
Christ’s sufferings. He doesn’t let himself get discouraged. Rather, he gently
helps them to look beyond themselves to follow his lead of self-giving to the
point of death.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Putting Others First: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do not work for food that perishes but for
the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you”
(John 6:27). Human recognition is passing; it doesn’t even last a lifetime.
Even in heaven human recognition will be useless—our eyes will be fixed on
God, not on each other or ourselves. However, we do know by faith that God
will reward us in heaven according to our merits. He will exalt us for
serving others, especially when we bring others to love and serve him. Am I
convinced of this? What ephemeral honors am I hankering after? How can I put
Christ and serving him first in my life?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus, too often I compare myself with
others. It´s easy for me to find or imagine my superiority. I ignore You and
Your great goodness. I forget that everything I have comes from You and that
I can´t claim credit for any of my qualities and virtues. Help me to keep
this truth in mind so I may have an attitude of genuine humility in my heart.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will pray a special prayer for humility every day this
week. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation is my
daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in everything that
is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those
times when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue
which, at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to
help me praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me.
When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal
my tongue so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my
tongue to praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the
tongue. The soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its
tongue.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">178 Today we are
beginning the third probation. All three of us met at Mother Margaret's, as
the other sisters were having their probation in the novitiate. Mother
Margaret began with a prayer, explained to us what the third probation
consists of, and then spoke on how great is the grace of the perpetual vows.
Suddenly I began to cry out loud. In an instant all God's graces appeared
before the eyes of my soul, and I saw myself so wretched and ungrateful
toward God. The sisters began to rebuke me, saying, "Why did she break
out crying?" But Mother Margaret came to my defense, saying that she was
not surprised.<br />
<br />
At the end of the hour, I went before the Blessed Sacrament and, like the
greatest and most miserable of wretches, I begged for His mercy that He might
heal and purify my poor soul. Then I heard these words,<b> My daughter,
all your miseries have been consumed in the flame of My love, like a little
twig thrown into a roaring fire. By humbling yourself in this way, you draw
upon yourself and upon other souls an entire sea of My mercy. </b>I
answered, "Jesus, mold my poor heart according to Your divine
delight."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">224 To suffer without complaining, to bring
comfort to others and to drown my own sufferings in the most Sacred Heart of
Jesus!<br />
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I will spend all my free moments at the feet of [Our Lord in] the Blessed Sacrament.
At the feet of Jesus, I will seek light, comfort and strength. I will show my
gratitude unceasingly to God for His great mercy towards me, never forgetting
the favors He has bestowed on me, especially the grace of a vocation. I will
hide myself among the sisters like a little violet among lilies. I want to
blossom for my Lord and Maker, to forget about myself, to empty myself
totally for the sake of immortal souls-this is my delight.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">270 Without humility, we cannot be pleasing
to God. Practice the third degree of humility;<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#76" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc; font-size: 7.5pt; text-decoration: none;">[76]</span></a> that is, not only must one refrain from explaining
and defending oneself when reproached with something, but one should rejoice
at the humiliation.<br />
<br />
If the things you are telling me really come from God, prepare your soul for
great suffering. You will encounter disapproval and persecution. They will
look upon you as a hysteric and an eccentric, but the Lord will lavish His
graces upon you. True works of God always meet opposition and are marked by
suffering. If God wants to accomplish something, sooner or later He will do
so in spite of the difficulties. Your part, in the meantime, is to arm
yourself with great patience.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b>My
Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child, when I saw you
torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in repenting for your
sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I give you first place among the
virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of
your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the humble even to my
very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord
said to me,<b> Act like a beggar who does not back away when he gets
more alms [than he asked for], but offers thanks the more fervently. You too
should not back away and say that you are not worthy of receiving greater
graces when I give them to you. I know you are unworthy, but rejoice all the
more and take as many treasures from My Heart as you can carry, for then you
will please Me more. And I will tell you one more thing: Take these graces
not only for yourself, but also for others; that is, encourage the souls with
whom you come in contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those
souls who have complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">511 When my
intentions are not recognized, but rather condemned, I am not too much
surprised, for I know that it is only God who scrutinizes my heart. Truth
will not die; the wounded heart will regain peace in due time, and my spirit
is strengthened through adversities. I do not always listen to what my heart
tells me, but I keep asking God for light; and when I feel l have regained my
equilibrium, then I say more.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">552 In addition to
the vows, I see one rule as most important. Although all the rules are</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">important, I put
this one in first place, and it is silence. Truly, if this rule were to be
observed strictly, I would not worry about the others. Women are very fond of
talking, but the Holy Spirit does not speak to a soul that is distracted and
garrulous. He speaks by His quiet inspirations to a soul that is recollected,
to a soul that knows how to keep silence. If silence were strictly observed, there
would not be any grumbling, bitterness, slandering, or gossip, and charity
would not be tarnished. In a word, many wrongs would not be done. Silent lips
are pure gold and bear witness to holiness within.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">580 On a certain
occasion, the Lord said to me,<b> I am more deeply wounded by the small
imperfections of chosen souls than by the sins of those living in the world.</b> It
made me very sad that chosen souls make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told
me, <b>These little imperfections are not all. I will reveal to you a secret
of My Heart: what I suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so
many graces is My Heart's constant food, on the part of [such] a chosen soul.
Their love is lukewarm, and My Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to
reject them. Others distrust My goodness and have no desire to experience
that sweet intimacy in their own hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the
distance, and do not find Me. This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very
much. If My death has not convinced you of My love, what will? Often a soul
wounds Me mortally, and then no one can comfort Me. They use My graces to
offend Me. There are souls who despise My graces as well as all the proofs of
My love. They do not wish to hear My call, but proceed into the abyss of
hell. The loss of these souls plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I am,
I cannot help such a soul because it scorns Me; having a free will, it can
spurn Me or love Me. You, who are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the
world about My goodness, and thus you will comfort My Heart.</b><br />
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581 <b>I will tell you most when you converse with Me in the depths of
your heart. Here, no one can disturb My actions. Here, I rest as in a garden
enclosed.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">587 Once, I suddenly
saw Jesus in great majesty, and He spoke these words to me: <b>My
daughter, if you wish, I will this instant create a new world, more beautiful
than this one, and you will live there for the rest of your life. </b>I
answered, "I don't want any worlds. I want You, Jesus. I want to love
You, with the same love that You have for me. I beg You for only one thing:
to make my heart capable of loving you. I am very much surprised at Your
offer, my Jesus; what are those worlds to me? Even if You gave me a thousand
of them, what are they to me? You know very well, Jesus, that my heart is
dying of longing for You. Everything that is not You is nothing to me."
-At that moment, I could no longer see anything, but a strange force took
over my soul, a strange fire sprang up in my heart, and I entered into a kind
of agony for Him. Then I heard these words: <b>With no other soul do I
unite myself as closely and in such a way as I do with you, and this because
of the deep humility and ardent love which you have for Me.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">605 O Holy Trinity,
Eternal God, I thank You for allowing me to know the greatness and the
various degrees of glory to which souls attain. Oh, what a great difference
of depth in the knowledge of God there is between one degree and another! Oh,
if people could only know this! O my God, if I were thereby able to attain
one more degree, I would gladly suffer all the torments of the martyrs put
together. Truly, all those torments seem as nothing to me compared with the
glory that is awaiting us for all eternity. O Lord, immerse my soul in the
ocean of Your divinity and grant me the grace of knowing You; for the better
I know You, the more I desire You, and the more my love for You grows. I feel
in my soul an unfathomable abyss which only God can fill. I lose myself in
Him as a drop does in the ocean. The Lord has inclined himself to my misery
like a ray of the sun upon a barren and rocky desert. And yet, under the
influence of His rays, my soul has become covered with verdure, flowers, and
fruit, and has become a beautiful garden for His repose.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">838 + I marvel at how many humiliations and
sufferings that priest accepts in this whole matter. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#153" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc; text-decoration: none;">[153]</span></a> I
see this at particular times, and I support him with my unworthy prayers.
Only God can give one such courage; otherwise one would give up. But I see
with joy that all these adversities contribute to God's greater glory. The
Lord has few such souls. O infinite eternity, you will make manifest the
efforts of heroic souls, because the earth rewards their efforts with hatred
and ingratitude. Such souls do not have friends; they are solitary. And in
this solitude, they gain strength; they draw their strength from God alone.
With humility, but also with courage, they stand firmly in the face of all
the storms that beat upon them. Like high-towering oaks, they are unmoved.
And in this there is just this one secret: that it's from God that they draw
this strength, and everything whatsoever they have need of, they have for
themselves and for others. They not only carry their own burden, but also
know how to take on, and are capable of taking on, the burdens of others.
They are pillars of light along God's ways; they live in light themselves and
shed light upon others. They themselves live on the heights, and know how to
show the way to lesser ones and help them attain those heights.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">856 During the
morning meditation, I felt an aversion and a repugnance for all created
things. Everything pales before my eyes; my spirit is detached from all
things. I desire only God himself, and yet I must live. This is a martyrdom
beyond description. God imparts himself to the soul in a loving way and draws
it into the infinite depths of His divinity, but at the same time He leaves
it here on earth for the sole purpose that it might suffer and die of longing
for Him. And this strong love is so pure that God himself finds pleasure in
it; and self-love has no access to its deeds, for here everything is totally
saturated with bitterness, and thus is totally pure. Life is a continuous
dying, painful and terrible, and at the same time it is the depth of true
life and of inconceivable happiness and the strength of the soul; and because
of this, [the soul] is capable of great deeds for the sake of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">890 Love is a
mystery that transforms everything it touches into things beautiful and
pleasing to God. The love of God makes a soul free. She is like a queen; she
knows no slavish compulsion; she sets about everything with great freedom of
soul, because the love which dwells in her incites her to action. Everything
that surrounds her makes her know that only God himself is worthy of her
love. A soul in love with God and immersed in Him approaches her duties with the
same dispositions as she does Holy Communion and carries out the simplest
tasks with great care, under the loving gaze of God. She is not troubled if,
after some time, something turns out to be less successful. She remains calm,
because at the time of the action she had done what was in her power. When it
happens that the living presence of God, which she enjoys almost constantly,
leaves her, she then tries to continue living in lively faith. Her soul
understands that there are periods of rest and periods of battle. Through her
will, she is always with God. Her soul, like a knight, is well trained in
battle; from afar it sees where the foe is hiding and is ready for battle.
She knows she is not alone-God is her strength.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1260 Today I heard
these words: <b>My daughter, be always like a little child towards those
who represent Me, otherwise you will not benefit from the graces I bestow on
you through them</b>.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1293 It so happened
that I fell again into a certain error, in spite of a sincere resolution not
to do so-even though the lapse was a minor imperfection and rather
involuntary-and at this I felt such acute pain in my soul that I interrupted
my work and went to the chapel for a while. Falling at the feet of Jesus,
with love and a great deal of pain, I apologized to the Lord, all the more
ashamed because of the fact that in my conversation with Him after Holy
Communion this very morning I had promised to be faithful to Him. Then I
heard these words:<b> If it hadn't been for this small imperfection, you
wouldn't have come to Me. Know that as often as you come to Me, humbling
yourself and asking My forgiveness, I pour out a superabundance of graces on
your soul, and your imperfection vanishes before My eyes, and I see only your
love and your humility. You lose nothing but gain much...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1306 + O humility,
lovely flower, I see how few souls possess you. Is it because you are so
beautiful and at the same time so difficult to attain? O yes, it is both the
one and the other. Even God takes great pleasure in her. The floodgates of
heaven are open to a humble soul, and a sea of graces flows down upon her. O
how beautiful is a humble soul! From her heart, as from a center, rises a
varied and most pleasing fragrance which breaks through the skies and reaches
God himself, filling His Most Sacred Heart with joy. God refuses nothing to
such a soul; she is all-powerful and influences the destiny of the whole
world. God raises such a soul up to His very throne, and the more she humbles
herself, the more God stoops down to her, pursuing her with His graces and
accompanying her at every moment with His omnipotence. Such a soul is most
deeply united with God. O humility, strike deep roots in my whole being. O
Virgin most pure, but also most humble, help me to attain deep humility. Now
I understand why there are so few saints; it is because so few souls are
deeply humble.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1313 O my Jesus, now
everything is clear to me, and I understand all that has just happened. I
somehow felt and asked myself what sort of a poor man is this who radiates
such modesty. From that moment on, there was stirred up in my heart an even
purer love toward the poor and the needy. Oh, how happy I am that my superiors
have given me such a task! I understand that mercy is manifold; one can do
good always and everywhere and at all times. An ardent love of God sees all
around itself constant opportunities to share itself through deed, word and
prayer. Now I understand the words which You spoke to me, O Lord, some time
ago.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1415 <i>I
desire, My dearly beloved daughter, that you practice the three virtues that
are dearest to Me-and most pleasing to God. The first is humility, humility,
and once again humility; the second virtue, purity; the third virtue, love of
God. As My daughter, you must especially radiate with these virtues.</i> When
the conversation ended, She pressed me to Her Heart and disappeared. When I
regained the use of my senses, my heart became so wonderfully attracted to
these virtues; and I practice them faithfully. They are as though engraved in
my heart.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1509 It often
happens when one is ill, as in the case of Job in the Old Testament, that as
long as one can move about and work, everything is fine and dandy; but when
God sends illness, somehow or other, there are fewer friends about. But yet,
there are some. They still take interest in our suffering and all that, but
if God sends a longer illness, even those faithful friends slowly begin to
desert us. They visit us less frequently, and often their visits cause
suffering. Instead of comforting us, they reproach us about certain things,
which is an occasion of a good deal of suffering. And so the soul, like Job,
is alone; but fortunately it is not alone, because Jesus Host is with it.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After having tasted
the above sufferings and spent a whole night in bitterness, the next</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">morning, when the
chaplain [Father Theodore] brought me Holy Communion, I had to</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">control myself by
sheer effort of will to keep from crying out at the top of my voice,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Welcome, my
true and only Friend." Holy Communion gives me strength to suffer and</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">fight.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I wish to speak of
one more thing that I have experienced: when God gives neither death nor
health, and [when] this lasts for many years, people become accustomed to
this and consider the person as not being ill. Then there begins a whole
series of silent sufferings. Only God knows how many sacrifices the soul
makes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conference on
Sacrifice and Prayer.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1813 5. + Today, I
am not forcing myself to make any special preparation. I cannot think of
anything, though I feel many things. I long for the time when God will come
to my heart. I throw myself in His arms and tell Him about my inability and
my misery. I pour out all the pain of my heart, for not being able to love
Him as much as I want. I arouse within myself acts of faith, hope and charity
and live on that throughout the day.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-92, 178, 224, 270, 282, 294)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-511, 552, 580, 581, 587, 605)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-838, 856, 890)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1260, 1293, 1306, 1313)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1415, 1509)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1813)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: #6666cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: #6666cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-46077782103060485222020-03-10T00:00:00.000-07:002020-03-09T07:06:35.300-07:00Actions Speak Louder Than Words-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Actions Speak Louder
Than Words</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">March 10, 2020. Tuesday
of the Second <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Week of Lent</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 23: 1-12</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The
scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses´ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach
you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they
teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders
of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.
They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries
broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets
and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the
marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called
rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your
father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. Nor are you to be
called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest
among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and
all who humble themselves will be exalted.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #86181d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #86181d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Lord,
though I cannot see </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
with my eyes, I believe </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
are present to me now, in my innermost being, and that </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou know me far better than I know
myself. I also know that </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
love me much more than I love my own self. Thank </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou for loving and watching over me,
though I don’t deserve </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our
love. In return, I offer </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
my sorrow for my sins and my hopes to love </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou more each day.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Lord,
help me to be humble like </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Disinterested Charity</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
How do we know that we are truly working for God? When we are willing to work
for him for nothing. God calls some missionaries to work with the poor, who can
repay their benefactors with nothing more than smiles and gratitude. Other
missionaries work with the humanly and spiritually poor, who neither recognize
their neediness nor value the work of Christian evangelization. Parents put in
long, hidden hours of service to sustain their families, often without
receiving a simple “thank you.” Christ shunned human recognition not just with
his words: when the people wanted to make him king, he hurried off to proclaim
the Good News somewhere else. Do I value my charity towards others more than I
value any position of authority? Do I seek the praise of others for the good
deeds I do?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Little Misunderstandings</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
Christian authority comes not from titles or positions, but from our faithful
adherence to Christ’s commandment of charity and service. We should welcome
misunderstanding in the face of our doing good. It means that God is inviting
us to attain a higher level in our charity and Christian leadership. With his
fidelity, Christ shows us that we have every reason to believe in the
fulfillment of God’s promise. The book of Wisdom shows us that misunderstanding
is part of God’s plan: “He calls blest the destiny of the just and boasts that
God is his Father. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what
will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us
put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his
patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own
words, God will take care of him” (Wisdom 2: 16-20).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. The Cross is Our Claim to Glory</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:
“And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John
12:32). Christ did not lift himself up for others to notice; he refused to
exalt himself. He refused the places of honor at banquets (he sat with the tax
collectors), seats of honor in synagogues (they threw him out), and special
greetings in marketplaces (“Why do you call me good? No one is good but God
alone” (Mark 10:18)). His silence infuriated Pilate: “Do you not speak to me?
Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify
you?” (John 19:10). They asked Christ to exalt himself by coming down from the
cross, and he refused. This is the real test of our trust and love: trusting
that God really cares for us when he allows us to be crucified for being
faithful, and loving that crucifixion by embracing it willingly for the good of
souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #86181d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #86181d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear
Jesus, I know I will never be able to be as humble as </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou, but I want to desire and work for
the greatest degree of humility possible for me. I want to leave behind the
pride that has damaged so many areas of my life. I want to have </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our example always fresh in my mind so
that I can keep advancing—not in order to glory in my own perfection, but in
order to please </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ou
and do </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Y</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">our
will.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #86181d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #86181d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
will think of the relationship in my life where my pride is most destructive. I
will take concrete steps to deal with that person more positively and humbly.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #86181d; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">55 1933.
Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior
inspirations, but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize
that these interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they
are for the good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to
follow them; and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation
with your confessor.<br />
<br />
<u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the
spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the evil
spirit.<br />
<br />
<u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor
specifically to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it
would be better to even ignore them.<br />
<br />
But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the other,
as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God. Humility,
humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all is purely
and simply God's grace.<br />
<br />
You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the
first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br />
<br />
Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special
graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the Lord,
paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God suffice you;
He alone."<br />
<br />
Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told me:
"Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages: `She
spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br />
<br />
Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like
the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of
little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of
others."<br />
<br />
On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a
way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow
happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then,
generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled
with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep
well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br />
<br />
Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God push
your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of the
interior life."<br />
<br />
Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress [Mary
Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity and
humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like a
little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility, content
with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others fear, you
will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility. Remember this,
Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains down into the
valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble souls."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Divine Sun, in Your
rays the soul sees the tiniest specks of dust which displease You.<br />
<br />
72 O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for
poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy,
I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from
which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg
of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion
and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most
precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I
rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the
salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and
ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled. Therefore, let every
soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God
will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God's mercy
will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I
contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all
sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation is my
daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in everything that
is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times
when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which,
at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me
praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I
receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue
so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to
praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The
soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of
the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[39]</span></a><br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow?<br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act.<br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment?<br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege.<br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value?<br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the
Church, in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake
to strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules.<br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?"<br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state.<br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows?<br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them.<br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows?<br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows.<br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue?<br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage.<br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God.<br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern?<br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been
accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which
may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to
the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we
may receive for work or even any annuity.<br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment?<br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain something
in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell or
exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an object
for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give to, or
accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by negligence
we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to another, we
take something with us without permission. In a situation where the vow is
broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it.<br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they?<br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with
necessities (this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with
things of inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment,
etc., and to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme
poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity<br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments.<br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow?<br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue.<br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin?<br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind.<br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue?<br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue.<br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved?<br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body.<br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a
grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors.<br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious?<br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and
without merit.<br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience?<br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our disobedience.<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow?<br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence.<br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience<br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of
the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it
or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge
of God and the Terror of the Soul.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain;
it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it
received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it,
and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of
God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him.<br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is;
the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed
and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it
begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These
lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized,
the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded
faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His
consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain
moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly
rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of
perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within
it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult
for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and
taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take
account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact,
this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here,
however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a
well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">113 And again, I would
like to say three words to the soul that is determined to strive for sanctity
and to derive fruit; that is to say, benefit from confession.<br />
<br />
First word-complete sincerity and openness. Even the holiest and wisest
confessor cannot forcibly pour into the soul what he desires if it is not
sincere and open. An insincere, secretive soul risks great dangers in the
spiritual life, and even the Lord Jesus Himself does not give Himself to such a
soul on a higher level, because He knows it would derive no benefit from these
special graces.<br />
<br />
Second word-humility. A soul does not benefit as it should from the sacrament
of confession if it is not humble. Pride keeps it in darkness. The soul neither
knows how, nor is it willing, to probe with precision the depths of its own
misery. It puts on a mask and avoids everything that might bring it recovery.<br />
<br />
Third word-obedience. A disobedient soul will win no victory, even if the Lord
Jesus himself, in person, were to hear its confession. The most experienced
confessor will be of no help whatsoever to such a soul. The disobedient soul
exposes itself to great misfortunes; it will make no progress toward
perfection, nor will it succeed in the spiritual life. God lavishes His graces
most generously upon the soul, but it must be an obedient soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing
are the hymns flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a
soul, especially when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing
for Him. Great is its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through
the jungle of life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the
ground.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has
come out of these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is
great. It knows better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to
do at a given moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace
and is very faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously
rejoices in Him. It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its
environment in general. The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure
Spirit, introduces the soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself
has first prepared and purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of
close communion with himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes
spiritually with the Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing
itself through the senses. God fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the
spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here,
the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound.
In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both
for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There
are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The
senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it
is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic
as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more
about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience
with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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132 I must again mention that there are some confessors who seem to be true
spiritual fathers, but only as long as things go well. When the soul finds
itself in greater need, they become perplexed, and either cannot or will not
understand the soul. They try to get rid of the person as soon as possible. But
if the soul is humble, it will always profit in some little way or other. God
himself will sometimes cast a shaft of light into the depths of the soul,
because of its humility and faith. The confessor will sometimes say something
he had never intended to say, without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the
soul believe that such words are the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed
we ought to believe that every word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I
have referred to above is something that comes directly from God. And the soul
perceives that the priest is not master of himself, that he is saying things
that he would rather not say. This is how God rewards faith.<br />
<br />
I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and respected
priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at Plock], to whom I
sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe and opposed to these
matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion he replied to me,
"Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of you, you should not
oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just this way. Be at peace;
what God has started, He will finish. But I say this to you: faithfulness to
God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well in mind what I have told
you today." I was delighted, and I thought that perhaps this priest had
understood me. But it so turned out that I never went to confession to him
again.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">133 +Once, one of the
older Mothers [probably Mother Jane<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#43" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[43]</span></a>]
summoned me, and it was as if fiery bolts from the blue were coming down upon
my head, so much so that I could not even discover what it was all about. But
after a while I understood that it was about a matter over which I had no control
whatsoever. She said to me, "Get it out of your head, Sister, that the
Lord Jesus might be communing in such an intimate way with such a miserable
bundle of imperfections as you! Bear in mind that it is only with holy souls
that the Lord Jesus communes in this way!" I acknowledged that she was
right, because I am indeed a wretched person, but still I trust in God's mercy.
When I met the Lord I humbled myself and said, "Jesus, it seems that You
do not associate intimately with such wretched people as I"<b> Be at
peace, My daughter, it is precisely through such misery that I want to show the
power of My mercy.</b> I understood that this Mother had merely wanted to
subject me to a [salutary] humiliation.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">138 A great mystery
has been accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in
my soul. When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced
everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a
great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was awaiting
me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled closely to the
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready for that for
which I had offered myself.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Suffering seemed to
spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself was surprised. For
others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't worth paying any
attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed; each word was analyzed,
each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get ready, Sister, to receive a
small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I feel sorry for you." But as
for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of my soul and had been ready for it
for a long time. When she saw my courage, she was surprised. I see now that a
soul cannot do much of itself, but with God it can do all things. Behold what
God's grace can do. Few are the souls that are always watchful for divine
graces, and even fewer of such souls who follow those inspirations faithfully.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">159 +O Blessed Host,
in golden chalice enclosed for me,<br />
That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />
I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />
Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul,<br />
O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />
With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />
Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />
Though Your beauty be veiled<br />
And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />
Strong faith tears away that veil</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">174 At that moment the
priest came in and began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he
were in a hurry. After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing
that none of the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an
instant was in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of
telling the father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my
dealings with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have
just described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and
said, "Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so
kindly. Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your
communing with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that
you are on the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces; you are
not free to shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your superiors
about these interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you clearly to do
so, and even then you should first consult with your confessor. But if the Lord
Jesus demands something external, in this case, after consulting your
confessor, you should carry out what He asks of you, even if this costs you
greatly. On the other hand, you must tell your confessor everything. There is
absolutely no other course for you to take, Sister. Pray that you may find a
spiritual director, or else you will waste these great gifts of God. I repeat
once again, be at peace; you are following the right path. Take no heed of
anything else, but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone
says about you. It is with just such miserable souls that the Lord Jesus
communes in this intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the
Lord Jesus will unite Himself with you." 175 176 177</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">178 Today we are
beginning the third probation. All three of us met at Mother Margaret's, as the
other sisters were having their probation in the novitiate. Mother Margaret
began with a prayer, explained to us what the third probation consists of, and
then spoke on how great is the grace of the perpetual vows. Suddenly I began to
cry out loud. In an instant all God's graces appeared before the eyes of my
soul, and I saw myself so wretched and ungrateful toward God. The sisters began
to rebuke me, saying, "Why did she break out crying?" But Mother
Margaret came to my defense, saying that she was not surprised.<br />
<br />
At the end of the hour, I went before the Blessed Sacrament and, like the
greatest and most miserable of wretches, I begged for His mercy that He might
heal and purify my poor soul. Then I heard these words,<b> My daughter,
all your miseries have been consumed in the flame of My love, like a little
twig thrown into a roaring fire. By humbling yourself in this way, you draw
upon yourself and upon other souls an entire sea of My mercy. </b>I
answered, "Jesus, mold my poor heart according to Your divine
delight."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">270 Without humility,
we cannot be pleasing to God. Practice the third degree of humility;<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#76" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[76]</span></a> that
is, not only must one refrain from explaining and defending oneself when
reproached with something, but one should rejoice at the humiliation.<br />
<br />
If the things you are telling me really come from God, prepare your soul for
great suffering. You will encounter disapproval and persecution. They will look
upon you as a hysteric and an eccentric, but the Lord will lavish His graces upon
you. True works of God always meet opposition and are marked by suffering. If
God wants to accomplish something, sooner or later He will do so in spite of
the difficulties. Your part, in the meantime, is to arm yourself with great
patience.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said
to me, <b>My Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child,
when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in
repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I give you
first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see
every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the
humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord
said to me,<b> Act like a beggar who does not back away when he gets more
alms [than he asked for], but offers thanks the more fervently. You too should
not back away and say that you are not worthy of receiving greater graces when
I give them to you. I know you are unworthy, but rejoice all the more and take
as many treasures from My Heart as you can carry, for then you will please Me
more. And I will tell you one more thing: Take these graces not only for
yourself, but also for others; that is, encourage the souls with whom you come
in contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those souls who have
complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">320 Jesus made known
to me how very pleasing to Him were prayers of atonement. He said to me,<b> The
prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws
down an ocean of blessings. </b>After the adoration, half way to my cell,
I was surrounded by a , pack of huge black dogs who were jumping and howling
and trying to tear me to pieces. I realized that they were not dogs, but
demons. One of them spoke up in a rage, "Because you have snatched so many
souls away from us this night, we will tear you to pieces." I answered,
"If that is the will of the most merciful God, tear me to pieces, for I
have justly deserved it, because I am the most miserable of all sinners, and
God is ever holy, just, and infinitely merciful." To these words all the
demons answered as one, "Let us flee, for she is not alone; the Almighty
is with her!" And they vanished like dust, like the noise of the road,
while I continued on my way to my cell undisturbed, finishing my Te Deum and
pondering the infinite and unfathomable mercy of God.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">346 December 24, 1934.
The Vigil of Christmas. During the morning Mass, I felt the closeness of God.
Though I was hardly aware of it, my spirit was drowned in God. Suddenly, I
heard these words: <b>You are My delightful dwelling place; My Spirit
rests in you. </b>After these words, I felt the Lord looking into the
depths of my heart; and seeing my misery, I humbled myself in spirit and
admired the immense mercy of God, that the Most High Lord would approach such
misery.<br />
<br />
During Holy Communion, joy filled my soul. I felt that I am closely united to
the Godhead. His omnipotence enveloped my whole being. Throughout the whole day
I felt the closeness of God in a special manner; and although my duties
prevented me throughout the whole day from going to chapel even for a moment,
there was not a moment when I was not united with God. I felt Him within me
more distinctly than ever. Unceasingly greeting the Mother of God and entering
into Her spirit, I begged Her to teach me true love of God. And then I heard
these words:<i> I will share with you the secret of My happiness this
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had supper before
six o'clock. Despite all the joy and the external noise accompanying the
sharing of the wafer and the mutual exchange of good wishes, I did not for a
moment lose the awareness of God's presence. After supper we hurried away to
finish our work, and at nine I was able to go to the chapel for adoration. I
was allowed to stay up and wait for the Midnight Mass. I was delighted to have
free time from nine until midnight. From nine to ten o'clock I offered my
adoration for my parents and my whole family. From ten to eleven, I offered it
for the intention of my spiritual director, in the first place thanking God for
granting me this great visible help here on earth, just as He had promised me,
and I also asked God to grant him the necessary light so that he could get to
know my soul and guide me according to God's good pleasure. And from eleven to
twelve I prayed for the Holy Church and the clergy, for sinners, for the
missions and for our houses. I offered the indulgences for the souls in purgatory.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">362 +One day, during
the morning meditation, I heard this voice: <b>I myself am your director;
I was, I am, and I will be. And since you asked for visible help, I chose and
gave you a director even before you had asked, for My work required this. Know that
the faults you commit against him wound My Heart. Be especially on your guard
against self-willfulness; even the smallest thing should bear the seal of
obedience.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With a crushed and
humbled heart I begged forgiveness of Jesus for these faults. I also begged
pardon of my spiritual director and resolved to do nothing rather than to do
many things wrongly.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">424 In the evening, I
just about got into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep
quickly, I was awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up.
The child seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well,
as children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The
child was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to
me, <b>Look at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the
stars and the moon shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this
moon and these stars? </b>When I said yes, he spoke these words to
me, <b>These stars are the souls of faithful Christians, and the moon is
the souls of religious. Do you see how great the difference is between the
light of the moon and the light of the stars? Such is the difference in heaven
between the soul of a religious and the soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And
he went on to say that, <b>True greatness is in loving God and in
humility.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">450 I was suffering
very much, and it seemed to me I would not be able to make my adoration, but I
gathered up all my will power and, although I collapsed in my cell, I paid no
attention to what ailed me, for I had the Passion of Jesus before my eyes. When
I entered the chapel, I received an inner understanding of the great reward
that God is preparing for us, not only for our good deeds, but also for our
sincere desire to perform them. What a great grace of God this is!<br />
<br />
Oh, how sweet it is to toil for God and souls! I want no respite in this
battle, but I shall fight to the last breath for the glory of my King and Lord.
I shall not lay the sword aside until He calls me before His throne; I fear no
blows, because God is my shield. It is the enemy who should fear us, and not we
him. Satan defeats only the proud and the cowardly, because the humble are
strong. Nothing will confuse or frighten a humble soul. I have directed my
flight at the very center of the sun's heat, and nothing can lower its course.
Love will not allow itself to be taken prisoner; it is free like a queen. Love
attains God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">526 + The 14th. This
Thursday, when we were having nocturnal adoration, at first I could not pray; a
sort of dryness engulfed me. I could not meditate on Jesus' sorrowful Passion.
So I lay prostrate and offered the most sorrowful Passion of the Lord Jesus to
the heavenly Father in reparation for the sins of all the world. When I got to
my feet after this prayer and walked to my kneeler, I suddenly saw Jesus next
to it. The Lord Jesus appeared as He was during the scourging. In His hands He
was holding a white garment with which He clothed me and a cord with which He
girded me, and He covered me with a red cloak like the one He was clothed with
during His Passion and a veil of the same color, and He said to me, <b>This
is how you and your companions are going to be clothed. My life from birth to
death on the Cross will be the rule for you. Fix your eyes upon Me and live
according to what you see. I desire that you penetrate into My spirit more
deeply and understand that I am meek and humble of heart.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">532 After Holy
Communion, I saw the Lord Jesus, who said these words to me:<b> Today,
penetrate into the spirit of My poverty and arrange everything in such a way
that the most destitute will have no reason to envy you. I find pleasure, not
in large buildings and magnificent structures, but in a pure and humble heart.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">538 There will be no
distinction between the sisters, no mothers,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#107" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[107]</span></a> no
reverends, no venerable, but all will be equal, even though there might be
great differences in their parentage. We know who Jesus was, and yet how He
humbled himself and with whom He associated. Their habit will be like that worn
by Jesus during His Passion, and they will not simply wear the robe [He wore];
they must also seal themselves with the marks He bore: suffering and scorn.
Each one will strive for the greatest self-denial and have a love of humility,
and she who will distinguish herself most in this latter virtue will be the one
who is capable of leading the others.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">544 The
novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[109]</span></a> is to last one year, without any interruption. At
this time the novice should be taught about the virtues relating to the vows
and about the importance of the vows. The directress should do her utmost to
provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices in the practice of
humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows easily and experiences the
great joys that God pours out upon the faithful soul. The novices should not be
burdened with duties that entail responsibilities, so that they may be free to
devote themselves to their own perfection. They are obliged to observe the
rules and statutes strictly, as are the postulants.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">573 December 21, 1935.
One day my confessor [Father Sopocko] told me to go and look at a certain house
to see whether it was the same house I had seen in my vision. When I went with
my confessor to see that house, or rather those ruins, at a glance I recognized
that they were the same as I had seen in my vision. The moment I touched the
boards which had been nailed together in place of the doors, a strength
pervaded my soul like a flash, giving me unshakable certitude. I went away
quickly from that place, my heart full of joy, for it seemed to me that there
was a certain force chaining me to that place.<br />
<br />
I am very happy to see that everything agrees perfectly with what I saw in the
vision. When the confessor spoke to me about the arrangement of the cells and
other things, I recognized everything to be the same as had been told to me by
Jesus. I am delighted that God is acting in this way through my confessor, but
I am not surprised that God is giving him so much light; since God, who is
Light itself, lives in a pure and humble heart, and all sufferings and
adversities serve but to reveal the soul's holiness. When I returned home, I
went immediately to our chapel to rest a while. Then suddenly I heard these
words in my soul: <b>Do not fear anything. I am with you. These matters
are in My hands and I will bring them to fruition according to My mercy, for
nothing can oppose My will.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">576 O Holy Trinity,
Eternal God, my spirit is drowned in Your beauty. The ages are as nothing in
Your sight. You are always the same. Oh, how great is Your majesty. Jesus, why
do You conceal Your majesty, why have You left Your heavenly throne and dwelt
among us? The Lord answered me, <b>My daughter, love has brought Me here,
and love keeps Me here. My daughter, if you knew what great merit and reward is
earned by one act of pure love for Me, you would die of joy. I am saying this
that you may constantly unite yourself with Me through love, for this is the
goal of the life of your soul. This act is an act of the will. Know that a pure
soul is humble. When you lower and empty yourself before My majesty, I then
pursue you with My graces and make use of My omnipotence to exalt you.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">587 Once, I suddenly
saw Jesus in great majesty, and He spoke these words to me: <b>My
daughter, if you wish, I will this instant create a new world, more beautiful
than this one, and you will live there for the rest of your life. </b>I
answered, "I don't want any worlds. I want You, Jesus. I want to love You,
with the same love that You have for me. I beg You for only one thing: to make
my heart capable of loving you. I am very much surprised at Your offer, my
Jesus; what are those worlds to me? Even if You gave me a thousand of them,
what are they to me? You know very well, Jesus, that my heart is dying of
longing for You. Everything that is not You is nothing to me." -At that
moment, I could no longer see anything, but a strange force took over my soul,
a strange fire sprang up in my heart, and I entered into a kind of agony for
Him. Then I heard these words: <b>With no other soul do I unite myself as
closely and in such a way as I do with you, and this because of the deep
humility and ardent love which you have for Me.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">593 O my Jesus,
nothing is better for the soul than humiliations. In contempt is the secret of
happiness, when the soul recognizes that, of itself, it is only wretchedness
and nothingness, and that whatever it possesses of good is a gift of God. When
the soul sees that everything is given it freely and that the only thing it has
of itself is its own misery, this is what sustains it in a continual act of
humble prostration before the majesty of God. And God, seeing the soul in such a
disposition, pursues it with His graces. As the soul continues to immerse
itself more deeply into the abyss of its nothingness and need, God uses His
omnipotence to exalt it. If there is a truly happy soul upon earth, it can only
be a truly humble soul. At first, one's self-love suffers greatly on this
account, but after a soul has struggled courageously, God grants it much light
by which it sees how wretched and full of deception everything is. God alone is
in its heart. A humble soul does not trust itself, but places all its
confidence in God. God defends the humble soul and lets Himself into its
secrets, and the soul abides in unsurpassable happiness which no one can
comprehend.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">771 In that same
moment, the soul drowns entirely in Him and experiences a happiness as great as
that of the chosen ones in heaven. Although the chosen ones in heaven see God
face to face and are completely and absolutely happy, still their knowledge of God
is not the same. God has given me to understand this. This deeper knowledge
begins here on earth, depending on the grace [given], but to a great extent it
also depends on our faithfulness to that grace.<br />
<br />
However, the soul receiving this unprecedented grace of union with God cannot
say that it sees God face to face, because even here there is a very thin veil
of faith, but so very thin that the soul can say that it sees God and talks
with Him. It is "divinized." God allows the soul to know how much He
loves it, and the soul sees that better and holier souls than itself have not
received this grace. Therefore, it is filled with holy amazement, which
maintains it in deep humility, and it steeps itself in its own nothingness and
holy astonishment; and the more it humbles itself, the more closely God unites
himself with it and descends to it.<br />
<br />
The soul, at this moment is, as it were, hidden; its senses are inactive; in
one moment, it knows God and drowns in Him. It knows the whole depth of the
Unfathomable One, and the deeper this knowledge, the more ardently the soul
desires Him</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">778 And God has given
me to understand that there is but one thing that is of infinite value in His
eyes, and that is love of God; love, love and once again, love; and nothing can
compare with a single act of pure love of God. Oh, with what inconceivable
favors God gifts a soul that loves Him sincerely! Oh, how happy is the soul who
already here on earth enjoys His special favors! And of such are the little and
humble souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">792 I must never speak
of my own experiences. In suffering, I must seek relief in prayer. In doubts,
even the smallest, I must seek only the advice of my confessor. I must always
have a heart which is open to receive the sufferings of others, and drown my
own sufferings in the Divine Heart so that they would not be noticed on the
outside, in so far as possible.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I must always strive
for equanimity, no matter how stormy the circumstances might be. I must not
allow anything to disturb my interior calm and silence. Nothing can compare
with peace of soul. When I am wrongfully accused of something, I will not
explain myself; if the superior wants to know the truth, whether I was in the
right or not, let her find out from others rather than from me. My concern is
to accept everything with a humble inner disposition.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will spend this
Advent in accordance with the directions of the Mother of God: in meekness and
humility.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">838 + I marvel at how
many humiliations and sufferings that priest accepts in this whole
matter. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#153" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[153]</span></a> I see this at particular times, and I support him
with my unworthy prayers. Only God can give one such courage; otherwise one
would give up. But I see with joy that all these adversities contribute to
God's greater glory. The Lord has few such souls. O infinite eternity, you will
make manifest the efforts of heroic souls, because the earth rewards their
efforts with hatred and ingratitude. Such souls do not have friends; they are
solitary. And in this solitude, they gain strength; they draw their strength
from God alone. With humility, but also with courage, they stand firmly in the
face of all the storms that beat upon them. Like high-towering oaks, they are
unmoved. And in this there is just this one secret: that it's from God that
they draw this strength, and everything whatsoever they have need of, they have
for themselves and for others. They not only carry their own burden, but also
know how to take on, and are capable of taking on, the burdens of others. They
are pillars of light along God's ways; they live in light themselves and shed
light upon others. They themselves live on the heights, and know how to show
the way to lesser ones and help them attain those heights.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1000 In the terrible
desert of life,<br />
O my sweetest Jesus,<br />
Protect souls from disaster,<br />
For You are the Fountain of Mercy.<br />
<br />
Let the resplendence of Your rays,<br />
O sweet Commander of our souls,<br />
Let mercy change the world.<br />
And you who have received this grace, serve Jesus.<br />
<br />
Steep is the great highway I must travel,<br />
But I fear nothing,<br />
For the pure fount of mercy is flowing for my sake,<br />
And, with it, strength for the humble soul.<br />
<br />
I am exhausted and worn out,<br />
But my conscience bears me witness<br />
That I do all for the greater glory of the Lord,<br />
The Lord who is my repose and my heritage.<br />
<br />
[End of Notebook Two of the Diary.]</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1092 April 16, 1937.
Today, as God's Majesty swept over me, my soul understood that the Lord, so
very great though He is, delights in humble souls. The more a soul humbles
itself, the greater the kindness with which the Lord approaches it. Uniting
himself closely with it, He raises it to His very throne. Happy is the soul
whom the Lord himself defends. I have come to know that only love is of any
value; love is greatness; nothing, no works, can compare with a single act of
pure love of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1293 It so happened
that I fell again into a certain error, in spite of a sincere resolution not to
do so-even though the lapse was a minor imperfection and rather involuntary-and
at this I felt such acute pain in my soul that I interrupted my work and went
to the chapel for a while. Falling at the feet of Jesus, with love and a great
deal of pain, I apologized to the Lord, all the more ashamed because of the
fact that in my conversation with Him after Holy Communion this very morning I
had promised to be faithful to Him. Then I heard these words:<b> If it
hadn't been for this small imperfection, you wouldn't have come to Me. Know
that as often as you come to Me, humbling yourself and asking My forgiveness, I
pour out a superabundance of graces on your soul, and your imperfection
vanishes before My eyes, and I see only your love and your humility. You lose
nothing but gain much...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1306 + O humility,
lovely flower, I see how few souls possess you. Is it because you are so
beautiful and at the same time so difficult to attain? O yes, it is both the
one and the other. Even God takes great pleasure in her. The floodgates of
heaven are open to a humble soul, and a sea of graces flows down upon her. O
how beautiful is a humble soul! From her heart, as from a center, rises a
varied and most pleasing fragrance which breaks through the skies and reaches
God himself, filling His Most Sacred Heart with joy. God refuses nothing to
such a soul; she is all-powerful and influences the destiny of the whole world.
God raises such a soul up to His very throne, and the more she humbles herself,
the more God stoops down to her, pursuing her with His graces and accompanying
her at every moment with His omnipotence. Such a soul is most deeply united
with God. O humility, strike deep roots in my whole being. O Virgin most pure,
but also most humble, help me to attain deep humility. Now I understand why
there are so few saints; it is because so few souls are deeply humble.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1321 Hail, most
merciful Heart of Jesus,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Living Fountain of all
graces,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our sole shelter, our
only refuge;</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In You I have the
light of hope.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hail, most
compassionate Heart of my God,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfathomable living
Fount of Love</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From which gushes life
for sinful man</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And the Spring of all
sweetness.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hail, open Wound of
the Most Sacred Heart,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From which the rays of
mercy issued forth</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And from which it was
given us to draw life</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With the vessel of
trust alone.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hail, God's goodness,
incomprehensible,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Never to be measured
or fathomed,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Full of love and
mercy, though always holy,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet, like a good
mother, ever bent o'er us.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hail, Throne of Mercy,
Lamb of God,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who gave Your life in
sacrifice for me,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before whom my soul
humbles itself daily,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Living in faith
profound.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[End of Notebook Four]</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1361 <b>This firm
resolution to become a saint is extremely pleasing to Me. I bless your efforts
and will give you opportunities to sanctify yourself. Be watchful that you lose
no opportunity that My providence offers you for sanctification. If you do not
succeed in taking advantage of an opportunity, do not lose your peace, but
humble yourself profoundly before Me and, with great trust, immerse yourself
completely in My mercy. In this way, you gain more than you have lost, because
more favor is granted to a humble soul than the soul itself asks for...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1415 <i>I desire,
My dearly beloved daughter, that you practice the three virtues that are
dearest to Me-and most pleasing to God. The first is humility, humility, and
once again humility; the second virtue, purity; the third virtue, love of God.
As My daughter, you must especially radiate with these virtues.</i> When
the conversation ended, She pressed me to Her Heart and disappeared. When I
regained the use of my senses, my heart became so wonderfully attracted to
these virtues; and I practice them faithfully. They are as though engraved in
my heart.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1436 + Lord, although
You often make known to me the thunders of Your anger, Your anger vanishes
before lowly souls. Although You are great, Lord, You allow yourself to be
overcome by a lowly and deeply humble soul. O humility, the most precious of
virtues, how few souls possess you! I see only a semblance of this virtue
everywhere, but not the virtue itself. Lord, reduce me to nothingness in my own
eyes that I may find grace in ' Yours.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1564 Jesus, hide me;
just as You have hidden Yourself under the form of the white Host, so hide me
from human eyes, and particularly hide the gifts which You so kindly grant me.
May I not betray outwardly what You are effecting in my soul. I am a white host
before You, O Divine Priest. Consecrate me Yourself, and may my
transubstantiation be known only to You. I stand before You each day as a sacrificial
host and implore Your mercy upon the world. In silence, and unseen, I will
empty myself before You; my pure and undivided love will burn, in profound
silence, as a holocaust. And may the fragrance of my love be wafted to the foot
of Your throne. You are the Lord of lords, but You delight in innocent and
humble souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1586 O my Jesus, You
see how very grateful I am to Father Sopocko, who has advanced Your work so
much. That soul, so humble, has had to endure all the storms. He has not
allowed himself to become discouraged by adversities, but has faithfully
responded to the call of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1602 Today the Lord
said to me, <b>Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My
mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down
upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse
yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty
of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that
I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself
act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell
souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of
trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The
torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and
misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1605 <b>Write
down everything that occurs to you regarding My goodness.</b> I answered,
"What do You mean, Lord, what if I write too much?" And the Lord
replied, <b>My daughter, even if you were to speak at one and the same
time in all human and angelic tongues, even then you would not have said very
much, but on the contrary, you would have sung in only a small measure the
praises of My goodness-of My unfathomable mercy.</b><br />
<br />
O my Jesus, You Yourself must put words into my mouth, that I may praise You
worthily.<br />
<br />
<b>My daughter, be at peace; do as I tell you. Your thoughts are united to My
thoughts, so write whatever comes to your mind. You are the secretary of My
mercy. I have chosen you for that office in this life and the next life. That
is how I want it to be in spite all the opposition they will give you. Know
that My choice will not change.</b><br />
<br />
At that moment I steeped myself in profound humility before God's majesty. But
the more I humbled myself, the more God's presence penetrated me...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1701 I asked the Lord
today that He might deign to teach me about the interior life, because of
myself I can neither understand nor conceive anything perfectly. The Lord
answered me,<b> I was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make
your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart. Never claim your rights. Bear
with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend
yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not
stop being good when you notice that your goodness is being abused. I Myself
will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be grateful for the smallest of My
graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces...</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1711 When I was left
alone with the Blessed Virgin, She instructed me concerning the interior life.
She said, <i>The soul's true greatness is in loving God and in humbling
oneself in His presence, completely forgetting oneself and believing oneself to
be nothing; because the Lord is great, but He is well pleased only with the
humble; He always opposes the proud.</i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1734 O my Jesus, You
know that there are times when I have neither lofty thoughts nor a soaring
spirit. I bear with myself patiently and admit that that is just what I am,
because all that is beautiful is a grace from God. And so I humble myself
profoundly and cry out for Your help; and the grace of visitation is not slow
in coming to the humble heart.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1742 Be praised,
merciful God, One God in the Holy Trinity,<br />
Unfathomable, infinite, incomprehensible,<br />
immersing themselves in You, their minds cannot comprehend You,<br />
So they repeat without end their eternal: Holy.<br />
<br />
Be glorified, O merciful Creator of ours, O Lord,<br />
Omnipotent, but full of compassion, inconceivable.<br />
To love You is the mission of our existence,<br />
Singing our eternal hymn: Holy...<br />
<br />
Be blessed, merciful God, Eternal Love.<br />
You are above the heavens, the saphires, the firmaments.<br />
The host of pure spirits sings You praises,<br />
With its eternal hymn: Thrice Holy.<br />
<br />
And, gazing upon You, face to face, O God,<br />
I see that You could have called other creatures before them.<br />
Therefore they humble themselves before You in great humility,<br />
For well they see that this grace comes solely from Your mercy.<br />
<br />
One of the most beautiful spirits would not recognize Your mercy,<br />
And, blinded by his pride, he drew others after him.<br />
Angel of great beauty, he became Satan<br />
And was cast down in one moment from heaven's heights into hell.<br />
<br />
Then the faithful spirits cried, "Glory to God's mercy!"<br />
And they stood firm in spite of the fiery test.<br />
Glory to Jesus, the Christ abased,<br />
Glory to His Mother, the humble and pure Virgin.<br />
<br />
After this battle, the pure spirits plunged into the ocean of Divinity;<br />
Contemplating and praising the depths of His mercy,<br />
They drown in His mercy and manifold light,<br />
Possessing in knowledge the Trinity of Persons, the Oneness of Godhead.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-55, 72, 93, 95, 113-115, 132-133, 138)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-159, 174, 178, 270, 282, 294, 320, 346)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-362, 424, 450)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-526, 532, 538, 544, 573, 576, 587, 593)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-771, 778, 792, 838, 1000)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1092)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1293, 1306, 1321, 1361)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1415, 1436, 1564, 1586)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister
Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-11602, 1605, 1701, 1711, 1734, 1742)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-84928441542639558862020-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:002020-03-09T07:04:38.301-07:00Jesus, His Way-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jesus, His Way</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 19, 2020. Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Father Scott Reilly, LC</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #8e0000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 8:22-26</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #8e0000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, they brought to him a blind man
and begged him to touch him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him
outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on him and
asked, "Do you see anything?" Looking up he replied, "I see
people looking like trees and walking." Then he laid hands on his eyes a
second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see
everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, "Do not even go
into the village."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I believe You are leading me, but
sometimes I sense insecurity creeping within me. So I renew my confidence in
You once more. I know that You can desire only what is good for me. Thank You
for loving me unconditionally. In return, take my love and my desire to please
You in everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Deepen my humility and increase my trust in You, dear Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Jesus Leads:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> From the very get-go, we push ahead for self-sufficiency.
Think of a little child who strives to walk by himself, without his parents
helping him keep his balance. In the spiritual life, it’s the opposite: We need
to reach out to Christ for guidance, support and strength. Admitting our faults
can be a humbling, but fruitful experience. Pride prevents us from doing this
gracefully, but––have faith––if we do, Jesus will unleash his power within our
lives. “Holiness is not in one exercise or another, it consists in a
disposition of the heart, which renders us humble and little in the hands of
God, conscious of our weakness but confident, even daringly confident, in his
fatherly goodness” (St. Therese of Lisieux).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Patience, God has a Plan:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “I want it now” is a modern cliché. Our
wanting it now, though, doesn’t always work with God. His plan is a plan for
our greater good—even if it isn’t our plan. The blind man’s sight wasn’t healed
instantly, but gradually. How we want to be holy now and never return to the
valley of filth and pride! Yet we seem to fall again and again. Holiness is
always a work in progress, but that doesn’t faze Jesus. He knows the power his
grace can work in our lives. Simply turn your difficulties over to him and keep
trying. Our failures teach us to be humble, and this can only bring us closer
to God. “This I know very well: although I should have on my soul all the
crimes that could be committed, I would lose none of my confidence; rather, I
would hasten, with my heart broken into pieces by sorrow, to cast myself into
the arms of my Savior. I know how greatly he loved the prodigal son; I have
marked his words to Mary Magdalene, to the adulterous woman, to the Samaritan.
No, no one could make me afraid, because I know to whom to cling by reason of
his love and mercy. I know that all this multitude of offenses would disappear
in the twinkling of an eye, as a drop in a roaring furnace” (St. Therese of
Lisieux).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Humble Jesus:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> He tells the man not to go into the village. Is Jesus
afraid or in a hurry? No, his humility simply beckons him to move on quietly
without anyone knowing. Jesus is fascinated with humility and thus practices
it. We, on the other hand, love to get the credit; we crave recognition. Simply
enter a professional office and behold the recognition plaques lining the walls
like wallpaper. Jesus had no plaques; he had only a reputation of doing good
deeds. He teaches us the power of purity of intention, which shuns any type of
self-aggrandizement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus, help me to abandon myself to Your care;
I trust in You completely. Knowing that I am weak and you are my strength gives
me confidence. Help me to keep in mind that I am little and You are great. You
are the one who deserves the glory, and You ought to be the protagonist in my
life. Help me to go about quietly doing good like You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will make an act of charity, praying, “Jesus, I do this only
because I want to prove my love for You.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O
My God<br />
<br />
2 When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future?<br />
Only the present moment is precious to me,<br />
As the future may never enter my soul at all.<br />
<br />
It is no longer in my power,<br />
To change, correct or add to the past;<br />
For neither sages nor prophets could do that.<br />
And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God.<br />
<br />
O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.<br />
I desire to use you as best I can.<br />
And although I am weak and small,<br />
You grant me the grace of your omnipotence.<br />
<br />
And so, trusting in Your mercy,<br />
I walk through life like a little child,<br />
Offering You each day this heart<br />
Burning with love for Your greater glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness
and Temptations<br />
<br />
77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When
people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from
it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will, to
remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me that I
was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely impossible
for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I felt in my
soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill it. I began to
suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my utter
powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to meditate in
this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of what I had
read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered the
chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an aversion
for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not profiting from them
in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor that I frequented
them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I could follow and my
very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me that these were trials
sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not only was I not offending
God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a sign," he told me,
"that God loves you very much and that He has great confidence in you,
since He is sending you such trials." But these words brought me no
comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15] It
seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible thought
for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other thoughts
came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why mortify and
annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to sacrifice and
immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good is it - if I am
already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God alone knew what
was going on in my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">93
+A Short Version of the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[39]</span></a><br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow?<br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect
act.<br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment?<br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege.<br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value?<br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the Church,
in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake to
strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules.<br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?"<br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state.<br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows?<br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them.<br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows?<br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows.<br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue?<br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage.<br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God.<br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern?<br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been
accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which
may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to
the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we
may receive for work or even any annuity.<br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment?<br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell
or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an
object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give
to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by
negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to
another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where the
vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it.<br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they?<br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with necessities
(this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with things of
inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment, etc., and
to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity<br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments.<br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow?<br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue.<br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin?<br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind.<br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue?<br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue.<br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved?<br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body.<br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us?<br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a
grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors.<br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious?<br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and
without merit.<br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience?<br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our
disobedience.<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow?<br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence.<br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience<br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of
the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it
or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the
humble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God
to a soul which is particularly loved by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such as
God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of God's
presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it must
fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's vigilance
is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place to coldness
and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual exercises; it cannot
pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which it had just begun to
pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no satisfaction. God has
hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation in creatures, nor can
any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The soul craves passionately
for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense God's justice; it seems to
it that it has lost all the gifts that God had given it; its mind is dimmed,
and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment begins. The soul tries to explain
its state to the confessor, but it is not understood and is assailed by an even
greater unrest. Satan begins his work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers
under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God
by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and
love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul
in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would
be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in
its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It
sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And,
oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced
confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make
every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for
the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the
precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to
a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and
which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own
plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for
His future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried.
But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials,
the complete abandonment of the soul by God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials,
Complete Abandonment - Despair<br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word,
rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the
bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax.
The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses
sight of everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being
abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the
soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">101 Jesus, You alone
know how the soul, engulfed in darkness, moans in the midst of these torments
and, despite all this, thirsts for God as burning lips thirst for water. It
dies and withers; it dies a death without death; that is to say, it cannot die.
All its efforts come to nothing; it is under a powerful hand. Now the soul
comes under the power of the Just One. All exterior temptations cease; all that
surrounds it becomes silent, like a dying person who loses contact with
everything around it: the person's entire soul is in the hand of the Just God,
the Thrice-Holy God,-rejected for all eternity! This is the culminating moment,
and God alone can test a soul in this way, because He alone knows what the soul
can endure.<br />
<br />
When the soul has been saturated through and through by this infernal fire, it
is, as it were, cast headlong into great despair. My soul experienced this
moment when I was all alone in my cell. When my soul began to sink into this
despair, I felt that the end was near. But I seized my little crucifix and
clutched it tightly in my hand. And now I felt my body separate itself from my
soul; and though I wanted to go to my Superiors, I no longer had the physical
strength. I uttered my last words: "I trust in Your Mercy!"-and it
seemed to me that I provoked God to an even greater anger. And now I was
drowned in despair, and all that was left me was a moan of unadulterated pain
which, from time to time, tore itself from my soul. The soul is in agony-and it
seemed to me that I would remain in this state, because by my own strength I
could not emerge from it. Every recollection of God opened up an unspeakable
ocean of suffering, and yet despite this there is something within the soul
which is drawn to Him, though it seems to her for this only-that she suffer
more. The memory of the love with which God formerly surrounded it is still
another kind of suffering. His gaze pierces it, and everything within the soul
is burned by this gaze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">116
My Jesus, You know what my soul goes through at the recollection of these
sufferings. I have often marvelled that the angels and saints hold their peace
at the sight of a soul suffering like that. Yet they have special love for us
at such moments. My soul has often cried out after God, as a little child who
cries as loudly as he can when his mother covers her face and he cannot
recognize her. O my Jesus, honor and glory to You for these trials of love!
Great and incomprehensible is your mercy. All that You intended for my soul, O
Lord, is steeped in Your mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">118
The tongue is a small member, but it does big things. A religious who does not
keep silence will never attain holiness; that is, she will never become a
saint. Let her not delude herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is
speaking through her, for then she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear
the voice of God, one has to have silence in one's soul and to keep silence;
not a gloomy silence, but an interior silence; that is to say, recollection in
God. One can speak a great deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary,
one can speak little and be constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable
damage is done by the breach of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our
neighbor, but even more to our own selves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
my opinion, and according to my experience, the rule concerning silence should
stand in the very first place. God does not give himself to a chattering soul
which, like a drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A
talkative soul is empty inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and
intimacy with God. A deeper interior life, one of gentle peace and of that
silence where the Lord dwells, is quite out of the question. A soul that has
never tasted the sweetness of inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs
the silence of others. I have seen many souls in the depths of hell for not
having kept their silence; they told me so themselves when I asked them what
was the cause of their undoing. These were souls of religious. My God, what an
agony it is to think that not only might they have been in heaven, but they
might even have become saints! O Jesus, have mercy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">147 I recall that I
have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate before
the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent. During that
time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even though I had
the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles to praying in
such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and persevere in
prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with exterior and
interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are discouragement, dryness,
heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior difficulties are human
respect and time; one must observe the time set apart for prayer. This has been
my personal experience because, when I did not pray at the time assigned for
prayer, later on I could not do it because of my duties; or if I did manage to
do so, this was only with great difficulty, because my thoughts kept wandering
off to my duties. I also experienced this difficulty: when a soul has prayed
well and left prayer in a state of profound interior recollection, others
resist its recollection; and so, the soul must be patient to persevere in
prayer. It often happened to me that when my soul was more deeply immersed in
God, and I had derived greater fruit from prayer, and God's presence
accompanied me during the day, and at work there was more recollection and
greater precision and effort at my duty, this was precisely when I received the
most rebukes for being negligent in my duty and indifferent to everything;
because less recollected souls want others to be like them, for they are a
constant [source of] remorse to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">163
JMJ The Year 1937<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General
Exercises<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O
Most Holy Trinity! As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats,
as many times as my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I
want to glorify Your mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+I
want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living
reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your
unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge
from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and
come to their rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors'
needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moaning. Help me, O Lord, that
my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my
neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I
may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and
toilsome tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor,
overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my
neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the
sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere
even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up
in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence.
May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+You
yourself command me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act
of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy-if I cannot carry out
a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer-if I cannot show
mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out
even there where I cannot reach out physically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O
my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for you can do all things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">173
Satan's temptations during meditation. I felt a strange fear that the priest
would not<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">understand
me, or that he would have no time to hear everything I would have to say. How
am I going to tell him all this? If it were Father Bukowski I could do it more
easily, but this Jesuit whom I am seeing for the first time... Then I
remembered Father Bukowski's advice that I should at least take brief notes of
the lights sent to me by God during the retreats and give him at least a brief
report on them. My God, for a day and a half all has gone well, and now a life
and death struggle is beginning. The conference is to start in a half hour, and
then I am to go to confession. Satan tried to persuade me into believing that
if my superiors have told me that my inner life is an illusion, why should I
ask again and trouble the confessor? Didn't MX [probably Mother Jane] tell you
that the Lord Jesus does not commune with souls as miserable as yours? This
confessor is going to tell you the same thing. Why speak to him about all this?
These are not sins, and Mother X, told you that all this communing with the
Lord Jesus was daydreaming and pure hysteria. So why tell it to this confessor?
You would do better to dismiss all this as illusions. Look how many
humiliations you have suffered because of them, and how many more are still
awaiting you, and all the sisters know that you are a hysteric.
"Jesus!" I called out with all the strength of my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">216
We have come to Cracow today [April 18, 1933]. What a joy it is to find myself
again where I took my first steps in the spiritual life! Dear Mother Directress
[Mary Joseph] is ever the same, cheerful and full of love of neighbor. I
entered the chapel for a moment and joy filled my soul. In a flash I recalled
the whole ocean of graces that had been given me as a novice here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">241
Love of neighbor. First: Helpfulness towards the sisters. Second: Do not speak
about those who are absent, and defend the good name of my neighbor. Third:
Rejoice in the success of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">267
Jesus told me that I please Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion,
and by such meditation much light falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn
true humility should reflect upon the Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon
the Passion of Jesus, I get a clear understanding of many things I could not comprehend
before. I want to resemble You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and
humiliated. Jesus, imprint upon my heart and soul Your own humility. I love
You, Jesus, to the point of madness, You who were crushed with suffering as
described by the prophet [cf. Isaiah 53:2-9], as if he could not see the human
form in You because of Your great suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus,
that I love You to the point of madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has
love done to You?...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">275
Jesus loves hidden souls. A hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive
to make the interior of my soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus. In
difficult and painful moments, O my Creator, I sing You a hymn of trust, for
bottomless is the abyss of my trust in You and in Your mercy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278
At the feet of the Lord. Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine
Madman, in that You forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and
earth, You carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement,
O mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not
returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all
understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I
cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the
Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They
admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given
us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the
veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn
me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">279
God made known to me what true love consists in and gave light to me about how,
in practice, to give proof of it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying
out God's will. To show God our love in what we do, all our actions, even the
least, must spring from our love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you
please Me most by suffering. In your physical as well as your mental
sufferings, My daughter, do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the
fragrance of your suffering to be pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach
yourself, not only from creatures, but also from yourself. My daughter, I want
to delight in the love of your heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished,
untarnished. The more you will come to love suffering, My daughter, the purer
your love for Me will be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">281 I
feel certain that my mission will not come to an end upon my death, but will
begin. O doubting souls, I will draw aside for you the veils of heaven to
convince you of God's goodness, so that you will no longer continue to wound
with your distrust the sweetest Heart of Jesus. God is Love and Mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once
the Lord said to me, <b>My Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My
dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain you
suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I
give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My
Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention.
I lift up the humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">283
I want to love You as no human soul has ever loved You before; and although I
am utterly miserable and small, I have nevertheless cast the anchor of my trust
deep down into the abyss of Your mercy, O my God and Creator! In spite of my
great misery I fear nothing, but hope to sing You a hymn of glory forever. Let
no soul, even the most miserable, fall prey to doubt; for, as long as one is
alive, each one can become a great saint, so great is the power of God's grace.
It remains only for us not to oppose God's action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">287
+My Jesus, when I look at this life of souls, I see that many of them serve You
with some mistrust. At certain times, especially when there is an opportunity
to show their love for God, I see them running away from the battlefield. And
once Jesus said to me, <b>Do you, my child, also want to act like
that? </b>I answered the Lord, "Oh, no, my Jesus, I will not retreat
from the battlefield, even if mortal sweat breaks out on my brow; I will not
let the sword fall from my hand until I rest at the feet of the Holy
Trinity!" Whatever I do, I do not rely on my own strength, but on God's
grace. With God's grace a soul can overcome the greatest difficulties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">294
+Once the Lord said to me, <b>Act like a beggar who does not back away
when he gets more alms [than he asked for], but offers thanks the more
fervently. You too should not back away and say that you are not worthy of
receiving greater graces when I give them to you. I know you are unworthy, but
rejoice all the more and take as many treasures from My Heart as you can carry,
for then you will please Me more. And I will tell you one more thing: Take
these graces not only for yourself, but also for others; that is, encourage the
souls with whom you come in contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I
love those souls who have complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for
them.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">296
+O Supreme Good, I want to love You as no one on earth has ever loved You
before! I want to adore You with every moment of my life and unite my will closely
to Your holy will. My life is not drab or monotonous, but it is varied like a
garden of fragrant flowers, so that I don't know which flower to pick first,
the lily of suffering or the rose of love of neighbor or the violet of
humility. I will not enumerate these treasures in which my every day abounds.
It is a great thing to know how to make use of the present moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">317
O my God, my only hope, I have placed all my trust in You, and I know I shall
not be disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">343
True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering. Jesus, I thank You for
the little daily crosses, for opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of
communal life, for the misinterpretation of my intentions, for humiliations at
the hands of others, for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false
suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for self-denial, for dying to
myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my
plans.<br />
<br />
Thank You, Jesus, for interior sufferings, for dryness of spirit, for terrors,
fears and incertitudes, for the darkness and the deep interior night, for
temptations and various ordeals, for torments too difficult to describe,
especially for those which no one will understand, for the hour of death with
its fierce struggle and all its bitterness.<br />
<br />
I thank You, Jesus, You who first drank the cup of bitterness before You gave
it to me, in a much milder form. I put my lips to this cup of Your holy will.
Let all be done according to Your good pleasure; let that which Your wisdom
ordained before the ages be done to me. I want to drink the cup to its last
drop, and not seek to know the reason why. In bitterness is my joy, in
hopelessness is my trust. In You, O Lord, all is good, all is a gift of Your
paternal Heart. I do not prefer consolations over bitterness or bitterness over
consolations, but thank You, O Jesus, for everything! It is my delight to fix
my gaze upon You, O incomprehensible God! My spirit abides in these mysterious
dwelling places, and there I am at home. I know very well the dwelling place of
my Spouse. I feel there is not a single drop of blood in me that does not burn
with love for You.<br />
<br />
O Uncreated Beauty, whoever comes to know You once cannot love anything else. I
can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God
himself. I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a
bottomless ocean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">375
Particular interior practice; that is, the examination of conscience.
Self-denial, denial of my own will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I.
The denial of my reason. Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God
to me here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II.
The denial of my will. Doing the will of God, which is revealed in the will of
those who represent God to me and which is contained in the rule of our order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III.
The denial of my judgment. Accepting immediately and without reflection,
analysis or reasoning all orders given by those who represent God to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV.
The denial of my tongue. I will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in
one case only I will give it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the
glory of God. Whenever I receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify
and cleanse my tongue that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I
have the greatest respect for the rule which speaks about silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">383
At the beginning of the retreat, I saw, on the ceiling of the chapel, Jesus
nailed to the Cross. He was looking at the sisters with great love, but not at
all of them. There were three sisters at whom Jesus looked severely, for what
reasons I do not know. I only know what a terrible thing it is to meet with
such a look, which is the look of a severe Judge. That look was not directed at
me, and yet I was paralyzed with terror. I still tremble as I write these
words. I did not dare to say so much as a single word to Jesus. My physical
strength failed me, and I thought I would not live to the end of the
conference. The next day, I saw the same thing again, just as I had seen it the
first time, and this time I dared to speak these words: "Jesus, how great
is Your mercy!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the third day, that gaze of great kindness upon all the sisters, except the
three, was again repeated. I gathered up my courage, which drew its force from
love of neighbor, and I said to the Lord, "You, who are Mercy Itself, as You
yourself told me, I beg You by the power of Your mercy, to look then with
kindness at these three sisters as well. And if this is not in accord with Your
wisdom, I ask You for an exchange: turn to them the kind look meant for my
soul, and let Your severe gaze at their souls be turned on me." Jesus then
said to me these words: My daughter, for the sake of your sincere and generous
love, I grant them many graces although they are not asking Me for them. But I
am doing so because of the promise I have made to you. And at that moment, He
turned a merciful look towards those three sisters as well. My heart leapt with
joy to see the goodness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">549
Work. As poor persons, the nuns themselves will do all the work in the convent.
Each one should be glad when she is given some work which is humbling or which
goes against her nature, as that will greatly help her interior formation. The
superior will often change the sisters' duties, and in this way help them to
detach themselves completely from the little details to which women have a
great attachment. Truly, I often find it amusing to see with my own eyes souls
who have forsaken really great things only to attach themselves to fiddle
faddle; that is, trifles. Each sister, including even the superior, shall work
in the kitchen for a month. Every one should take a turn at every chore which
is to be done in the convent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">571 O
my Jesus, Eternal Truth, I fear nothing, neither hardships nor sufferings; I
fear only one thing, and that is to offend You. My Jesus, I would rather not
exist than make You sad. Jesus, You know that my love knows no one but You. My
soul is absorbed in You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">590
When I receive Holy Communion, I entreat and beg the Savior to heal my tongue,
that I may never fail in love of neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">692
+ O Jesus, I understand that Your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore
I ask You to make my heart so big that there will be room in it for the needs
of all the souls living on the face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends
beyond the world, to the souls suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise
mercy toward them by means of indulgenced prayers. God's mercy is unfathomable
and inexhaustible, just as God himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use
the strongest words there are to express this mercy of God, all this would be
nothing in comparison with what it is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart
sensitive to all the sufferings of my neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O
my Jesus, I know that You act toward us as we act toward our neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Jesus, make my heart like unto Your merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go
through life doing good to everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">700
+ Once, when I was very tired and in much pain, I told Mother Superior [Irene]
about it and received the answer that I should get used to suffering. I
listened to everything that Mother told me, and then I went out. Our Mother
Superior has great love of neighbor and especially great love for the sick
sisters, as everyone knows. And yet, as regards me, it is extraordinary that
the Lord Jesus has permitted that she not understand me and that she test me
much in this respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">704
I spend every free moment at the feet of the hidden God. He is my Master; I ask
Him about everything; I speak to Him about everything. Here I obtain strength
and light; here I learn everything; here I am given light on how to act toward
my neighbor. From the time I left the novitiate, I have enclosed myself in the
tabernacle together with Jesus, my Master. He himself drew me into the fire of
living love on which everything converges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742
My daughter, if I demand through you that people revere My mercy, you should be
the first to distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from
you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy
to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try
to excuse or absolve yourself from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by
deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is
contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for
Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the
first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of
mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of
the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of
this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the
demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without
works. O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because You see how
very little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+
Particular Examen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Union
with the merciful Christ. With my heart I encompass the whole world, especially
countries which are uncivilized or where there is persecution. I am praying for
mercy upon them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">791
Hide me, Jesus, in the depths of Your mercy, and then let my neighbor judge me
as he pleases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">856
During the morning meditation, I felt an aversion and a repugnance for all
created things. Everything pales before my eyes; my spirit is detached from all
things. I desire only God himself, and yet I must live. This is a martyrdom
beyond description. God imparts himself to the soul in a loving way and draws
it into the infinite depths of His divinity, but at the same time He leaves it
here on earth for the sole purpose that it might suffer and die of longing for
Him. And this strong love is so pure that God himself finds pleasure in it; and
self-love has no access to its deeds, for here everything is totally saturated
with bitterness, and thus is totally pure. Life is a continuous dying, painful
and terrible, and at the same time it is the depth of true life and of
inconceivable happiness and the strength of the soul; and because of this, [the
soul] is capable of great deeds for the sake of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">861
Particular examen: remains the same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful
Christ (that is; what would Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit,
to embrace the whole world, especially Russia and Spain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General
resolutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I.
Strict observance of silence - interior silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II.
To see the image of God in every sister; all love of neighbor must flow from
this motive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III.
To do the will of God faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by
this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV.
To give a faithful account of everything to the spiritual director and not to
undertake anything of importance without a clear understanding with him. I
shall try to clearly lay bare to him the most secret depths of my soul, bearing
in mind that I am dealing with God himself, and that His representative is just
a human being, and so I must pray daily that he be given light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">V.
During the evening examination of conscience, I am to ask myself the question:
What if He were to call me today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VI.
Not to look for God far away, but within my own being to abide with Him alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VII.
In sufferings and torments, to take refuge in the tabernacle and to be silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VIII.
To join all sufferings, prayers, works and mortifications to the merits of
Jesus in order to obtain mercy for the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IX.
To use free moments, however short, for prayers for the dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">X.
There must not be a day in my life when I do not recommend to the Lord the
works of our Congregation. Never have regard for what others think of you [for
human respect].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XI.
Have no familiar relationships with anyone. Gentle firmness toward the girls,
boundless patience; punish them severely but with such punishments as these:
prayer and self-sacrifice. The strength that is in the emptying of myself for
their sake is for them a [source of] constant remorse and the softening of
their obdurate hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XII.
The presence of God is the basis of all my thoughts, words and deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XIII.
To take advantage of all spiritual help. To always put self-love in its proper
place; namely, the last. To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were
doing them for the last time in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my
duties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">871
+ My Master, cause my heart never to expect help from anyone, but I will always
strive to bring assistance, consolation and all manner of relief to others. My
heart is always open to the sufferings of others; and I will not close my heart
to the sufferings of others, even though because of this I have been scornfully
nicknamed "dump"; that is, [because] everyone dumps his pain into my
heart. [To this] I answered that everyone has a place in my heart and I, in
return, have a place in the Heart of Jesus. Taunts regarding the law of love
will not narrow my heart. My soul is always sensitive on this point, and Jesus
alone is the motive for my love of neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">944
+ There are moments when I mistrust myself, when I feel my own weakness and
wretchedness in the most profound depths of my own being, and I have noticed
that I can endure such moments only by trusting in the infinite mercy of God.
Patience, prayer and silence-these are what give strength to the soul. There
are moments when one should be silent, and when it would be inappropriate to
talk with creatures; these are the moments when one is dissatisfied with
oneself, and when the soul feels as weak as a little child. Then the soul
clings to God with all its might. At such times, I live solely by faith, and
when I feel strengthened by God's grace, then I am more courageous in speaking
and communicating with my neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">950 + Eternal God, in
whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly
upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not
despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to
Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">951 + O
incomprehensible and limitless Mercy Divine, To extol and adore You worthily,
who can? Supreme attribute of Almighty God, You are the sweet hope for sinful
man.<br />
<br />
Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and in one accord,
thankfully and fervently sing of the incomprehensible Divine Mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">965
Jesus looked at me and said, <b>Souls perish in spite of My bitter
Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My
Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity.
Secretary of My mercy, write, tell souls about this great mercy of Mine,
because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">995
+ Although it is not easy to live in constant agony,<br />
To be nailed to the cross of various pains,<br />
Still, I am inflamed with love by loving,<br />
And like a Seraph I love God, though I am but weakness.<br />
<br />
Oh, great is the soul that, midst suffering,<br />
Stands faithfully by God and does His will<br />
And remains uncomforted midst great rainbows and storms,<br />
For God's pure love sweetens her fate.<br />
<br />
It is no great thing to love God in prosperity<br />
And thank Him when all goes well,<br />
But rather to adore Him midst great adversities<br />
And love Him for His own sake and place one's hope in Him.<br />
<br />
When the soul is in the shadows of Gethsemane,<br />
All alone in the bitterness of pain,<br />
It ascends toward the heights of Jesus,<br />
And though ever drinking bitterness-it is not sad.<br />
<br />
When the soul does the will of the Most High God,<br />
Even amidst constant pain and torments,<br />
Having pressed its lips to the chalice proferred,<br />
It becomes mighty, and nothing will daunt it.<br />
<br />
Though tortured, it repeats: Your will be done,<br />
Patiently awaiting the moment of its transfiguration,<br />
For, though in deepest darkness, it hears the voice of Jesus: You are
Mine,<br />
And this it will know fully when the veil falls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">998 Today, I took part
in a one-day retreat. When I was at the last conference, <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#177" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">[177]</span></a> the
priest was speaking of how much the world needs God's mercy, and that this
seems to be a special time when people have great need of prayer and God's
mercy. Then I heard a voice in my soul: <b>These words are for you. Do all
you possibly can for this work of My mercy. I desire that My mercy be
worshiped, and I am giving mankind the last hope of salvation; that is, recourse
to My mercy. My Heart rejoices in this feast. </b>After these words, I
understood that nothing can dispense me from the obligation which the Lord
demands from me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1039
+ I suffer great pain at the sight of the sufferings of others. All these
sufferings are reflected in my heart. I carry their torments in my heart so
that it even wears me out physically. I would like all pains to fall upon me so
as to bring relief to my neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1662
+ O Christ, suffering for You is the delight of my heart and my soul. Prolong
my sufferings to infinity, that I may give You a proof of my love. I accept
everything that Your hand will hold out to me. Your love, Jesus, is enough for
me. I will glorify You in abandonment and darkness, in agony and fear, in pain
and bitterness, in anguish of spirit and grief of heart. In all things may You
be blessed. My heart is so detached from the earth, that You Yourself are
enough for me. There is no longer any moment in my life for self concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1663
Holy Thursday [April 14, 1938]. Today I felt strong enough to take part in the
ceremonies of the Church. During Holy Mass, Jesus stood before me and said,
Look into My Heart and see there the love and mercy which I have for humankind,
and especially for sinners. Look, and enter into My Passion. In an instant, I
experienced and lived through the whole Passion of Jesus in my own heart. I was
surprised that these tortures did not deprive me of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1664
During adoration, Jesus said to me, My daughter, know that your ardent love and
the compassion you have for Me were a consolation to Me in the Garden [of
Olives].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1665
During Holy Hour in the evening, I heard the words, You see My mercy for
sinners, which at this moment is revealing itself in all its power. See how
little you have written about it; it is only a single drop. Do what is in your
power, so that sinners may come to know My goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-2, 77, 93, 96-98, 101 116,
118, 147)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-173, 163, 216, 241, 267, 275, 278-279)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-281, 287, 282-283, 294, 296)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-317, 343, 375)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-383, 549, 571, 590, 692, 700, 704, 742)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-791, 856, 861, 871, 944, 950-951)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-965, 995, 998)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1029, 1039)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1662-1663)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: #6666cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: #6666cc; text-decoration: none;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-72931451771605009482020-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-17T07:25:55.461-08:00Having a Memory for God-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Having a Memory for
God </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 18, 2020. Tuesday
of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 8: 14-21</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only
one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch
out--beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." They
said to one another, "It is because we have no bread." And becoming
aware of it, Jesus said to them, "Why are you talking about having no
bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do
you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you
not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many
baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" They said to him,
"Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets
full of broken pieces did you collect?" And they said to him,
"Seven." Then he said to them, "Do you not yet
understand?" </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I know You
have worked in my life, and yet I take so little account of it. Just knowing
the truth of Your presence in my past would be enough to convert my heart
totally to a future of commitment to You. Knowing Your history will make me
long for You. I hunger for goodness that will make this day fruitful in ways
that will last, that will not deceive me. I intend to not let my mundane
passions leave me blind and crippled before the opportunity to be Your apostle
today. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, grant me the grace to commit
myself more to Your will through a deeper trust in you. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Missing the Foundation:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “Is it because we have no bread?” We
can see how easy it is to miss the messages God wishes to send us in prayer,
because we are preoccupied only with what is immediate. We can be hungry for
success, want a friend or family member to make peace with us, or we become
obsessed over the finances. The insecure heart is pulled away from a healthy
vision of life because it is not founded on rock. The soul that lives from the
true foundation knows that as long as it has Christ and is doing his will, all
is well. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Remembering the Works of God:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “And do you not
remember?” One of the worst sins of the people of Israel was to have forgotten
God’s great works on their behalf. It is important to reflect often and with
gratitude on the many benefits we have received from Our Lord. Each of us
should remember: It is God who created us and who has begun the work of our
holiness. If he has brought us this far with only a modest amount of
cooperation on our part, how much further could we go if we were to give him
our total dedication? How much more good would flourish in our lives? How many
problems would find God’s hand shaping them for our benefit? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Wishing to See Again:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> On any given day, every follower of
Christ should have a healthy mistrust of what he thinks is the absolute need
for his life. Oftentimes, a spiritual “detox” is in order to free us from
becoming obsessed over secondary goals. This detox is found in the school of
prayer. St. Augustine notes prayer is where we exercise desire, where we let
our heart purify itself from its distractions, and where we let affection and
devotion for the Beloved expand. The fire of divine love can heal many
divisions and complexes in our psychology, if we consistently open ourselves up
to it. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, keep me from
that spiritual anorexia that makes me lose the hunger for Your presence in my
life. I can let daily pressures and disordered passions block my ability to
love You as I should. How I endanger myself; how I destroy my happiness in this
world of illusion. Free me, Jesus, from my own folly! Give me back the hunger
to love You again, as I promise never again to let myself be carried away by
activism and pride. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today I will write
down the things I have been seeking that could take me away from Christ. I will
honestly renounce them in an attitude of holy indifference, wanting them only
in as much as Jesus wants them in my life.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O My God<br />
<br />
2 When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future?<br />
Only the present moment is precious to me,<br />
As the future may never enter my soul at all.<br />
<br />
It is no longer in my power,<br />
To change, correct or add to the past;<br />
For neither sages nor prophets could do that.<br />
And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God.<br />
<br />
O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.<br />
I desire to use you as best I can.<br />
And although I am weak and small,<br />
You grant me the grace of your omnipotence.<br />
<br />
And so, trusting in Your mercy,<br />
I walk through life like a little child,<br />
Offering You each day this heart<br />
Burning with love for Your greater glory.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness and Temptations <br />
<br />
77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When
people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from
it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will, to
remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me that I
was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely impossible
for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I felt in my
soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill it. I began to
suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my utter
powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to meditate in
this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of what I had
read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered the
chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an
aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not profiting
from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor that I
frequented them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I could
follow and my very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me that these
were trials sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not only was I not
offending God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a sign," he
told me, "that God loves you very much and that He has great confidence in
you, since He is sending you such trials." But these words brought me no
comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15] It
seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible thought
for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other thoughts
came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why mortify and
annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to sacrifice and
immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good is it - if I am
already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God alone knew what
was going on in my heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank">[39]</a>
<br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow? <br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment? <br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege. <br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value? <br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the
Church, in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake
to strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?" <br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state. <br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them. <br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue? <br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage. <br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God. <br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern? <br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been
accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which
may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to
the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we
may receive for work or even any annuity. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment? <br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell
or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an
object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give
to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by
negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to
another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where the
vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly obliged
to it. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they? <br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with
necessities (this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with
things of inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment,
etc., and to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme
poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity <br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow? <br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin? <br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind. <br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue? <br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved? <br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body. <br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a grave
sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors. <br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious? <br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and
without merit. <br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience? <br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our disobedience.
<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow? <br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence. <br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience <br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of
the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it
or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the
humble.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul which is particularly loved
by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such as
God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of God's
presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it must
fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's
vigilance is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place to
coldness and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual exercises;
it cannot pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which it had just
begun to pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no satisfaction.
God has hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation in creatures,
nor can any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The soul craves
passionately for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense God's justice;
it seems to it that it has lost all the gifts that God had given it; its mind
is dimmed, and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment begins. The soul tries to
explain its state to the confessor, but it is not understood and is assailed by
an even greater unrest. Satan begins his work.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers under the
impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act
of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put
to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret,
so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be
impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in
its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It
sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And,
oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced
confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make
every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for
the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the
precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to
a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which
has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans,
which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His
future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But
this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the
complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete
Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected,
becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It
pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul
no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of
everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned.
This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">101 Jesus, You alone know how the soul, engulfed in
darkness, moans in the midst of these torments and, despite all this, thirsts
for God as burning lips thirst for water. It dies and withers; it dies a death
without death; that is to say, it cannot die. All its efforts come to nothing;
it is under a powerful hand. Now the soul comes under the power of the Just
One. All exterior temptations cease; all that surrounds it becomes silent, like
a dying person who loses contact with everything around it: the person's entire
soul is in the hand of the Just God, the Thrice-Holy God,-rejected for all
eternity! This is the culminating moment, and God alone can test a soul in this
way, because He alone knows what the soul can endure.<br />
<br />
When the soul has been saturated through and through by this infernal fire, it
is, as it were, cast headlong into great despair. My soul experienced this
moment when I was all alone in my cell. When my soul began to sink into this
despair, I felt that the end was near. But I seized my little crucifix and
clutched it tightly in my hand. And now I felt my body separate itself from my
soul; and though I wanted to go to my Superiors, I no longer had the physical
strength. I uttered my last words: "I trust in Your Mercy!"-and it
seemed to me that I provoked God to an even greater anger. And now I was drowned
in despair, and all that was left me was a moan of unadulterated pain which,
from time to time, tore itself from my soul. The soul is in agony-and it seemed
to me that I would remain in this state, because by my own strength I could not
emerge from it. Every recollection of God opened up an unspeakable ocean of
suffering, and yet despite this there is something within the soul which is
drawn to Him, though it seems to her for this only-that she suffer more. The
memory of the love with which God formerly surrounded it is still another kind
of suffering. His gaze pierces it, and everything within the soul is burned by
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">116 My Jesus, You know what my soul
goes through at the recollection of these sufferings. I have often marvelled
that the angels and saints hold their peace at the sight of a soul suffering
like that. Yet they have special love for us at such moments. My soul has often
cried out after God, as a little child who cries as loudly as he can when his
mother covers her face and he cannot recognize her. O my Jesus, honor and glory
to You for these trials of love! Great and incomprehensible is your mercy. All
that You intended for my soul, O Lord, is steeped in Your mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">118 The tongue is a small member,
but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence will never attain
holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not delude
herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for then
she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has to
have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an
interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great
deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be
constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable damage is done by the breach
of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our neighbor, but even more to our own
selves.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In my opinion, and according to my
experience, the rule concerning silence should stand in the very first place.
God does not give himself to a chattering soul which, like a drone in a
beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty inside.
It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A deeper interior
life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells, is quite
out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of inner
silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others. I have seen
many souls in the depths of hell for not having kept their silence; they told
me so themselves when I asked them what was the cause of their undoing. These
were souls of religious. My God, what an agony it is to think that not only
might they have been in heaven, but they might even have become saints! O
Jesus, have mercy!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">147 I recall that
I have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate before
the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent. During that
time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even though I had
the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles to praying in
such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and persevere in
prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with exterior and
interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are discouragement, dryness,
heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior difficulties are human
respect and time; one must observe the time set apart for prayer. This has been
my personal experience because, when I did not pray at the time assigned for
prayer, later on I could not do it because of my duties; or if I did manage to
do so, this was only with great difficulty, because my thoughts kept wandering
off to my duties. I also experienced this difficulty: when a soul has prayed
well and left prayer in a state of profound interior recollection, others
resist its recollection; and so, the soul must be patient to persevere in
prayer. It often happened to me that when my soul was more deeply immersed in
God, and I had derived greater fruit from prayer, and God's presence
accompanied me during the day, and at work there was more recollection and
greater precision and effort at my duty, this was precisely when I received the
most rebukes for being negligent in my duty and indifferent to everything;
because less recollected souls want others to be like them, for they are a
constant [source of] remorse to them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">163 JMJ The Year 1937 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General Exercises</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O Most Holy Trinity! As many times
as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood
pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your
mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+I want to be completely transformed
into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all
divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and
soul to my neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be
merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for
what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my ears may be
merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be indifferent
to their pains and moaning. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so
that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort
and forgiveness for all.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my hands may
be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my
neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my feet may be
merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue
and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my heart may
be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will
refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will
abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of
Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon
me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+You yourself command me to exercise
the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The
second: the word of mercy-if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist
by my words. The third: prayer-if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can
always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach
out physically.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O my Jesus, transform me into
Yourself, for you can do all things.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">173 Satan's temptations during meditation. I felt a strange
fear that the priest would not</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">understand me, or that he would have no time to hear
everything I would have to say. How am I going to tell him all this? If it were
Father Bukowski I could do it more easily, but this Jesuit whom I am seeing for
the first time... Then I remembered Father Bukowski's advice that I should at
least take brief notes of the lights sent to me by God during the retreats and
give him at least a brief report on them. My God, for a day and a half all has
gone well, and now a life and death struggle is beginning. The conference is to
start in a half hour, and then I am to go to confession. Satan tried to
persuade me into believing that if my superiors have told me that my inner life
is an illusion, why should I ask again and trouble the confessor? Didn't MX
[probably Mother Jane] tell you that the Lord Jesus does not commune with souls
as miserable as yours? This confessor is going to tell you the same thing. Why
speak to him about all this? These are not sins, and Mother X, told you that
all this communing with the Lord Jesus was daydreaming and pure hysteria. So
why tell it to this confessor? You would do better to dismiss all this as
illusions. Look how many humiliations you have suffered because of them, and
how many more are still awaiting you, and all the sisters know that you are a
hysteric. "Jesus!" I called out with all the strength of my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">216 We have come to Cracow today
[April 18, 1933]. What a joy it is to find myself again where I took my first
steps in the spiritual life! Dear Mother Directress [Mary Joseph] is ever the
same, cheerful and full of love of neighbor. I entered the chapel for a moment
and joy filled my soul. In a flash I recalled the whole ocean of graces that
had been given me as a novice here.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">241 Love of neighbor. First:
Helpfulness towards the sisters. Second: Do not speak about those who are
absent, and defend the good name of my neighbor. Third: Rejoice in the success
of others.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">267 Jesus told me that I please Him
best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light
falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the
Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon the Passion of Jesus, I get a clear
understanding of many things I could not comprehend before. I want to resemble
You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint upon my
heart and soul Your own humility. I love You, Jesus, to the point of madness,
You who were crushed with suffering as described by the prophet [cf. Isaiah
53:2-9], as if he could not see the human form in You because of Your great
suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus, that I love You to the point of
madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has love done to You?...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">275 Jesus loves hidden souls. A
hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior of my
soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus. In difficult and painful moments,
O my Creator, I sing You a hymn of trust, for bottomless is the abyss of my
trust in You and in Your mercy!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden
Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget
yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in
the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of happiness,
why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O Divine Love,
why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all understanding, the more
I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I cannot comprehend You, I
better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the Seraphim their fire, for I
have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They admire You in rapture, but Your
Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given us already here on earth. Oh, why
do You hide in faith? Love tears away the veil. There is no veil before the eye
of my soul, for You yourself have drawn me into the bosom of secret love
forever. Praise and glory be to You, O Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages
of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">279 God made known to me what true
love consists in and gave light to me about how, in practice, to give proof of
it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying out God's will. To show God
our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must spring from our
love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you please Me most by
suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter, do
not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering to be
pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach yourself, not only from creatures,
but also from yourself. My daughter, I want to delight in the love of your
heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished, untarnished. The more you will come
to love suffering, My daughter, the purer your love for Me will be.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">281 <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
feel certain that my mission will not come to an end upon my death, but will
begin. O doubting souls, I will draw aside for you the veils of heaven to
convince you of God's goodness, so that you will no longer continue to wound
with your distrust the sweetest Heart of Jesus. God is Love and Mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once
the Lord said to me, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Heart was moved
by great mercy towards you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds
because of the great pain you suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your
love, so pure and true that I give you first place among the virgins. You are
the honor and glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and
nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the humble even to my very throne,
because I want it so.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">283 I want to love You as no human
soul has ever loved You before; and although I am utterly miserable and small,
I have nevertheless cast the anchor of my trust deep down into the abyss of
Your mercy, O my God and Creator! In spite of my great misery I fear nothing,
but hope to sing You a hymn of glory forever. Let no soul, even the most
miserable, fall prey to doubt; for, as long as one is alive, each one can
become a great saint, so great is the power of God's grace. It remains only for
us not to oppose God's action. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">287 +My Jesus, when I look at this
life of souls, I see that many of them serve You with some mistrust. At certain
times, especially when there is an opportunity to show their love for God, I
see them running away from the battlefield. And once Jesus said to me, <b>Do
you, my child, also want to act like that? </b>I answered the Lord, "Oh,
no, my Jesus, I will not retreat from the battlefield, even if mortal sweat
breaks out on my brow; I will not let the sword fall from my hand until I rest
at the feet of the Holy Trinity!" Whatever I do, I do not rely on my own
strength, but on God's grace. With God's grace a soul can overcome the greatest
difficulties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord said to me, <b>Act
like a beggar who does not back away when he gets more alms [than he asked for],
but offers thanks the more fervently. You too should not back away and say that
you are not worthy of receiving greater graces when I give them to you. I know
you are unworthy, but rejoice all the more and take as many treasures from My
Heart as you can carry, for then you will please Me more. And I will tell you
one more thing: Take these graces not only for yourself, but also for others;
that is, encourage the souls with whom you come in contact to trust in My
infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those souls who have complete confidence in Me.
I will do everything for them.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">296 +O Supreme Good, I want to love
You as no one on earth has ever loved You before! I want to adore You with
every moment of my life and unite my will closely to Your holy will. My life is
not drab or monotonous, but it is varied like a garden of fragrant flowers, so
that I don't know which flower to pick first, the lily of suffering or the rose
of love of neighbor or the violet of humility. I will not enumerate these
treasures in which my every day abounds. It is a great thing to know how to
make use of the present moment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">317 O my God, my only hope, I have
placed all my trust in You, and I know I shall not be disappointed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">343 True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering.
Jesus, I thank You for the little daily crosses, for opposition to my
endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the misinterpretation of my
intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in which
we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for
self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for
the upsetting of all my plans.<br />
<br />
Thank You, Jesus, for interior sufferings, for dryness of spirit, for terrors,
fears and incertitudes, for the darkness and the deep interior night, for
temptations and various ordeals, for torments too difficult to describe,
especially for those which no one will understand, for the hour of death with
its fierce struggle and all its bitterness.<br />
<br />
I thank You, Jesus, You who first drank the cup of bitterness before You gave
it to me, in a much milder form. I put my lips to this cup of Your holy will.
Let all be done according to Your good pleasure; let that which Your wisdom
ordained before the ages be done to me. I want to drink the cup to its last
drop, and not seek to know the reason why. In bitterness is my joy, in
hopelessness is my trust. In You, O Lord, all is good, all is a gift of Your
paternal Heart. I do not prefer consolations over bitterness or bitterness over
consolations, but thank You, O Jesus, for everything! It is my delight to fix
my gaze upon You, O incomprehensible God! My spirit abides in these mysterious
dwelling places, and there I am at home. I know very well the dwelling place of
my Spouse. I feel there is not a single drop of blood in me that does not burn
with love for You.<br />
<br />
O Uncreated Beauty, whoever comes to know You once cannot love anything else. I
can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God himself.
I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a bottomless
ocean.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">375 Particular interior practice;
that is, the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. The denial of my reason.
Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. The denial of my will. Doing the
will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to me and
which is contained in the rule of our order.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. The denial of my judgment.
Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all orders
given by those who represent God to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. The denial of my tongue. I will
not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give it
complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I receive
Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue that I may
not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest respect for the
rule which speaks about silence.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">383 At the beginning of the retreat,
I saw, on the ceiling of the chapel, Jesus nailed to the Cross. He was looking
at the sisters with great love, but not at all of them. There were three
sisters at whom Jesus looked severely, for what reasons I do not know. I only
know what a terrible thing it is to meet with such a look, which is the look of
a severe Judge. That look was not directed at me, and yet I was paralyzed with
terror. I still tremble as I write these words. I did not dare to say so much
as a single word to Jesus. My physical strength failed me, and I thought I
would not live to the end of the conference. The next day, I saw the same thing
again, just as I had seen it the first time, and this time I dared to speak
these words: "Jesus, how great is Your mercy!"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the third day, that gaze of great
kindness upon all the sisters, except the three, was again repeated. I gathered
up my courage, which drew its force from love of neighbor, and I said to the
Lord, "You, who are Mercy Itself, as You yourself told me, I beg You by
the power of Your mercy, to look then with kindness at these three sisters as
well. And if this is not in accord with Your wisdom, I ask You for an exchange:
turn to them the kind look meant for my soul, and let Your severe gaze at their
souls be turned on me." Jesus then said to me these words: My daughter,
for the sake of your sincere and generous love, I grant them many graces
although they are not asking Me for them. But I am doing so because of the
promise I have made to you. And at that moment, He turned a merciful look
towards those three sisters as well. My heart leapt with joy to see the
goodness of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">549 Work. As poor persons, the nuns
themselves will do all the work in the convent. Each one should be glad when
she is given some work which is humbling or which goes against her nature, as
that will greatly help her interior formation. The superior will often change
the sisters' duties, and in this way help them to detach themselves completely
from the little details to which women have a great attachment. Truly, I often
find it amusing to see with my own eyes souls who have forsaken really great
things only to attach themselves to fiddle faddle; that is, trifles. Each
sister, including even the superior, shall work in the kitchen for a month. Every
one should take a turn at every chore which is to be done in the convent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">571 <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>O
my Jesus, Eternal Truth, I fear nothing, neither hardships nor sufferings; I
fear only one thing, and that is to offend You. My Jesus, I would rather not
exist than make You sad. Jesus, You know that my love knows no one but You. My
soul is absorbed in You.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">590 When I receive Holy Communion, I
entreat and beg the Savior to heal my tongue, that I may never fail in love of
neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">692 + O Jesus, I understand that
Your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore I ask You to make my heart so
big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the souls living on the
face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends beyond the world, to the souls
suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward them by means of
indulgenced prayers. God's mercy is unfathomable and inexhaustible, just as God
himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use the strongest words there are to
express this mercy of God, all this would be nothing in comparison with what it
is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart sensitive to all the sufferings of my
neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O my Jesus, I know that You act toward us
as we act toward our neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Jesus, make my heart like unto Your
merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go through life doing good to everyone.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">700 + Once, when I was very tired
and in much pain, I told Mother Superior [Irene] about it and received the
answer that I should get used to suffering. I listened to everything that
Mother told me, and then I went out. Our Mother Superior has great love of
neighbor and especially great love for the sick sisters, as everyone knows. And
yet, as regards me, it is extraordinary that the Lord Jesus has permitted that
she not understand me and that she test me much in this respect.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">704 I spend every free moment at the
feet of the hidden God. He is my Master; I ask Him about everything; I speak to
Him about everything. Here I obtain strength and light; here I learn
everything; here I am given light on how to act toward my neighbor. From the
time I left the novitiate, I have enclosed myself in the tabernacle together
with Jesus, my Master. He himself drew me into the fire of living love on which
everything converges.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 My daughter, if I demand through
you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish
yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy,
which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors
always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or
absolve yourself from it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am giving you three ways of
exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word,
the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy,
and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul
glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is
the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the
worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through the
veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall grant
many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy,
because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. O my Jesus, You
yourself must help me in everything, because You see how very little I am, and
so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ Particular Examen</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Union with the merciful Christ. With
my heart I encompass the whole world, especially countries which are
uncivilized or where there is persecution. I am praying for mercy upon them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">791 Hide me, Jesus, in the depths of
Your mercy, and then let my neighbor judge me as he pleases.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">856 During the morning meditation, I
felt an aversion and a repugnance for all created things. Everything pales
before my eyes; my spirit is detached from all things. I desire only God
himself, and yet I must live. This is a martyrdom beyond description. God
imparts himself to the soul in a loving way and draws it into the infinite
depths of His divinity, but at the same time He leaves it here on earth for the
sole purpose that it might suffer and die of longing for Him. And this strong
love is so pure that God himself finds pleasure in it; and self-love has no
access to its deeds, for here everything is totally saturated with bitterness,
and thus is totally pure. Life is a continuous dying, painful and terrible, and
at the same time it is the depth of true life and of inconceivable happiness and
the strength of the soul; and because of this, [the soul] is capable of great
deeds for the sake of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">861 Particular examen: remains the
same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful Christ (that is; what would
Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit, to embrace the whole world,
especially Russia and Spain.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General resolutions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. Strict observance of silence -
interior silence. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. To see the image of God in every
sister; all love of neighbor must flow from this motive. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. To do the will of God
faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by this. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. To give a faithful account of
everything to the spiritual director and not to undertake anything of
importance without a clear understanding with him. I shall try to clearly lay
bare to him the most secret depths of my soul, bearing in mind that I am
dealing with God himself, and that His representative is just a human being,
and so I must pray daily that he be given light. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">V. During the evening examination of
conscience, I am to ask myself the question: What if He were to call me today? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VI. Not to look for God far away,
but within my own being to abide with Him alone. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VII. In sufferings and torments, to
take refuge in the tabernacle and to be silent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VIII. To join all sufferings, prayers,
works and mortifications to the merits of Jesus in order to obtain mercy for
the world. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IX. To use free moments, however
short, for prayers for the dying. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">X. There must not be a day in my
life when I do not recommend to the Lord the works of our Congregation. Never
have regard for what others think of you [for human respect]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XI. Have no familiar relationships
with anyone. Gentle firmness toward the girls, boundless patience; punish them
severely but with such punishments as these: prayer and self-sacrifice. The
strength that is in the emptying of myself for their sake is for them a [source
of] constant remorse and the softening of their obdurate hearts. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XII. The presence of God is the
basis of all my thoughts, words and deeds.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XIII. To take advantage of all
spiritual help. To always put self-love in its proper place; namely, the last.
To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were doing them for the last time
in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my duties. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">871 + My Master, cause my heart
never to expect help from anyone, but I will always strive to bring assistance,
consolation and all manner of relief to others. My heart is always open to the
sufferings of others; and I will not close my heart to the sufferings of
others, even though because of this I have been scornfully nicknamed
"dump"; that is, [because] everyone dumps his pain into my heart. [To
this] I answered that everyone has a place in my heart and I, in return, have a
place in the Heart of Jesus. Taunts regarding the law of love will not narrow
my heart. My soul is always sensitive on this point, and Jesus alone is the
motive for my love of neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">944 + There are moments when I
mistrust myself, when I feel my own weakness and wretchedness in the most
profound depths of my own being, and I have noticed that I can endure such
moments only by trusting in the infinite mercy of God. Patience, prayer and
silence-these are what give strength to the soul. There are moments when one
should be silent, and when it would be inappropriate to talk with creatures;
these are the moments when one is dissatisfied with oneself, and when the soul
feels as weak as a little child. Then the soul clings to God with all its
might. At such times, I live solely by faith, and when I feel strengthened by
God's grace, then I am more courageous in speaking and communicating with my
neighbors.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">950 + Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury
of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us,
that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with
great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy
itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">951 + O incomprehensible and limitless Mercy Divine, To
extol and adore You worthily, who can? Supreme attribute of Almighty God, You
are the sweet hope for sinful man. <br />
<br />
Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and in one accord,
thankfully and fervently sing of the incomprehensible Divine Mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">965 Jesus looked at me and said, <b>Souls
perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of
salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy,
they will perish for all eternity. Secretary of My mercy, write, tell souls
about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice,
is near.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">995 + Although it is not easy to
live in constant agony, <br />
To be nailed to the cross of various pains,<br />
Still, I am inflamed with love by loving,<br />
And like a Seraph I love God, though I am but weakness. <br />
<br />
Oh, great is the soul that, midst suffering,<br />
Stands faithfully by God and does His will<br />
And remains uncomforted midst great rainbows and storms,<br />
For God's pure love sweetens her fate. <br />
<br />
It is no great thing to love God in prosperity <br />
And thank Him when all goes well,<br />
But rather to adore Him midst great adversities <br />
And love Him for His own sake and place one's hope in Him.<br />
<br />
When the soul is in the shadows of Gethsemane, <br />
All alone in the bitterness of pain,<br />
It ascends toward the heights of Jesus,<br />
And though ever drinking bitterness-it is not sad.<br />
<br />
When the soul does the will of the Most High God,<br />
Even amidst constant pain and torments,<br />
Having pressed its lips to the chalice proferred, <br />
It becomes mighty, and nothing will daunt it.<br />
<br />
Though tortured, it repeats: Your will be done, <br />
Patiently awaiting the moment of its transfiguration, <br />
For, though in deepest darkness, it hears the voice of Jesus: You are Mine, <br />
And this it will know fully when the veil falls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">998 Today, I took part in a one-day retreat. When I was at the
last conference, <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#177" target="_blank">[177]</a>
the priest was speaking of how much the world needs God's mercy, and that this
seems to be a special time when people have great need of prayer and God's
mercy. Then I heard a voice in my soul: <b>These words are for you. Do all you
possibly can for this work of My mercy. I desire that My mercy be worshiped,
and I am giving mankind the last hope of salvation; that is, recourse to My
mercy. My Heart rejoices in this feast. </b>After these words, I understood
that nothing can dispense me from the obligation which the Lord demands from
me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1039 + I suffer great pain at the
sight of the sufferings of others. All these sufferings are reflected in my
heart. I carry their torments in my heart so that it even wears me out
physically. I would like all pains to fall upon me so as to bring relief to my
neighbor. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1662 + O Christ, suffering for You
is the delight of my heart and my soul. Prolong my sufferings to infinity, that
I may give You a proof of my love. I accept everything that Your hand will hold
out to me. Your love, Jesus, is enough for me. I will glorify You in
abandonment and darkness, in agony and fear, in pain and bitterness, in anguish
of spirit and grief of heart. In all things may You be blessed. My heart is so
detached from the earth, that You Yourself are enough for me. There is no
longer any moment in my life for self concern.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1663 Holy Thursday [April 14, 1938].
Today I felt strong enough to take part in the ceremonies of the Church. During
Holy Mass, Jesus stood before me and said, Look into My Heart and see there the
love and mercy which I have for humankind, and especially for sinners. Look,
and enter into My Passion. In an instant, I experienced and lived through the
whole Passion of Jesus in my own heart. I was surprised that these tortures did
not deprive me of my life. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1664 During adoration, Jesus said to
me, My daughter, know that your ardent love and the compassion you have for Me
were a consolation to Me in the Garden [of Olives]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1665 During Holy Hour in the
evening, I heard the words, You see My mercy for sinners, which at this moment
is revealing itself in all its power. See how little you have written about it;
it is only a single drop. Do what is in your power, so that sinners may come to
know My goodness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-2, 77, 93, 96-98, 101<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>116, 118, 147)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-173, 163, 216, 241, 267, 275, 278-279)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-281, 287, 282-283, 294, 296)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-317, 343, 375)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-383, 549, 571, 590, 692, 700, 704, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-791, 856, 861, 871, 944, 950-951)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-965, 995, 998)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1029, 1039)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1662-1663)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-53673132434277180972020-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-16T07:11:42.321-08:00Loving Christ for Who He Is-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Loving Christ for
Who He Is </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 17, 2020. Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 8:11-13</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign
from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said,
"Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will
be given to this generation." And he left them, and getting into the boat
again, he went across to the other side.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I can be so cold to Your salvific presence as I hurry about living
the moment and becoming so sufficient unto myself. There is little wonder that
I find it hard to bring myself to prayer—to use faith to know You, divine love
to live in You, and theological hope to trust in You. I approach You now, wanting
only to be a more faithful disciple of Your Kingdom. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, grant a faith that will console
your heart. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Sending Christ away:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> G. K. Chesterton once asserted, “The
Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult
and left untried.” Jesus truly loves us and would never refuse a humble soul
the true goods he needs for fulfillment and salvation. If our wants, like those
of the Pharisees, end up leaving God silent and our spiritual life cold, it may
be a call for us to purify our hearts of the remaining dregs of our
self-centeredness. We should carefully avoid the attitudes and words that repel
Christ. Christ will not let himself be loved for who he is not, and he will not
indulge the desires we have for who we are not. We can want our happiness to be
many things, but Christ wants us to accept that his will is the heart of our
fulfillment. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Prayer Is My Daily Breath of Air for the Soul:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus converses with our souls in a language
that flows from supernatural attitudes of faith, hope and love. He will remain
silent, however, if we drag him down to the small, narrow framework of our
reason and calculations—wanting to “figure it out for ourselves” before we will
act. Jesus does not want to be Superman, who comes into our lives only when
things are really bad and all is lost. Rather, Christ intervenes because he
wants a life of communion and grace day after day, sharing his life with each
and every soul. He wants our living in fidelity and childlike trust to be like
breathing the air. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. The Signs That Bring Christ to Us:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ did give us sure signs of his daily
presence in our lives. The first is the sign of the cross. Only faith will
unlock its mystery and bring us to the encounter between our sin and God’s mercy.
Sin is at the heart of the worst that can go wrong with our life; the sign of
the Crucified One is its cure. Faith will permit us, as it did the good thief,
to see Christ’s love at the center of the universe and the world being drawn
towards it as if into a vortex. Another sign he left us is the Eucharist. It is
the most powerful sign because it contains the author of the sign himself.
Christ humbles himself to stay with us at all costs. Under the appearance of
bread and wine, he reveals what he wants to be for our souls; Under the veil of
the sacrament, we learn to encounter Christ personally as pure love. “On the
night he was betrayed he showed the depth of his love…” Let these signs be the
“love language” by which we talk to Christ in the way he wants to be known,
loved and adored. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ, let my
prideful demands melt away before a mature encounter with Your divine love.
Keep my immaturity from impeding the expansion of Your Kingdom; rather, let me
humbly accept my need to change the way I relate to Your true plan for my
life. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will spend some
time today acknowledging and thanking Jesus for the signs he has given me to
know, love and serve him better in my life.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">23 Toward the end of the first year
of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul. I felt no
consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear began to
sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but great misery.
I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not dare to raise my
eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and begged for mercy. My
soul was in this state for almost six months. Our beloved Mother Directress [Mary
Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[14]</span></a>] encouraged me in
these difficult moments. But this suffering became greater and greater. <br />
<br />
The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I
was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was
reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing
to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was offending
God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[15]</span></a>] did not let me omit one single Holy
Communion. God was working very strangely in my soul. I did not understand
anything at all of what my confessor was telling me. The simple truths of the
faith became incomprehensible to me. My soul was in anguish, unable to find
comfort anywhere.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the
judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as
we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except
for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the
complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is
displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will
have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before
the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered, "I am
Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire in purgatory. I
wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory, but Jesus
stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in purgatory
or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied, "Jesus, I want to suffer in
purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on earth, even if it
were until the end of the world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is
enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for
long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of
Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart,
and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find
neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have
much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">55 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1933. Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior inspirations,
but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize that these
interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they are for the
good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to follow them;
and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation with your
confessor.<br />
<br />
<u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the
spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the evil
spirit.<br />
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<u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor specifically
to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it would be better
to even ignore them.<br />
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But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the other,
as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God. Humility,
humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all is purely
and simply God's grace.<br />
<br />
You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the
first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br />
<br />
Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special
graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the Lord,
paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God suffice you;
He alone."<br />
<br />
Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told me:
"Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages: `She
spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br />
<br />
Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like
the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of
little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of
others."<br />
<br />
On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a
way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow
happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then,
generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled
with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep
well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br />
<br />
Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God push
your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of the
interior life."<br />
<br />
Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress [Mary
Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity and
humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like a
little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility, content
with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others fear, you
will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility. Remember this,
Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains down into the
valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble souls." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">62 O life so dull and monotonous,
how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of
faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The
grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may
be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to
return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a
seal for eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">91 O my Jesus, You alone know what
persecutions I suffer, and this only because I am being faithful to You and
following Your orders. You are my strength; sustain me that I may always carry
out what You ask of me. Of myself I can do nothing, but when You sustain me,
all difficulties are nothing for me. O my Lord, I can see very well that from
the time when my soul first received the capacity to know You, my life has been
a continual struggle which has become increasingly intense. <br />
<br />
Every morning during meditation, I prepare myself for the whole day's struggle.
Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory; and so it is. I fear the
day when I do not receive Holy Communion. This Bread of t lie Strong gives me
all the strength I need to carry on my mission and the courage to do whatever
the Lord asks of me. The courage and strength that are in me are not of me, but
of Him who lives in me - it is the Eucharist.<br />
<br />
O my Jesus, the misunderstandings are so great; sometimes, were it not for the
Eucharist, I would not have the courage to go any further along the way You
have marked out for me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation is my daily food. I
understand that the bride must herself share in everything that is the groom's;
and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times when I suffer
much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which, at such
moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me praise
God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I receive Jesus
in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so that I
would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to praise God
without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The soul will not
attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame my heart with
love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the
sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and
the Terror of the Soul. <br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain;
it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it
received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it,
and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of
God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him. <br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is;
the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed
and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it begins
to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These lights
become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized, the more
these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded faithfully and
courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His consolations and
gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain moments, the soul, as
it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly rejoices in this; it
believes that it has already reached the degree of perfection destined for it,
because its defects and faults are asleep within it, and this makes it think
that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult for it; it is ready for
everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and taste the divine delights.
It is carried along by grace and does not take account of the fact that the
time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact, this state does not last
long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here, however, that the soul
will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a well - informed
confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers under the impact;
the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act of will.
With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put to the
test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret, so to
speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be impossible to
stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to befall a soul. The
soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths and to insincerity
toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why
speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it
seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does
not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a
terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The
soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to
find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can
collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these
trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not
already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet
tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for
us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future
designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is
not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete
Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected,
becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It
pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul
no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of
everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned.
This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">102 After some time, one of the
sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was frightened and
went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy obedience
ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned immediately, and I
got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the state of my soul
and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying, "Do not be
distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in virtue of
obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that God is
calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you very close
to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so soon. Be
faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to have a
high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of these
words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set free
from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I
perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">106 Though these are frightening
things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will never test us
beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may never send us such
sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the Lord to let a soul pass
through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but, insofar as this depends
on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God. God will do a soul no
harm, because He is Love itself, and in this unfathomable love has called it
into being. However, when I was so tormented, I myself did not understand this.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">107 O my God, I have come to know
that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this profound awareness
into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with earth, though I in no
way neglect my duties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">111 When, in the midst of these
interior torments, I tried to accuse myself in confession of the smallest
trifles, the priest was surprised that I had not committed graver faults, and
he said to me, "If you are as faithful as this to God during these
sufferings, this in itself is evidence to me that God is sustaining you,
Sister, with a special grace, and it is a good thing that you do not understand
this." It is a strange thing, nevertheless, that confessors could neither
understand me nor set my mind at peace concerning these matters, until I met
Father Andrasz and, later on, Father Sopocko.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing are the hymns
flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a soul, especially
when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing for Him. Great is
its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through the jungle of
life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the ground.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of
these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows
better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given
moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very
faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him.
It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general.
The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the
soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and
purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with
himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the
Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the
senses. God fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the
spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here,
the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound.
In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both
for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There
are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The
senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it
is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic
as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more
about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience
with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage of
such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for your
faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere when one
is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again I fell to
the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear began to
overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a voice
within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light
illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such sorrows.
I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new courage to
suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">132 I must again mention that there
are some confessors who seem to be true spiritual fathers, but only as long as
things go well. When the soul finds itself in greater need, they become
perplexed, and either cannot or will not understand the soul. They try to get
rid of the person as soon as possible. But if the soul is humble, it will
always profit in some little way or other. God himself will sometimes cast a
shaft of light into the depths of the soul, because of its humility and faith.
The confessor will sometimes say something he had never intended to say,
without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the soul believe that such words are
the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed we ought to believe that every
word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I have referred to above is
something that comes directly from God. And the soul perceives that the priest
is not master of himself, that he is saying things that he would rather not
say. This is how God rewards faith.<br />
<br />
I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and respected
priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at Plock], to whom I
sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe and opposed to these
matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion he replied to me,
"Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of you, you should not
oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just this way. Be at peace;
what God has started, He will finish. But I say this to you: faithfulness to
God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well in mind what I have told
you today." I was delighted, and I thought that perhaps this priest had
understood me. But it so turned out that I never went to confession to him
again.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">136 And the Lord gave me to know
that the whole mystery depended on me, on my free consent to the sacrifice
given with full use of my faculties. In this free and conscious act lies the
whole power and value before His Majesty. Even if none of these things for which
I offered myself would ever happen to me, before the Lord everything was as
though it had already been consummated.<br />
<br />
At that moment, I realized I was entering into communion with the
incomprehensible Majesty. I felt that God was waiting for my word, for my
consent. Then my spirit immersed itself in the Lord, and I said, "Do with
me as You please. I subject myself to Your will. As of today, Your holy will
shall be my nourishment, and I will be faithful to Your commands with the help
of Your grace. Do with me as You please. I beg You, O Lord, be with me at every
moment of my life."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">138 A great mystery has been
accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in my soul.
When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced
everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a
great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was awaiting
me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled closely to the
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready for that for
which I had offered myself.<br />
<br />
Suffering seemed to spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself was
surprised. For others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't worth
paying any attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed; each
word was analyzed, each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get ready,
Sister, to receive a small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I feel sorry
for you." But as for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of my soul and
had been ready for it for a long time. When she saw my courage, she was
surprised. I see now that a soul cannot do much of itself, but with God it can
do all things. Behold what God's grace can do. Few are the souls that are
always watchful for divine graces, and even fewer of such souls who follow
those inspirations faithfully. <br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">139 Still, a soul which is faithful
to God cannot confirm its own inspirations; it must submit them to the control
of a very wise and learned priest; and until it is quite certain, it should
remain distrustful. It should not, on its own initiative alone, put its trust
in these inspirations and all other higher graces, because it can thus expose
itself to great losses.<br />
<br />
Even though a soul may immediately distinguish between false inspirations and
those of God, it should nevertheless be careful, because many things are
uncertain. God is pleased and rejoices when a soul distrusts Him for His own
sake; because it loves Him, it is prudent and itself asks and searches for help
to make certain that it is really God who is acting within it. And once a
well-instructed confessor has confirmed this, the soul should be at peace and
give itself up to God, according to His directions; that is, according to the directions
of the confessor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for
having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me
with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected
them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more
faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I
have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of
the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present
to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the
confessor touch Me myself.</b><br />
<br />
When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and
peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for combat</b>
- repeated over and over at various times.<br />
<br />
+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has
more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in
fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master.
For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a
spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not
understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often
says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has never
happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what the
Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father
Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me,
about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional,
my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br />
<br />
+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many
inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these
inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes
it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul
recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It
knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but
it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God
is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it
were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is
constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being
frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his
attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and
ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and
asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts
in this way, it nearly always wins.<br />
<br />
There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must
enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in
the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very
act the enemy is already defeated.<br />
<br />
In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time
of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no
chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of
preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and
again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted
soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O
Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for
the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">148 +A noble and delicate soul, even
the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees God in everything, finds
Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the most hidden things. It
finds all things important, it highly appreciates all things, it thanks God for
all things, it draws profit for the soul from all things, and it gives all
glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not confused when the time of
ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best of Fathers and makes little
of human opinion. It follows faithfully the faintest breath of the Holy Spirit;
it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its
mother. Where other souls come to a standstill and fear, this soul passes on
without fear or difficulty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">149 When the Lord himself wants to
be close to a soul and to lead it, He will remove everything that is external. When
I fell ill and was taken to the infirmary, I suffered much unpleasantness
because of this. There were two of us sick in the infirmary. Sisters would come
to see Sister N., but no one came to visit me. It is true that there was only
one infirmary, but each one had her own cell. The winter nights were long, and
Sister N. had the light and the radio headphones, while I could not even
prepare my meditation for lack of a light.<br />
<br />
When nearly two weeks had passed in this way, I complained to the Lord one evening
that I was suffering so much and that I could not even prepare my meditation
because there was no light. And the Lord said that He would come every evening
and give me the points for the next day's meditation. These points always
concerned His sorrowful Passion. He would say, <b>Consider My sufferings before
Pilate. </b>And thus, point by point, I meditated upon His sorrowful Passion
for one week. From that moment, a great joy entered my soul, and I no longer
wanted either the visitors or the light; Jesus sufficed me for everything. The
superiors were indeed very solicitous for the sick, but the Lord ordained that
I should feel forsaken. This best of masters withdraws every created thing in
order that He himself might act. Many a time, I have experienced such sufferings
and persecutions that Mother M. [probably Mother Margaret] herself said to me,
"Sister, along your path, sufferings just spring up out of the ground. I
look upon you, Sister, as one crucified. But I can see that Jesus has a hand in
this. Be faithful to the Lord."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">150 + I want to write down a dream
that I had about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I was still a novice at the
time and was going through some difficulties which I did not know how to
overcome. They were interior difficulties connected with exterior ones. I made
novenas to various saints, but the situation grew more and more difficult. The
sufferings it caused me were so great that I did not know how to go on living,
but suddenly the thought occurred to me that I should pray to Saint Therese of
the Child Jesus. I started a novena to this Saint, because before entering the
convent I had had a great devotion to her. Lately I had somewhat neglected this
devotion, but in my need I began again to pray with great fervor.<br />
<br />
On the fifth day of the novena, I dreamed of Saint Therese, but it was as if
she were still living on earth. She hid from me the fact that she was a saint
and began to comfort me, saying that I should not be worried about this matter,
but should trust more in God. She said, "I suffered greatly, too,"
but I did not quite believe her and said, "It seems to me that you have
not suffered at all." But Saint Therese answered me in a convincing manner
that she had suffered very much indeed and said to me, "Sister, know that
in three days the difficulty will come to a happy conclusion." When I was
not very willing to believe her, she revealed to me that she was a saint. At
that moment, a great joy filled my soul, and I said to her, "You are a
saint?" "Yes," she answered, "I am a saint. Trust that this
matter will be resolved in three days:" And I said, "Dear sweet
Therese, tell me, shall I go to heaven?" And she answered, "Yes, you
will go to heaven, Sister." "And will I be a saint?" To which
she replied, "Yes, you will be a saint." "But, little Therese,
shall I be a saint as you are, raised to the altar?" And she answered,
"Yes, you will be a saint just as I am, but you must trust in the Lord
Jesus." I then asked her if my mother and father would go to heaven, will
[unfinished sentence] And she replied that they would. I further asked,
"And will my brothers and sisters go to heaven?" She told me to pray
hard for them, but gave me no definite answer. I understood that they were in
need of much prayer. <br />
<br />
This was a dream. And as the proverb goes, dreams are phantoms; God is faith.
Nevertheless, three days later the difficulty was solved very easily, just as
she had said. And everything in this affair turned out exactly as she said it
would. It was a dream, but it had its significance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">159 +O Blessed Host, in golden
chalice enclosed for me, <br />
That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />
I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />
Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul, <br />
O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />
With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />
Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />
Though Your beauty be veiled<br />
And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />
Strong faith tears away that veil.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">170 The first day of the retreat. I
tried to be the first in the chapel in the morning; before the meditation I had
a bit of time for prayer to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady. I earnestly begged
the Mother of God to obtain for me the grace of fidelity to these inner
inspirations and of faithfully carrying out God's will, whatever it might be. I
began this retreat with a very special kind of courage. <br />
<br />
171 Struggle to keep silence. As usual, sisters from various houses came to the
retreat. One of the sisters whom I had not seen for a long time, came to my
cell and said she had something to tell me. I did not answer her, and she saw
that I did not want to break silence. She said to me, "I didn't know you
were such an eccentric, sister," and she went away. I was well aware that
she had no other business with me than to satisfy her own curious self-love. O
God, preserve me in faithfulness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">174 At that moment the priest came
in and began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he were in a
hurry. After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing that none
of the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an instant
was in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of telling
the father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my dealings
with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have just
described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and said,
"Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so kindly.
Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your communing
with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that you are on
the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces; you are not free to
shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your superiors about these
interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you clearly to do so, and even
then you should first consult with your confessor. But if the Lord Jesus
demands something external, in this case, after consulting your confessor, you
should carry out what He asks of you, even if this costs you greatly. On the
other hand, you must tell your confessor everything. There is absolutely no
other course for you to take, Sister. Pray that you may find a spiritual
director, or else you will waste these great gifts of God. I repeat once again,
be at peace; you are following the right path. Take no heed of anything else,
but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone says about you.
It is with just such miserable souls that the Lord Jesus communes in this
intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the Lord Jesus will
unite Himself with you." 175 176 177</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">186 +Today Jesus said to me,<b> I desire that you know more
profoundly the love that burns in My Heart for souls, and you will understand
this when you meditate upon My Passion. Call upon My mercy on behalf of
sinners; I desire their salvation. When you say this prayer, with a contrite
heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I will give him the grace of
conversion. This is the prayer:</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">187 <b>"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the
Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You."</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">189 On one occasion, Jesus gave me
to know how pleasing to Him is the soul that faithfully keeps the rule. A soul
will receive a greater reward for observing the rule than for penances and
great mortifications. The latter will be rewarded also if they are undertaken
over and above the rule, but they will not surpass the rule.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">204 A short conversation with Mother
Directress [Margaret]. When I asked her about some particulars concerning
progress in the spiritual life, this holy Mother answered everything with great
clarity. She said to me, "if you continue cooperating with God's grace in
this way, Sister, you will be only one step away from close union with God. You
understand what I mean by this. This means that your characteristic trait
should be faithfulness to the grace of the Lord. God does not lead all souls
along such a path."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">210 I fervently beg the Lord to
strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not be guided by
human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything drags man
towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher regions
and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest one.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>226 The rules that I most often fail to obey:
sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell; sometimes I
meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my very best to improve.<br />
<br />
I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at
least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear
such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the evidence
of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my actions. I must
do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act at the
hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must be mindful of God.<br />
<br />
Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[67]</span></a> I must report [even] small things to my
superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in my
spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I must
keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty words
that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great appreciation for
even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become absorbed in the whirl
of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak little with people, but
a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay little attention as to who
is for me and who is against me. I must not tell others about those things I
have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking out loud to others during work.
I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult
moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation,
comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds of Jesus. <br />
<br />
227 +In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing
is as constant as suffering-it always faithfully keeps the soul company. O
Jesus, I will let no one surpass me in loving You!<br />
<br />
+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">230 Jesus, living Host, You are my
Mother, You are my all! It is with simplicity and love, with faith and trust
that I will always come to You, O Jesus! I will share everything with You, as a
child with its loving mother, my joys and sorrows-in a word, everything. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">234 When I finished this confession,
my spirit was immersed in God, and I prayed for three hours, but it seemed to
me like only a few minutes. Since then, I have placed no obstacles in the way
of grace working in my soul. Jesus knew why I had been afraid to commune
intimately with Him and was not at all offended. From the moment the priest
assured me that what I had experienced was not an illusion, but the grace of
God, I have tried to be faithful to God in everything. I can see now that there
are few such priests who understand the full depth of God's work in the soul.
Since then, my wings have been set free for flight, and I yearn to soar into
the very fire of the sun. My flight will not come to an end until I rest in Him
forever. When we fly very high, all the vapors, mists and clouds are beneath
our feet, and our whole carnal being is necessarily subject to the spirit.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">248 The words of the Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of
perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of
burning love." While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ,
the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as
a sign of the eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of
Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit,
that you may be called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be
crowned [as such] for all eternity. <br />
<br />
249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a
Mother to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">257 Tomorrow I am to leave for
Vilnius. Today, I went to confession to Father Andrasz, this priest who is so
filled with the spirit of God, who untied my wings so that I could soar to the
highest summits. He reassured me in everything and told me to believe in Divine
Providence. "Have confidence and walk ahead with courage." An
extraordinary, divine power came over me after that confession. Father stressed
that I must be faithful to God's grace and said, "No harm will come to you
if, in the future, you continue to keep this same simplicity and obedience.
Have confidence in God; you are on the right path and in good hands, in God's
hands." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">263 +The week for confession came
and, to my great joy, I saw the priest I had known before coming to Vilnius.
[That is to say,] I had known him by seeing him in a vision. At that moment, I
heard these words in my soul: <b>This is My faithful servant; he will help you
to fulfill My will here on earth. </b>Yet, I did not open myself to him as the
Lord wished. And for some time I struggled against grace. During each
confession, God's grace penetrated me in a very special way, yet I did not reveal
my soul before him, and I had the intention of not going to confession to that
priest. After this decision, a terrible anxiety entered my soul. God reproached
me severely. When I did lay bare my soul completely to this priest, Jesus
poured an ocean of graces into it. Now I understand what it means to be
faithful to a particular grace. That one grace draws down a whole series of
others. <br />
<br />
264 +O my Jesus, keep me near to You! See how weak I am! I cannot go a step
forward by myself; so You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother by
a helpless child-and even more so.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously, this priest had
put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these things
of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast of The
Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me and told
me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at eight, a
brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father had ordered
me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there, the good
brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that priests do not
hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home emptyhanded and did not
go to confession to him again, but I made a whole hour's adoration and took on
certain mortifications for him, that he might obtain light from God in order to
know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and he substituted for him, I was
forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while previously he had been unwilling
to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be
faithful to them. God lets such things happen sometimes, but may He be
glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace not to falter.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden
Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget
yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in
the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of happiness,
why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O Divine Love,
why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all understanding, the more
I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I cannot comprehend You, I
better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the Seraphim their fire, for I
have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They admire You in rapture, but Your
Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given us already here on earth. Oh, why
do You hide in faith? Love tears away the veil. There is no veil before the eye
of my soul, for You yourself have drawn me into the bosom of secret love
forever. Praise and glory be to You, O Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages
of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">291 On a certain occasion, I saw a
person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send me the greatest
torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt the terrible
pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long time, but that
person remained in the Lord's grace. 0 my Jesus, how very easy it is to become
holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees this little bit
of good will in the soul, He hurries to give himself to the soul, and nothing
can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls-absolutely nothing. Jesus is
anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from God, it can
very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature here on earth.
God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone. Indeed He gives
more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy
Spirit-that is the shortest route. <br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">292 +When a soul loves God
sincerely, it ought not fear anything in the spiritual life. Let it subject
itself to the action of grace, and let it not impose any restraints on itself
in communing with the Lord.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant
[Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great mercy;
that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete
remission of sins and punishment.<br />
<br />
+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br />
<br />
+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am
Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness.
Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br />
<br />
My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the
greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all the
souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest, for
then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned in
despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to savage
nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely consumed for
them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and for me. O
Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a preacher,
and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself and denying
myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">328 O purest Love, rule in all Your
plenitude in my heart and help me to do Your holy will most faithfully!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">331 Oh, how great a grace it is to
have a spiritual director! One makes more rapid progress in virtue, sees the
will of God more clearly, fulfills it more faithfully, and follows a road that
is sure and free of dangers. The director knows how to avoid the rocks against
which the soul could be shattered. The Lord gave me this grace rather late, to
be sure, but I rejoice in it greatly, seeing how God inclines His will to my
director's wishes. I will mention just one incident out of a thousand that have
happened to me. As I usually do, I asked the Lord Jesus one evening to give me
the points for next day's meditation. I received the answer: Meditate on the
Prophet Jonah and his mission. I thanked the Lord, but began to think within
myself of how different that subject was from the others. But with all my soul
I strove to meditate about it, and I recognized myself in the person of the
prophet, in the sense that often I, too, try to make excuses to the Lord,
claiming that someone else would do His holy will better [than I could], and
not understanding that God can do all things and that His omnipotence will be
all the more manifest if the tool is poorer. God made this clear to me in the
following way. That afternoon, there was confession for the community. When I
presented to the director of my soul the fear that seized me because of this
mission for which God was using me, clumsy tool that I was, my spiritual father
answered that, willing or not, we must carry out the will of God, and he gave
me the Prophet Jonah as an example. After the confession, I wondered how the
confessor knew that God had told me to meditate about Jonah; surely I myself
had not told him. Then I heard these words:<b>When the priest acts in my place,
he does not act of himself, but I act through him. His wishes are Mine. </b>I
can see how Jesus defends His representatives. He himself enters into their
actions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">333 I now see clearly how God acts
through the confessor and how faithfully He keeps His promises. Two weeks ago,
my confessor told me to reflect upon this spiritual childhood. It was somewhat
difficult at first, but my confessor, disregarding my difficulties, told me to
continue to reflect upon spiritual childhood. "In practice, this spiritual
childhood," [he said,] "should manifest itself in this way: a child
does not worry about the past or the future, but makes use of the present
moment. I want to emphasize that spiritual childlikeness in you, Sister, and I
place great stress upon it." I can see how God bows down to my confessor's
wishes; He does not show himself to me at this time as a Teacher in the
fullness of His strength and human adulthood, but as a little Child. The God
who is beyond all understanding stoops to me under the appearance of a little
Child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">352 At the chapter, Mother [Borgia]
stressed a life of faith and fidelity in small things. Half way through the
chapter, I heard these words:<b> I desire that you would all have more faith at
the present time. How great is My joy at the faithfulness of My spouse in the
smallest things.</b> Then I looked at the crucifix and saw that Jesus' head was
turned towards the refectory, and His lips were moving.<br />
<br />
When I told Mother Superior about it, she answered, "You see, Sister, how
Jesus demands that our life be a life of faith." <br />
<br />
353 When Mother left for the chapel and I stayed to set the room in order, I
heard these words: <b>Tell all the sisters that I demand that they live in the
spirit of faith towards the superiors at this present time.</b> I begged my
confessor to release me from this duty. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">424 In the evening, I just about got
into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep quickly, I was
awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up. The child
seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well, as
children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The child
was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to me, <b>Look
at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the stars and the moon
shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this moon and these stars? </b>When
I said yes, he spoke these words to me, <b>These stars are the souls of
faithful Christians, and the moon is the souls of religious. Do you see how
great the difference is between the light of the moon and the light of the
stars? Such is the difference in heaven between the soul of a religious and the
soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And he went on to say that, <b>True greatness
is in loving God and in humility.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">449 I prepared for this feast with
greater zeal than in previous years. On the morning of the feast itself, I
experienced an inner struggle at the thought that I must leave this
Congregation which enjoys such special protection from Mary. This struggle
lasted through the meditation and through the first Mass as well. During the
second Mass, I turned to our Holy Mother, telling Her that it was difficult for
me to separate myself from this Congregation... "which is under Your
special protection, O Mary." Then I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably
beautiful. She came down from the altar to my kneeler, held me close to herself
and said to me, <i>I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable mercy of
God. Most pleasing to Me is that soul which faithfully carries out the will of
God.</i> She gave me to understand that I had faithfully fulfilled the will of
God and had thus found favor in His eyes. <i>Be courageous. Do not fear
apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and in this
way you will be victorious.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">481 Almost every feast of the Church
gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace. That is why I prepare
myself for each feast and unite myself closely with the spirit of the Church.
What a joy it is to be a faithful child of the Church! Oh, how much I love Holy
Church and all those who live in it! I look upon them as living members of
Christ, who is their Head. I burn with love with those who love; I suffer with
those who suffer, I am consumed with sorrow at the sight of those whoa are cold
and ungrateful; and I then try to have such a love for God that it will make
amends for those who do not love Him, those who feed their Savior with
ingratitude at its worst.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">497 O Eternal Truth, Word Incarnate,
who most faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am becoming a martyr
of Your inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because I have no will of
my own, though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit in everything to
the will of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow Your will insofar as
You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus, it cannot
be helped, but I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with
which You speak to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">500 During Holy Mass I prayed
fervently that Jesus might become King of all hearts and that divine grace
might shine in every soul. Then I saw Jesus as He is depicted in the image, and
He said to me,<b> My daughter, you give Me the greatest glory by faithfully
fulfilling My desires.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">506 "Do nothing without the
consent of the superiors. One must think this matter over thoroughly and pray
much. One must be very careful about these things because, in your present
situation, Sister, the will of God is certain and clear, for you are in fact
bound to this Congregation by vows, and perpetual vows at that; so there should
be no doubt. What you are experiencing interiorly, Sister, are only the
glimmerings of a project. God can make some alterations, but such things are
very rare. Don't be in a hurry, Sister, until you have received more precise
knowledge. The works of God proceed slowly, but if they are of Him, you will surely
recognize them clearly. If they are not, they will disappear; and you, by being
obedient, will not go astray. Speak frankly about everything to your confessor
and obey him blindly. <br />
<br />
"For the present, Sister, there is nothing more for you to do than accept
the suffering until the time when everything will become clear; that is, all
things will be resolved. You are well disposed as regards these matters, and so
continue in this simplicity and spirit of obedience; this is a good sign. If
you continue in this attitude, God will not allow you to fall into error.
Still, as much as is possible, keep far away from these things, but if despite
that they still come your way, receive them calmly and do not fear anything.
You are in the good hands of a very good God. In all that you have told me, I
do not see any illusion or anything contrary to faith. These are things which
are good in themselves, and it would indeed be good if there were a group of
souls pleading with God for the world, as we all are in need of prayer. You
have a good director; stay with him and be at peace. Be faithful to God's will
and carry it out. As to your duties, always do what you are told to do and as
you are told to do it, no matter how humiliating or toilsome it might be.
Always choose the last place, and then they themselves will say to you, `Go up
higher.' In spirit and in your demeanor, consider yourself the least in the
whole house and in the entire Congregation. In everything and at all times, be
most faithful to God." <br />
<br />
507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all
the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to
disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue
me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and
change its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in
You as one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You
burn, O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of
loving God. Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven
by an intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite
incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple
faithfulness of soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">544 The novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[109]</span></a> is to last one year, without any
interruption. At this time the novice should be taught about the virtues
relating to the vows and about the importance of the vows. The directress
should do her utmost to provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices in
the practice of humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows easily and
experiences the great joys that God pours out upon the faithful soul. The
novices should not be burdened with duties that entail responsibilities, so
that they may be free to devote themselves to their own perfection. They are
obliged to observe the rules and statutes strictly, as are the postulants. <br />
<br />
545 After a year of novitiate, if the novice proves faithful, she may be
admitted to make her profession for one year. This is to be repeated for three
years. She may then be given duties of responsibility. However, she will still
belong to the novitiate, and once a week she must attend conferences together
with the novices, and she will spend the last six months entirely in the
novitiate in order to prepare well for her solemn profession. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#110" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[110]</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Superior. <br />
<br />
567 All the sisters should respect the superior as the Lord Jesus himself, as I
mentioned when speaking about the vow of obedience. They should behave toward
her with childlike trust, and should never murmur or find fault with her
commands, as this is very displeasing to God. Let each be guided by a spirit of
faith in her relationship to superiors; let her ask with simplicity for all
that she needs. God forbid that it ever happen or be repeated that any of the
sisters would be a cause of sorrow or tears to the superior. Let each one know
that as the fourth commandment obliges a child to honor its parents, in like
manner is the religious bound to respect her superior. Only a bad religious
would take the liberty of judging her superior. Let the sisters be sincere with
the superior, telling her about everything and about their needs with childlike
simplicity. <br />
<br />
The sisters will address the superior thus: "With your leave, Sister
Superior." They shall never kiss her hand, but whenever they meet her in
the corridor or enter her cell, they should say, "Praised be Jesus
Christ," bowing their heads slightly. <br />
<br />
They shall address each other as "Sister," adding the proper name.
Their relationship toward the superior should be marked by a spirit of faith
and not by sentimentality or flattery, as these are unworthy of a religious and
would degrade her very much. A religious should be as free as a queen, and will
be such only when she lives in the spirit of faith. We should obey and respect
the superior, not because she is good, holy or prudent, but solely because she
represents God, and by obeying her we are obeying God himself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">635 March 25. In the morning, during
meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I saw the
immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension to His
creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how pleasing to
God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His grace! I gave
the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the world about His
great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him who will come,
not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible is that day!
Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The angels tremble
before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is still the time for
[granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be answering for a great
number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the end. I
sympathize with you.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">637 Confession. As I was preparing
for confession, I said to Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament, "Jesus,
I beg You to speak to me through the mouth of this priest. And this will be a
sign to me, because he does not know at all that You want me to establish that
Congregation of Mercy. Let him say something to me about this mercy."<br />
<br />
When I approached the confessional and started my confession, the priest
interrupted me and started telling me about the great mercy of God, and he
spoke more forcefully about it than I had ever heard anyone speak before. And
he asked me, "Do you know that the mercy of the Lord is greater than all
His works, that it is the crown of His works?" And I listened attentively
to these words which the Lord was speaking through the mouth of the priest.
Although I believe that it is always God who speaks through the lips of the
priest in the confessional, I experienced it in a special way on that occasion.<br />
<br />
Although I did not reveal anything of the divine life which is in my soul and
only accused myself of my offenses, the priest himself told me very much of
what was in my soul and put me under obligation to be faithful to the
inspirations of God. He said to me, "You are going through life with the
Mother of God, who faithfully responded to every divine inspiration." O my
Jesus, who can ever comprehend Your goodness?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">650 O my Jesus, my Master and
Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of my life. I
expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in the face of
Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I am
fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible
throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do
with me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough for
me.<br />
<br />
O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to
me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I
may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire
nothing but Your glory.<br />
<br />
O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the light
of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite myself
with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the place of my
feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">666 I understood that all striving
for perfection and all sanctity consist in doing God's will. Perfect
fulfillment of God's will is maturity in sanctity; there is no room for doubt
here. To receive God's light and recognize what God wants of us and yet not do
it is a great offense against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves to be
completely forsaken by God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light, but did
not do God's will. An extraordinary peace entered my soul when I reflected on
the fact that, despite great difficulties, I had always faithfully followed
God's will as I knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to put Your will into
practice as I have come to know it, O God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">667 July 14. I received a letter at
three o'clock [from Father Sopocko <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#135" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[135]</span></a>]. O Jesus, You alone know what I suffer,
but I will keep silent and will not say anything about it to any creature,
because I know that no one will comfort me. You are everything to me, O God,
and Your holy will is my nourishment. I am living now on what I will live on in
eternity.<br />
<br />
I have great reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel; he had no example to
follow in doing the will of God, and yet he fulfilled God's will faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">678 The essence of the virtues is
the will of God. He who does the will of God faithfully, practices all the
virtues. In all the events and circumstances of my life, I adore and bless the
holy will of God. The holy will of God is the object of my love. In the most
secret depths of my soul, I live according to His will. I act exteriorly
according to what I recognize inwardly as the will of God. Sweeter to me are
the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all manner of adversities by divine
will than popularity, praise and esteem by my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">683 + Once, when I was praying
fervently to the Jesuit Saints, I suddenly saw my Guardian Angel, who led me
before the throne of God. I passed through great hosts of saints, and I
recognized many of them, whom I knew from their pictures. I saw many Jesuits,
who asked me from what congregation I was. When I answered they asked,
"Who is your spiritual director?" I answered that it was Father A....
When they wanted to say more, my Guardian Angel beckoned me to be silent, and I
came before the throne of God. I saw a great and inaccessible light, and I saw
a place destined for me, close to God. But what it was like I do not know,
because a cloud covered it. However, my Guardian Angel said to me, "Here
is your throne, for your faithfulness in fulfilling the will of God."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">724 On the eve of the retreat, I started
to pray that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little health so that I could
take part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill that I thought perhaps
it might be my last. However, as soon as I had started praying I felt a strange
dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of supplication and began to thank
the Lord for everything He sends me, submitting myself completely to His holy
will. Then I felt profound peace of soul. + Faithful submission to the will of
God, always and everywhere, in all events and circumstances of life, gives
great glory to God. Such submission to the will of God carries more weight with
Him than long fasts, mortifications and the most severe penances. Oh, how great
is the reward for one act of loving submission to the will of God! As I write,
my soul is enraptured at the thought of how much God loves it and of the peace
that my soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">734 I see that Jesus himself is
acting in my soul during this retreat. And as for me, I try only to be faithful
to His grace. I have submitted my soul completely to the influence of God. This
Mighty Ruler of Heaven has taken entire possession of my soul. I feel that I am
being lifted up above earth and heaven into the inner life of God, where I come
to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but always in the unity of
majesty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 <b>My daughter, if I demand
through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish
yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy,
which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors
always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or
absolve yourself from it.<br />
<br />
I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by
deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is
contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for
Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the
first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of
mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of
the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of
this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the
demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without
works. </b>O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because You see
how very little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1030 + O my Jesus, give me wisdom, give me a mind great and
enlightened by Your light, and this only, that I may know You better, O Lord.
For the better I get to know You, the more ardently will I love You, the sole
object of my love. In You my soul drowns, in You my heart dissolves. I know not
how to love partially, but only with the full strength of my soul and the total
ardor of my heart. You yourself, O Lord, have enkindled this love of mine for
You; in You my heart has drowned forever.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1420 When I steeped myself in
prayer, I was transported in spirit to the chapel, where I saw the Lord Jesus,
exposed in the monstrance. In place of the monstrance, I saw the glorious face
of the Lord, and He said to me, <b>What you see in reality, these souls see through
faith. Oh, how pleasing to Me is their great faith! You see, although there
appears to be no trace of life in Me, in reality it is present in its fullness
in each and every Host. But for Me to be able to act upon a soul, the soul must
have faith. O how pleasing to Me is living faith!</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1448 <b>Write, speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are
to look for solace; that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy </b>[the Sacrament of
Reconciliation]<b>. There the greatest miracles take place </b>[and]<b> are
incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to
go on a great pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to
come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one's
misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul
like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint, there would be no </b>[hope
of]<b> restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God.
The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. Oh, how miserable are
those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God's mercy! You will call
out in vain, but it will be too late.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1456 + O most gracious Lord, how merciful it is on Your part
to judge each one according to his conscience and his discernment, and not
according to people's talk. My spirit delights and feeds more and more on Your
wisdom, which I am getting to know more and more deeply. And in this, the
vastness of Your mercy becomes more and more manifest to me. O my Jesus, the
effect of all this knowledge on my soul is that I am being transformed into a
flame of love towards You, my God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1682 + May 1, [1938]. This evening,
Jesus said to me, <b>My daughter, do you need anything?</b> I answered, "O
my Love, when I have You I have everything." And the Lord answered, <b>If
souls would put themselves completely in My care, I Myself would undertake the
task of sanctifying them, and I would lavish even greater graces on them. There
are souls who thwart My efforts, but I have not given up on them; as often as
they turn to Me, I hurry to their aid, shielding them with My mercy, and I give
them the first place in My compassionate Heart.</b><br />
<br />
1683 <b>Write for the benefit of religious souls that it delights Me to come to
their hearts in Holy Communion. But if there is anyone else in such a heart, I
cannot bear it and quickly leave that heart, taking with Me all the gifts and
graces I have prepared for the soul. And the soul does not even notice My
going. After some time, inner emptiness and dissatisfaction will come to her attention.
Oh, if only she would turn to Me then, I would help her to cleanse her heart,
and I would fulfill everything in her soul; but without her knowledge and
consent, I cannot be the Master of her heart.</b><br />
<br />
1684 + I often communicate with persons who are dying and obtain the divine
mercy for them. Oh, how great is the goodness of God, greater than we can
understand. There are moments and there are mysteries of the divine mercy over
which the heavens are astounded. Let our judgment of souls cease, for God's
mercy upon them is extraordinary. <br />
<br />
1685 During Holy Hour today, I asked the Lord Jesus if He would deign to teach
me about the spiritual life. Jesus answered me,<b> My daughter, faithfully live
up to the words which I speak to you. Do not value any external thing too
highly, even if it were to seem very precious to you. Let go of yourself, and
abide with Me continually. Entrust everything to Me and do nothing on your own,
and you will always have great freedom of spirit. No circumstances or events
will ever be able to upset you. Set little store on what people say. Let
everyone judge you as they like. Do not make excuses for yourself; it will do
you no harm. Give away everything at the first sign of a demand, even if they
were the most necessary things. Do not ask for anything without consulting Me.
Allow them to take away even what is due you-respect, your good name-let your
spirit rise above all that. And so, set free from everything, rest close to My
Heart, not allowing your peace to be disturbed by anything. My pupil, consider
the words which I have spoken to you. </b><br />
<br />
1686 O my Love, my eternal Master, how good it is to obey; because when
obedience infuses the soul, it brings with it power and strength to act. <br />
<br />
1687 Today I saw the Crucified Lord Jesus. Precious pearls and diamonds were
pouring forth from the wound in His Heart. I saw how a multitude of souls was
gathering these gifts, but there was one soul who was closest to His Heart and
she, knowing the greatness of these gifts, was gathering them with liberality,
not only for herself, but for others as well. The Savior said to me, <b>Behold,
the treasures of grace that flow down upon souls, but not all souls know how to
take advantage of My generosity.</b><br />
<br />
1688 Today, the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, look into My Merciful Heart
and reflect its compassion in your own heart and in your deeds, so that you,
who proclaim My mercy to the world, may yourself be aflame with it.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1692 I adore You, Lord and Creator, hidden in the Blessed
Sacrament. I adore You for all the works of Your hands, that reveal to me so
much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O Lord. You have spread so much beauty over
the earth, and it tells me about Your beauty, even though these beautiful
things are but a faint reflection of You, Incomprehensible Beauty. And although
You have hidden Yourself and concealed Your beauty, my eye, enlightened by
faith, reaches You, and my soul recognizes its Creator, its Highest Good; and
my heart is completely immersed in prayer of adoration.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Lord and Creator, Your goodness encourages me to converse
with You. Your mercy</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">abolishes the chasm which separates the Creator from the
creature. To converse with You, O Lord, is the delight of my heart. In You I
find everything that my heart could desire. Here Your light illumines my mind,
enabling it to know You more and more deeply. Here streams of graces flow down
upon my heart. Here my soul draws eternal life. O my Lord and Creator, You
alone, beyond all these gifts, give Your own self to me and unite Yourself
intimately with Your miserable creature. Here, without searching for words, our
hearts understand each other. Here, no one is able to interrupt our
conversation. What I talk to You about, Jesus, is our secret, which creatures
shall not know and Angels dare not ask about. These are secret acts of
forgiveness, known only to Jesus and me; this is the mystery of His mercy,
which embraces each soul separately. For this incomprehensible goodness of
Yours, I adore You, O Lord and Creator, with all my heart and all my soul. And,
although my worship is so little and poor, I am at peace because I know that
You know it is sincere, however inadequate...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 36, 55, 62, 91-92, 95, 97-98, 102)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-106-107, 111, 114-115, 129, 132, 136)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-138-139, 145, 149-150, 159, 170-171)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-186-187, 189, 210, 226-227, 230, 234)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-257, 263-264, 272, , 278, 291-292, 248)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-249, 300-302, 328, 331, 333, 352-353)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-424, 449, 481, 497, 500)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-544-545, 567, 635, 637, 650, 666-668)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-683, 724, 734, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1030)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1420, 1448, 1465)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1682-1688, 1692)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-20953119389717510862020-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-15T07:31:22.787-08:00Fraternal Reconciliation-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Fraternal
Reconciliation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 16, 2020. Sixth
Sunday in Ordinary Time. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Father Matthew
Kaderabek, LC<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28,
33-34, 37<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your
righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter
into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to
you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever
says to his brother, ´Raqa,´ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever
says, ´You fool,´ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. You have heard that it was
said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a
woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. You have
heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make
good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not
by heaven, for it is God´s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;
nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Let your ´Yes´ mean
´Yes,´ and your ´No´ mean ´No.´ Anything more is from the Evil One."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory
Prayer:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I can be so cold
to Your salvific presence as I hurry about living the moment and becoming so
sufficient unto myself. There is little wonder that I find it hard to bring
myself to prayer—to use faith to know You, divine love to live in You, and
theological hope to trust in You. I approach You now, wanting only to be a more
faithful disciple of Your Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ, help me to be reconciled with
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. It Was Said to Your
Ancestors That You Shall Not Kill</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> …But I Say to You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Old Testament God gave the command,
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” This seems difficult enough to do, but in the
New Testament, Our Lord requires much more. The night before he died, Jesus
said to his disciples—and he says now to us—, “Love one another as I have loved
you” (John 15:12). How did Jesus love us? We have only to look at the crucifix.
He laid down his life for us so that, purified by his Precious Blood, we might
be united with the Most Blessed Trinity in the eternal happiness of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Be Reconciled with Your Brother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Jesus does not say “neighbor,” but
“brother.” In taking upon himself our human nature, Jesus Christ became our
brother and the head of the whole human race. He has raised us all, through
him, to the dignity of the divine adoption, in such a manner that all
Christians compose only one family of which God is the Father and Jesus the
first-born Son. Each person we meet is—or is potentially—our brother or sister
in Christ. Each is—or is potentially—a member of the family. Therefore, Jesus
teaches us that, “whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Go First and Be Reconciled With Your
Brother, and Then Come and Offer Your Gift.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The great St. Thomas More was about to offer
God the gift of his martyrdom. It was the month of July 1535. As soon as the
unjust court pronounced the sentence of death, Sir Thomas asked to say a few
words. He reminded these noblemen that St. Paul and St. Stephen were once on
opposite sides and yet, as saints now in heaven, they remain friends forever.
He continued: “I shall therefore rightly pray, that though your lordships have
now here on earth been judges to my condemnation, we may yet hereafter in
heaven all meet together, to our everlasting salvation.” What heroic charity!
How was it possible? It was possible because St. Thomas saw his judges with the
eyes of Christ. He sees them as human beings who are beloved of God and
destined for heaven. So he prays that they will repent of their injustice and
receive God’s mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation
with Christ:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord Jesus,
help me to see my brother as You see him: a person so valuable that you laid
down Your life for him. Help me to love my brother as you have loved us, with
humility and generosity, without counting the cost. I pray especially for those
who have injured me or those whom I have injured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will offer this day for the eternal
salvation of all those whom God has, in some way, entrusted to my care.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">46 I often felt the
Passion of the Lord Jesus in my body, although this was imperceptible [to
others], and I rejoiced in it because Jesus wanted it so. But this lasted for
only a short time. These sufferings set my soul afire with love for God and for
immortal souls. Love endures everything, love is stronger than death, love fears
nothing...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness and Temptations <br />
<br />
77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When
people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from
it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will, to
remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me that I
was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely impossible
for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I felt in my
soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill it. I began to
suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my utter
powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to meditate in
this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of what I had
read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered the
chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an
aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not profiting
from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor that I frequented
them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I could follow and my
very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me that these were trials
sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not only was I not offending
God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a sign," he told me,
"that God loves you very much and that He has great confidence in you,
since He is sending you such trials." But these words brought me no
comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15] It
seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible thought
for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other thoughts
came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why mortify and
annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to sacrifice and
immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good is it - if I am
already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God alone knew what
was going on in my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">80 O Jesus, Divine
Prisoner of Love, when I consider Your love and how You emptied Yourself for
me, my senses fail me. You hide Your inconceivable majesty and lower Yourself
to miserable me. O King of Glory, though You hide Your beauty, yet the eye of
my soul rends the veil. I see the angelic choirs giving You honor without
cease, and all the heavenly Powers praising You without cease, and without
cease they are saying: Holy, Holy, Holy.<br />
<br />
Oh, who will comprehend Your love and Your unfathomable mercy toward us! O
Prisoner of Love, I lock up my poor heart in this tabernacle, that it may adore
You without cease night and day. I know of no obstacle in this adoration, and
even though I be physically distant, my heart is always with You. Nothing can
put a stop to my love for You. No obstacles exist for me. O my Jesus, I will
console You for all the ingratitude, the blasphemies, the coldness, the hatred
of the wicked, the sacrileges. O Jesus, I want to burn as 'a pure offering and
to be consumed before the throne of Your hiddenness. I plead with You
unceasingly for poor dying sinners.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank">[39]</a>
<br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow? <br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment? <br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege. <br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value? <br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the
Church, in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake
to strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?" <br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state. <br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them. <br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue? <br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage. <br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God. <br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern? <br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been accepted,
whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which may have
been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to the
Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we may
receive for work or even any annuity. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment? <br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell
or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an
object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give
to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by
negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to
another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where the
vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they? <br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with
necessities (this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with
things of inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment,
etc., and to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme
poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity <br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow? <br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin? <br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind. <br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue? <br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved? <br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body. <br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a
grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors. <br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious? <br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and
without merit. <br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience? <br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our disobedience.
<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow? <br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence. <br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience <br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of
the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it
or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the
humble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul which is particularly loved
by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such as
God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of God's
presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it must
fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's
vigilance is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place to
coldness and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual exercises;
it cannot pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which it had just
begun to pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no satisfaction.
God has hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation in creatures,
nor can any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The soul craves
passionately for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense God's
justice; it seems to it that it has lost all the gifts that God had given it;
its mind is dimmed, and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment begins. The soul
tries to explain its state to the confessor, but it is not understood and is
assailed by an even greater unrest. Satan begins his work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers
under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God
by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and
love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul
in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would
be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in
its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It
sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And,
oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced
confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make
every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for
the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the
precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to
a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and
which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own
plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for
His future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried.
But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials,
the complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of
Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected,
becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It
pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul
no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of
everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned.
This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">101 Jesus,
You alone know how the soul, engulfed in darkness, moans in the midst of these
torments and, despite all this, thirsts for God as burning lips thirst for
water. It dies and withers; it dies a death without death; that is to say, it
cannot die. All its efforts come to nothing; it is under a powerful hand. Now
the soul comes under the power of the Just One. All exterior temptations cease;
all that surrounds it becomes silent, like a dying person who loses contact
with everything around it: the person's entire soul is in the hand of the Just
God, the Thrice-Holy God,-rejected for all eternity! This is the culminating
moment, and God alone can test a soul in this way, because He alone knows what
the soul can endure.<br />
<br />
When the soul has been saturated through and through by this infernal fire, it
is, as it were, cast headlong into great despair. My soul experienced this
moment when I was all alone in my cell. When my soul began to sink into this
despair, I felt that the end was near. But I seized my little crucifix and
clutched it tightly in my hand. And now I felt my body separate itself from my
soul; and though I wanted to go to my Superiors, I no longer had the physical
strength. I uttered my last words: "I trust in Your Mercy!"-and it
seemed to me that I provoked God to an even greater anger. And now I was
drowned in despair, and all that was left me was a moan of unadulterated pain
which, from time to time, tore itself from my soul. The soul is in agony-and it
seemed to me that I would remain in this state, because by my own strength I
could not emerge from it. Every recollection of God opened up an unspeakable
ocean of suffering, and yet despite this there is something within the soul
which is drawn to Him, though it seems to her for this only-that she suffer
more. The memory of the love with which God formerly surrounded it is still
another kind of suffering. His gaze pierces it, and everything within the soul
is burned by this gaze. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">116 My Jesus, You know
what my soul goes through at the recollection of these sufferings. I have often
marvelled that the angels and saints hold their peace at the sight of a soul
suffering like that. Yet they have special love for us at such moments. My soul
has often cried out after God, as a little child who cries as loudly as he can
when his mother covers her face and he cannot recognize her. O my Jesus, honor
and glory to You for these trials of love! Great and incomprehensible is your
mercy. All that You intended for my soul, O Lord, is steeped in Your mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">118 The tongue is a
small member, but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence
will never attain holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not
delude herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for
then she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has
to have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an
interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great
deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be
constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable damage is done by the breach
of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our neighbor, but even more to our own
selves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In my opinion, and
according to my experience, the rule concerning silence should stand in the
very first place. God does not give himself to a chattering soul which, like a
drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is
empty inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A
deeper interior life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells,
is quite out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of
inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others. I have
seen many souls in the depths of hell for not having kept their silence; they
told me so themselves when I asked them what was the cause of their undoing.
These were souls of religious. My God, what an agony it is to think that not
only might they have been in heaven, but they might even have become saints! O
Jesus, have mercy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">147 I recall that
I have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate before
the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent. During that
time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even though I had
the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles to praying in
such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and persevere in
prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with exterior and
interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are discouragement, dryness,
heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior difficulties are human
respect and time; one must observe the time set apart for prayer. This has been
my personal experience because, when I did not pray at the time assigned for
prayer, later on I could not do it because of my duties; or if I did manage to
do so, this was only with great difficulty, because my thoughts kept wandering
off to my duties. I also experienced this difficulty: when a soul has prayed
well and left prayer in a state of profound interior recollection, others
resist its recollection; and so, the soul must be patient to persevere in
prayer. It often happened to me that when my soul was more deeply immersed in
God, and I had derived greater fruit from prayer, and God's presence
accompanied me during the day, and at work there was more recollection and
greater precision and effort at my duty, this was precisely when I received the
most rebukes for being negligent in my duty and indifferent to everything; because
less recollected souls want others to be like them, for they are a constant
[source of] remorse to them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">163 JMJ The Year 1937 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General Exercises<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O Most Holy Trinity!
As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my
blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify
Your mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+I want to be
completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O
Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy,
pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that
my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances,
but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my ears
may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be
indifferent to their pains and moaning. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be
merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a
word of comfort and forgiveness for all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that
my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good
to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my feet
may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own
fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that
my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my
neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those
who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most
merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your
mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+You yourself command
me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of
whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy-if I cannot carry out a work of
mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer-if I cannot show mercy by
deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there
where I cannot reach out physically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O my Jesus, transform
me into Yourself, for you can do all things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">173 Satan's temptations
during meditation. I felt a strange fear that the priest would not<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">understand me, or that
he would have no time to hear everything I would have to say. How am I going to
tell him all this? If it were Father Bukowski I could do it more easily, but
this Jesuit whom I am seeing for the first time... Then I remembered Father
Bukowski's advice that I should at least take brief notes of the lights sent to
me by God during the retreats and give him at least a brief report on them. My
God, for a day and a half all has gone well, and now a life and death struggle
is beginning. The conference is to start in a half hour, and then I am to go to
confession. Satan tried to persuade me into believing that if my superiors have
told me that my inner life is an illusion, why should I ask again and trouble
the confessor? Didn't MX [probably Mother Jane] tell you that the Lord Jesus
does not commune with souls as miserable as yours? This confessor is going to
tell you the same thing. Why speak to him about all this? These are not sins,
and Mother X, told you that all this communing with the Lord Jesus was
daydreaming and pure hysteria. So why tell it to this confessor? You would do
better to dismiss all this as illusions. Look how many humiliations you have
suffered because of them, and how many more are still awaiting you, and all the
sisters know that you are a hysteric. "Jesus!" I called out with all
the strength of my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">216 We have come to
Cracow today [April 18, 1933]. What a joy it is to find myself again where I
took my first steps in the spiritual life! Dear Mother Directress [Mary Joseph]
is ever the same, cheerful and full of love of neighbor. I entered the chapel
for a moment and joy filled my soul. In a flash I recalled the whole ocean of
graces that had been given me as a novice here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">241 Love of neighbor.
First: Helpfulness towards the sisters. Second: Do not speak about those who
are absent, and defend the good name of my neighbor. Third: Rejoice in the
success of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">267 Jesus told me that I please Him
best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light
falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the
Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon the Passion of Jesus, I get a clear
understanding of many things I could not comprehend before. I want to resemble
You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint upon my
heart and soul Your own humility. I love You, Jesus, to the point of madness,
You who were crushed with suffering as described by the prophet [cf. Isaiah
53:2-9], as if he could not see the human form in You because of Your great
suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus, that I love You to the point of
madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has love done to You?...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">275
Jesus loves hidden souls. A hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive
to make the interior of my soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus. In
difficult and painful moments, O my Creator, I sing You a hymn of trust, for
bottomless is the abyss of my trust in You and in Your mercy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden
Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget
yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in
the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of
happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O
Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all
understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I
cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the
Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They
admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given
us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the
veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn
me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">279 God made known to
me what true love consists in and gave light to me about how, in practice, to
give proof of it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying out God's will.
To show God our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must
spring from our love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you please Me
most by suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My
daughter, do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your
suffering to be pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach yourself, not only
from creatures, but also from yourself. My daughter, I want to delight in the
love of your heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished, untarnished. The more
you will come to love suffering, My daughter, the purer your love for Me will
be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">281 I feel certain that my mission will not come
to an end upon my death, but will begin. O doubting souls, I will draw aside
for you the veils of heaven to convince you of God's goodness, so that you will
no longer continue to wound with your distrust the sweetest Heart of Jesus. God
is Love and Mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Heart was moved by great mercy towards
you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain
you suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that
I give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My
Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention.
I lift up the humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">283 I want to love You as no human
soul has ever loved You before; and although I am utterly miserable and small,
I have nevertheless cast the anchor of my trust deep down into the abyss of
Your mercy, O my God and Creator! In spite of my great misery I fear nothing,
but hope to sing You a hymn of glory forever. Let no soul, even the most
miserable, fall prey to doubt; for, as long as one is alive, each one can
become a great saint, so great is the power of God's grace. It remains only for
us not to oppose God's action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">287 +My Jesus, when I look at this
life of souls, I see that many of them serve You with some mistrust. At certain
times, especially when there is an opportunity to show their love for God, I
see them running away from the battlefield. And once Jesus said to me, <b>Do
you, my child, also want to act like that? </b>I answered the Lord, "Oh,
no, my Jesus, I will not retreat from the battlefield, even if mortal sweat
breaks out on my brow; I will not let the sword fall from my hand until I rest
at the feet of the Holy Trinity!" Whatever I do, I do not rely on my own
strength, but on God's grace. With God's grace a soul can overcome the greatest
difficulties.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord said
to me, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Act like a beggar who does not
back away when he gets more alms [than he asked for], but offers thanks the
more fervently. You too should not back away and say that you are not worthy of
receiving greater graces when I give them to you. I know you are unworthy, but
rejoice all the more and take as many treasures from My Heart as you can carry,
for then you will please Me more. And I will tell you one more thing: Take
these graces not only for yourself, but also for others; that is, encourage the
souls with whom you come in contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I
love those souls who have complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for
them.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">296 +O Supreme Good, I
want to love You as no one on earth has ever loved You before! I want to adore
You with every moment of my life and unite my will closely to Your holy will.
My life is not drab or monotonous, but it is varied like a garden of fragrant
flowers, so that I don't know which flower to pick first, the lily of suffering
or the rose of love of neighbor or the violet of humility. I will not enumerate
these treasures in which my every day abounds. It is a great thing to know how
to make use of the present moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">343 True love is
measured by the thermometer of suffering. Jesus, I thank You for the little
daily crosses, for opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of communal
life, for the misinterpretation of my intentions, for humiliations at the hands
of others, for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false suspicions, for
poor health and loss of strength, for self-denial, for dying to myself, for
lack of recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my plans.<br />
<br />
Thank You, Jesus, for interior sufferings, for dryness of spirit, for terrors,
fears and incertitudes, for the darkness and the deep interior night, for
temptations and various ordeals, for torments too difficult to describe,
especially for those which no one will understand, for the hour of death with
its fierce struggle and all its bitterness.<br />
<br />
I thank You, Jesus, You who first drank the cup of bitterness before You gave
it to me, in a much milder form. I put my lips to this cup of Your holy will.
Let all be done according to Your good pleasure; let that which Your wisdom
ordained before the ages be done to me. I want to drink the cup to its last
drop, and not seek to know the reason why. In bitterness is my joy, in
hopelessness is my trust. In You, O Lord, all is good, all is a gift of Your
paternal Heart. I do not prefer consolations over bitterness or bitterness over
consolations, but thank You, O Jesus, for everything! It is my delight to fix
my gaze upon You, O incomprehensible God! My spirit abides in these mysterious
dwelling places, and there I am at home. I know very well the dwelling place of
my Spouse. I feel there is not a single drop of blood in me that does not burn
with love for You.<br />
<br />
O Uncreated Beauty, whoever comes to know You once cannot love anything else. I
can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God
himself. I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a
bottomless ocean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">375 Particular interior
practice; that is, the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own
will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. The denial of my
reason. Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on
earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. The denial of my
will. Doing the will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who
represent God to me and which is contained in the rule of our order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. The denial of my
judgment. Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning
all orders given by those who represent God to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. The denial of my
tongue. I will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I
will give it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God.
Whenever I receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my
tongue that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the
greatest respect for the rule which speaks about silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">383 At the beginning of
the retreat, I saw, on the ceiling of the chapel, Jesus nailed to the Cross. He
was looking at the sisters with great love, but not at all of them. There were
three sisters at whom Jesus looked severely, for what reasons I do not know. I
only know what a terrible thing it is to meet with such a look, which is the
look of a severe Judge. That look was not directed at me, and yet I was
paralyzed with terror. I still tremble as I write these words. I did not dare
to say so much as a single word to Jesus. My physical strength failed me, and I
thought I would not live to the end of the conference. The next day, I saw the
same thing again, just as I had seen it the first time, and this time I dared
to speak these words: "Jesus, how great is Your mercy!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the third day, that
gaze of great kindness upon all the sisters, except the three, was again
repeated. I gathered up my courage, which drew its force from love of neighbor,
and I said to the Lord, "You, who are Mercy Itself, as You yourself told
me, I beg You by the power of Your mercy, to look then with kindness at these
three sisters as well. And if this is not in accord with Your wisdom, I ask You
for an exchange: turn to them the kind look meant for my soul, and let Your
severe gaze at their souls be turned on me." Jesus then said to me these
words: My daughter, for the sake of your sincere and generous love, I grant
them many graces although they are not asking Me for them. But I am doing so
because of the promise I have made to you. And at that moment, He turned a
merciful look towards those three sisters as well. My heart leapt with joy to
see the goodness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">549 Work. As poor
persons, the nuns themselves will do all the work in the convent. Each one
should be glad when she is given some work which is humbling or which goes
against her nature, as that will greatly help her interior formation. The
superior will often change the sisters' duties, and in this way help them to
detach themselves completely from the little details to which women have a
great attachment. Truly, I often find it amusing to see with my own eyes souls
who have forsaken really great things only to attach themselves to fiddle faddle;
that is, trifles. Each sister, including even the superior, shall work in the
kitchen for a month. Every one should take a turn at every chore which is to be
done in the convent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">571 <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>O my Jesus, Eternal Truth, I fear nothing,
neither hardships nor sufferings; I fear only one thing, and that is to offend
You. My Jesus, I would rather not exist than make You sad. Jesus, You know that
my love knows no one but You. My soul is absorbed in You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">576 O Holy Trinity, Eternal God, my
spirit is drowned in Your beauty. The ages are as nothing in Your sight. You
are always the same. Oh, how great is Your majesty. Jesus, why do You conceal
Your majesty, why have You left Your heavenly throne and dwelt among us? The
Lord answered me, <b>My daughter, love has brought Me here, and love keeps Me
here. My daughter, if you knew what great merit and reward is earned by one act
of pure love for Me, you would die of joy. I am saying this that you may
constantly unite yourself with Me through love, for this is the goal of the life
of your soul. This act is an act of the will. Know that a pure soul is humble.
When you lower and empty yourself before My majesty, I then pursue you with My
graces and make use of My omnipotence to exalt you.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">580 On a certain occasion, the Lord
said to me,<b> I am more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of chosen
souls than by the sins of those living in the world.</b> It made me very sad
that chosen souls make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told me, <b>These little
imperfections are not all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart: what I
suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so many graces is My
Heart's constant food, on the part of [such] a chosen soul. Their love is
lukewarm, and My Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them. Others
distrust My goodness and have no desire to experience that sweet intimacy in
their own hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the distance, and do not find
Me. This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. If My death has not
convinced you of My love, what will? Often a soul wounds Me mortally, and then
no one can comfort Me. They use My graces to offend Me. There are souls who
despise My graces as well as all the proofs of My love. They do not wish to
hear My call, but proceed into the abyss of hell. The loss of these souls
plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I am, I cannot help such a soul
because it scorns Me; having a free will, it can spurn Me or love Me. You, who
are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world about My goodness, and thus
you will comfort My Heart.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">589 Love casts out fear. Since I
came to love God with my whole being and with all the strength of my heart,
fear has left me. Even if I were to hear the most terrifying things about God's
justice, I would not fear Him at all, because I have come to know Him well. God
is love, and His Spirit is peace. I see now that my deeds which have flowed
from love are more perfect than those which I have done out of fear. I have
placed my trust in God and fear nothing. I have given myself over to His holy
will; let Him do with me as He wishes, and I will still love Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">590 When I receive Holy
Communion, I entreat and beg the Savior to heal my tongue, that I may never
fail in love of neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">692 + O Jesus, I
understand that Your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore I ask You to
make my heart so big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the
souls living on the face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends beyond the
world, to the souls suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward
them by means of indulgenced prayers. God's mercy is unfathomable and
inexhaustible, just as God himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use the
strongest words there are to express this mercy of God, all this would be nothing
in comparison with what it is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart sensitive to
all the sufferings of my neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O my Jesus, I
know that You act toward us as we act toward our neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Jesus, make my heart
like unto Your merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go through life doing good to
everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">700 + Once, when I was
very tired and in much pain, I told Mother Superior [Irene] about it and
received the answer that I should get used to suffering. I listened to
everything that Mother told me, and then I went out. Our Mother Superior has
great love of neighbor and especially great love for the sick sisters, as
everyone knows. And yet, as regards me, it is extraordinary that the Lord Jesus
has permitted that she not understand me and that she test me much in this
respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">704 I spend every free
moment at the feet of the hidden God. He is my Master; I ask Him about
everything; I speak to Him about everything. Here I obtain strength and light;
here I learn everything; here I am given light on how to act toward my
neighbor. From the time I left the novitiate, I have enclosed myself in the
tabernacle together with Jesus, my Master. He himself drew me into the fire of
living love on which everything converges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 My daughter, if I
demand through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to
distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of
mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your
neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse
or absolve yourself from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am giving you three
ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by
word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of
mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul
glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is
the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the
worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through the
veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall grant
many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy,
because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. O my Jesus, You
yourself must help me in everything, because You see how very little I am, and
so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ Particular Examen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Union with the merciful
Christ. With my heart I encompass the whole world, especially countries which
are uncivilized or where there is persecution. I am praying for mercy upon
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">778 And God has given
me to understand that there is but one thing that is of infinite value in His eyes,
and that is love of God; love, love and once again, love; and nothing can
compare with a single act of pure love of God. Oh, with what inconceivable
favors God gifts a soul that loves Him sincerely! Oh, how happy is the soul who
already here on earth enjoys His special favors! And of such are the little and
humble souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">781 O Love, O queen!
Love knows no fear. It passes through all the choirs of angels that stand on guard
before His throne. It will fear no one. It reaches God and is immersed in Him
as in its sole treasure. The Cherubim who guards paradise with flaming sword,
has no power over it. O pure love of God, how great and unequalled you are! Oh,
if souls only knew your power!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">791 Hide me, Jesus, in
the depths of Your mercy, and then let my neighbor judge me as he pleases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">856 During the morning
meditation, I felt an aversion and a repugnance for all created things.
Everything pales before my eyes; my spirit is detached from all things. I
desire only God himself, and yet I must live. This is a martyrdom beyond
description. God imparts himself to the soul in a loving way and draws it into
the infinite depths of His divinity, but at the same time He leaves it here on
earth for the sole purpose that it might suffer and die of longing for Him. And
this strong love is so pure that God himself finds pleasure in it; and
self-love has no access to its deeds, for here everything is totally saturated
with bitterness, and thus is totally pure. Life is a continuous dying, painful
and terrible, and at the same time it is the depth of true life and of
inconceivable happiness and the strength of the soul; and because of this, [the
soul] is capable of great deeds for the sake of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">861 Particular examen:
remains the same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful Christ (that is;
what would Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit, to embrace the
whole world, especially Russia and Spain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General resolutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. Strict observance of
silence - interior silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. To see the image of
God in every sister; all love of neighbor must flow from this motive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. To do the will of
God faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. To give a faithful
account of everything to the spiritual director and not to undertake anything
of importance without a clear understanding with him. I shall try to clearly
lay bare to him the most secret depths of my soul, bearing in mind that I am
dealing with God himself, and that His representative is just a human being,
and so I must pray daily that he be given light. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">V. During the evening
examination of conscience, I am to ask myself the question: What if He were to
call me today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VI. Not to look for God
far away, but within my own being to abide with Him alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VII. In sufferings and
torments, to take refuge in the tabernacle and to be silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VIII. To join all
sufferings, prayers, works and mortifications to the merits of Jesus in order
to obtain mercy for the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IX. To use free
moments, however short, for prayers for the dying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">X. There must not be a
day in my life when I do not recommend to the Lord the works of our
Congregation. Never have regard for what others think of you [for human
respect]. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XI. Have no familiar
relationships with anyone. Gentle firmness toward the girls, boundless
patience; punish them severely but with such punishments as these: prayer and
self-sacrifice. The strength that is in the emptying of myself for their sake
is for them a [source of] constant remorse and the softening of their obdurate
hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XII. The presence of
God is the basis of all my thoughts, words and deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XIII. To take advantage
of all spiritual help. To always put self-love in its proper place; namely, the
last. To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were doing them for the
last time in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my duties. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">871 + My Master, cause
my heart never to expect help from anyone, but I will always strive to bring
assistance, consolation and all manner of relief to others. My heart is always
open to the sufferings of others; and I will not close my heart to the
sufferings of others, even though because of this I have been scornfully
nicknamed "dump"; that is, [because] everyone dumps his pain into my
heart. [To this] I answered that everyone has a place in my heart and I, in
return, have a place in the Heart of Jesus. Taunts regarding the law of love
will not narrow my heart. My soul is always sensitive on this point, and Jesus
alone is the motive for my love of neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">944 + There are moments
when I mistrust myself, when I feel my own weakness and wretchedness in the
most profound depths of my own being, and I have noticed that I can endure such
moments only by trusting in the infinite mercy of God. Patience, prayer and
silence-these are what give strength to the soul. There are moments when one
should be silent, and when it would be inappropriate to talk with creatures;
these are the moments when one is dissatisfied with oneself, and when the soul
feels as weak as a little child. Then the soul clings to God with all its
might. At such times, I live solely by faith, and when I feel strengthened by
God's grace, then I am more courageous in speaking and communicating with my
neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1039 + I suffer great
pain at the sight of the sufferings of others. All these sufferings are
reflected in my heart. I carry their torments in my heart so that it even wears
me out physically. I would like all pains to fall upon me so as to bring relief
to my neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1662 + O Christ,
suffering for You is the delight of my heart and my soul. Prolong my sufferings
to infinity, that I may give You a proof of my love. I accept everything that
Your hand will hold out to me. Your love, Jesus, is enough for me. I will
glorify You in abandonment and darkness, in agony and fear, in pain and
bitterness, in anguish of spirit and grief of heart. In all things may You be
blessed. My heart is so detached from the earth, that You Yourself are enough
for me. There is no longer any moment in my life for self concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1663 Holy Thursday
[April 14, 1938]. Today I felt strong enough to take part in the ceremonies of
the Church. During Holy Mass, Jesus stood before me and said, Look into My
Heart and see there the love and mercy which I have for humankind, and
especially for sinners. Look, and enter into My Passion. In an instant, I
experienced and lived through the whole Passion of Jesus in my own heart. I was
surprised that these tortures did not deprive me of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1664 During adoration,
Jesus said to me, My daughter, know that your ardent love and the compassion
you have for Me were a consolation to Me in the Garden [of Olives]. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1665 During Holy Hour
in the evening, I heard the words, You see My mercy for sinners, which at this
moment is revealing itself in all its power. See how little you have written
about it; it is only a single drop. Do what is in your power, so that sinners
may come to know My goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-46, 77, 80, 93, 96-98, 101, 116, 118)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-147, 173, 163, 216, 241, 267, 275, 278)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-279, 281, 287, 282-283, 294, 296)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-343, 375, 383)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-549, 571, 576, 580, 589, 590, 692, 700)
(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-704, 742, 778, 781, 791, 856,
861, 871)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-944)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1029, 1039)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1662-1663)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-63796977331428429342020-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-14T07:27:36.324-08:00Goodness in Abundance-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Goodness in
Abundance </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 15, 2020. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Saturday </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-PH;">Memorial of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Blessed
Virgin Mary</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 8:1-10</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to
eat, he summoned the disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for
the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing
to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the
way, and some of them have come a great distance." His disciples answered
him, "Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this
deserted place?" Still he asked them, "How many loaves do you
have?" "Seven," they replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven
loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute,
and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the
blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were
satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over -- seven baskets. There were
about four thousand people. He dismissed them and got into the boat with his
disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory
Prayer:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, how quickly I
lose faith and begin to trust more in things that I can touch and see than in
Your promises and strength. But I do believe in You, that You are the Bread of
Life, and that only You can satisfy the deepest longings of my heart. As You
are my Creator, You know what I need and provide for me each day. As You are my
Redeemer, You lead me along the pathway of the cross and forgiveness. I want to
follow You more closely. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, strengthen my
faith, so that I can be magnanimous like You. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. “I feel sorry
for all these people.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus shows compassion for the crowd,
even for their temporal needs. He knows how earthly they can be, seeking only
to satisfy their need for bread and water. In another passage he says, “Why
worry about what you are to eat, or drink, or what you are to wear? … All these
things the pagans seek” (Matthew 6:25-33) –– “pagans,” that is, those with no
faith or trust in the heavenly Father. Our Lord does not worry about food and
clothing for himself, although he does seek to provide them for others. But his
charity doesn’t end there. He sincerely desires their greatest good, and for this
reason gives them much more than a passing meal. Together with bread and water,
he gives them the gift of faith. After all, man does not live on bread alone”
(Luke 4:4).</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. “Where could
anyone get bread to feed these people in a deserted place like this? </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The apostles ask a
very human question, revealing the poverty of their faith in Jesus. Such a
question, without faith, would become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Since the
task seems impossible, why try at all? How often does this way of thinking rein
us in from doing great things for God and expecting great things from him? How
often do we resign ourselves to defeat, content to mourn and lament seemingly
hopeless situations, as if God were not almighty and willing to help us? We
need the faith of the Blessed Virgin, who believed the impossible and became
the mother of all who believe. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b>"They ate as much as they wanted and they collected seven
basketfuls of the scraps left over." </b>Jesus offers the fullness of life
and love, an abundance of goodness and grace, to all who follow him. His
ways are the ways of life. He allows us to suffer want in this life so that we
will tap into the true source of abundance through faith, hope and love.
Those who seek themselves by seeking purely material goods - which are limited
by definition - will always be in want and will always feel the threat of
losing what they have. Those who seek Christ and his grace - which is
unlimited by definition - will never fear when they lose their earthly
goods. That is why Jesus says that anyone who has (faith, hope, love,
grace, the gifts of the spiritual life), more will be given, and from the one
who has not (none of these spiritual gifts), even what he seems to have
(material possessions which are here today and gone tomorrow, always decaying
and coming to an end) will be taken away. (Luke 8:18)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with
Christ:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, give me the
gift of compassion, so that I may serve others with Your heart. Give me the
gifts of faith, hope and love so that I will understand that Your goodness
knows no bounds or limits, and that You wish to pour out Your grace on all
until our cups are overflowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will be
magnanimous in my charity towards others today.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">57 O my Jesus, You are the life of my life. You know only
too well that I long for nothing but the glory of Your Name and that souls come
to know Your goodness. Why do souls avoid You, Jesus?-I don't understand that.
Oh, if I could only cut my heart into tiny pieces and in this way offer to You,
O Jesus, each piece as a heart whole and entire, to make up in part for the
hearts that do not love You! I love You, Jesus, with every drop of my blood,
and I would gladly shed my blood for You to give You a proof of the sincerity of
my love. O God, the more I know You the less I can comprehend You, but this
"non-comprehension" lets me realize how great You are! And it is this
impossibility of comprehending You which enflames my heart anew for You, O
Lord. From the moment when You let me fix the eyes of my soul on You, O Jesus,
I have been at peace and desired nothing else. I found my destiny at the moment
when my soul lost itself in You, the only object of my love. In comparison with
you, everything is nothing. Sufferings, adversities, humiliations, failures and
suspicions that have come my way are splinters that keep alive the fire of my
love for You, O Jesus.<br />
<br />
My desires are mad and unattainable. I wish to conceal from You that I suffer.
I want never to be rewarded for my efforts and my good actions. You yourself,
Jesus, are my only reward; You are enough, O Treasure of my heart! I want to
share compassionately in the sufferings of my neighbors and to conceal my own
sufferings, not only from them, but also from You, Jesus.<br />
<br />
Suffering is a great grace; through suffering the soul becomes like the Savior;
in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering, the purer
the love.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">58 +One
night, a sister who had died two months previously came to me. She was a sister
of the first choir. I saw her in a terrible condition, all in flames with her
face painfully distorted. This lasted only a short time, and then she
disappeared. A shudder went through my soul because I did not know whether she
was suffering in purgatory or in hell. Nevertheless I redoubled my prayers for
her. The next night she came again, but I saw her in an even more horrible
state, in the midst of flames which were even more intense, and despair was
written all over her face. I was astonished to see her in a worse condition
after the prayers I had offered for her, and I asked, "Haven't my prayers
helped you?" She answered that my prayers had not helped her and that
nothing would help her. I said to her, "And the prayers which been any
help to you?" She said no, that these prayers had helped some other souls.
I replied, "If my prayers are not helping you, Sister, please stop coming
to me." She disappeared at once. Despite this, I kept on praying.<br />
<br />
After some time she came back again to me during the night, but already her
appearance had changed. There were no longer any flames, as there had been
before, and her face was radiant, her eyes beaming with joy. She told me that I
had a true love for my neighbor and that many other souls had profited from my
prayers. She urged me not to cease praying for the souls in purgatory, and she
added that she herself would not remain there much longer. How astounding are
the decrees of God!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness and Temptations <br />
<br />
77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When
people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from
it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will, to
remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me that I
was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely impossible
for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I felt in my
soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill it. I began to
suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my utter
powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to meditate in
this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of what I had
read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered the
chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an
aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not profiting
from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor that I
frequented them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I could
follow and my very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me that these
were trials sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not only was I not
offending God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a sign," he
told me, "that God loves you very much and that He has great confidence in
you, since He is sending you such trials." But these words brought me no
comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15] It
seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible thought
for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other thoughts
came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why mortify and
annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to sacrifice and
immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good is it - if I am
already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God alone knew what
was going on in my heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[39]</span></a> <br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow? <br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment? <br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege. <br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value? <br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the Church,
in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake to
strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?" <br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state. <br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them. <br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue? <br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage. <br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God. <br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern? <br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been
accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which
may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to
the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we
may receive for work or even any annuity. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment? <br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell
or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an
object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give
to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by
negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to
another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where the
vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they? <br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with necessities
(this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with things of
inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment, etc., and
to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity <br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow? <br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin? <br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind. <br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue? <br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved? <br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body. <br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a
grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors. <br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious? <br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and without
merit. <br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience? <br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our disobedience.
<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow? <br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence. <br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience <br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of
the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it
or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul which is particularly loved
by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such as
God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of God's
presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it must
fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's vigilance
is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place to coldness
and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual exercises; it cannot
pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which it had just begun to
pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no satisfaction. God has
hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation in creatures, nor can
any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The soul craves passionately
for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense God's justice; it seems to
it that it has lost all the gifts that God had given it; its mind is dimmed,
and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment begins. The soul tries to explain
its state to the confessor, but it is not understood and is assailed by an even
greater unrest. Satan begins his work.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers
under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God
by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and
love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul
in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would
be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in
its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It sees
what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh,
it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced
confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make
every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for
the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the
precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to
a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and
which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own
plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for
His future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried.
But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials,
the complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of
Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected,
becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It
pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul
no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of
everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned.
This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">101 Jesus, You alone know how the soul, engulfed in
darkness, moans in the midst of these torments and, despite all this, thirsts
for God as burning lips thirst for water. It dies and withers; it dies a death
without death; that is to say, it cannot die. All its efforts come to nothing;
it is under a powerful hand. Now the soul comes under the power of the Just
One. All exterior temptations cease; all that surrounds it becomes silent, like
a dying person who loses contact with everything around it: the person's entire
soul is in the hand of the Just God, the Thrice-Holy God,-rejected for all
eternity! This is the culminating moment, and God alone can test a soul in this
way, because He alone knows what the soul can endure.<br />
<br />
When the soul has been saturated through and through by this infernal fire, it
is, as it were, cast headlong into great despair. My soul experienced this
moment when I was all alone in my cell. When my soul began to sink into this
despair, I felt that the end was near. But I seized my little crucifix and
clutched it tightly in my hand. And now I felt my body separate itself from my
soul; and though I wanted to go to my Superiors, I no longer had the physical
strength. I uttered my last words: "I trust in Your Mercy!"-and it
seemed to me that I provoked God to an even greater anger. And now I was
drowned in despair, and all that was left me was a moan of unadulterated pain
which, from time to time, tore itself from my soul. The soul is in agony-and it
seemed to me that I would remain in this state, because by my own strength I
could not emerge from it. Every recollection of God opened up an unspeakable
ocean of suffering, and yet despite this there is something within the soul
which is drawn to Him, though it seems to her for this only-that she suffer
more. The memory of the love with which God formerly surrounded it is still
another kind of suffering. His gaze pierces it, and everything within the soul
is burned by this gaze. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">116 My Jesus, You know what my soul
goes through at the recollection of these sufferings. I have often marvelled
that the angels and saints hold their peace at the sight of a soul suffering
like that. Yet they have special love for us at such moments. My soul has often
cried out after God, as a little child who cries as loudly as he can when his
mother covers her face and he cannot recognize her. O my Jesus, honor and glory
to You for these trials of love! Great and incomprehensible is your mercy. All
that You intended for my soul, O Lord, is steeped in Your mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">118 The tongue is a small member,
but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence will never attain
holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not delude
herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for then
she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has to
have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an
interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great
deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be
constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable damage is done by the breach
of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our neighbor, but even more to our own
selves.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In my opinion, and according to my
experience, the rule concerning silence should stand in the very first place.
God does not give himself to a chattering soul which, like a drone in a
beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty inside.
It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A deeper interior
life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells, is quite
out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of inner
silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others. I have seen
many souls in the depths of hell for not having kept their silence; they told
me so themselves when I asked them what was the cause of their undoing. These
were souls of religious. My God, what an agony it is to think that not only
might they have been in heaven, but they might even have become saints! O
Jesus, have mercy!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">140 Pure love is capable of great
deeds, and it is not broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains strong in
the midst of great difficulties, so too it perseveres in the toilsome and drab
life of each day. It knows that only one thing is needed to please God: to do
even the smallest things out of great love-love, and always love.<br />
<br />
Pure love never errs. Its light is strangely plentiful. It will not do anything
that might displease God. It is ingenious at doing what is more pleasing to
God, and no one will equal it. It is happy when it can empty itself and burn
like a pure offering. The more it gives of itself, the happier it is. But also,
no one can sense dangers from afar as can love; it knows how to unmask and also
knows with whom it has to deal.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">147 I recall that
I have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate before
the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent. During that
time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even though I had
the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles to praying in
such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and persevere in
prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with exterior and
interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are discouragement, dryness,
heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior difficulties are human
respect and time; one must observe the time set apart for prayer. This has been
my personal experience because, when I did not pray at the time assigned for
prayer, later on I could not do it because of my duties; or if I did manage to
do so, this was only with great difficulty, because my thoughts kept wandering
off to my duties. I also experienced this difficulty: when a soul has prayed
well and left prayer in a state of profound interior recollection, others
resist its recollection; and so, the soul must be patient to persevere in
prayer. It often happened to me that when my soul was more deeply immersed in
God, and I had derived greater fruit from prayer, and God's presence
accompanied me during the day, and at work there was more recollection and
greater precision and effort at my duty, this was precisely when I received the
most rebukes for being negligent in my duty and indifferent to everything;
because less recollected souls want others to be like them, for they are a
constant [source of] remorse to them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">156 +Once, l desired very much to
receive Holy Communion, but I had a certain doubt, and I did not go. I suffered
greatly because of this. It seemed to me that my heart would burst from the
pain. When I set about my work, my heart full of bitterness, Jesus suddenly
stood by me and said,<b> My daughter, do not omit Holy Communion unless you
know well that your fall was serious; apart from this, no doubt must stop you
from uniting yourself with Me in the mystery of My love. Your minor faults will
disappear in My love like a piece of straw thrown into a great furnace. Know
that you grieve Me much when you fail to receive Me in Holy Communion.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">163 JMJ The Year 1937 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General Exercises</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O Most Holy Trinity! As many times
as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood
pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your
mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+I want to be completely transformed
into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of
all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart
and soul to my neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be
merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for
what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my ears may be
merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be indifferent
to their pains and moaning. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so
that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort
and forgiveness for all.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my hands may
be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my
neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my feet may be
merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue
and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my heart may
be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will
refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will
abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of
Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest
upon me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+You yourself command me to exercise
the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The
second: the word of mercy-if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist
by my words. The third: prayer-if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can
always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach
out physically.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O my Jesus, transform me into
Yourself, for you can do all things.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">173 Satan's temptations during meditation. I felt a strange
fear that the priest would not</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">understand me, or that he would have no time to hear
everything I would have to say. How am I going to tell him all this? If it were
Father Bukowski I could do it more easily, but this Jesuit whom I am seeing for
the first time... Then I remembered Father Bukowski's advice that I should at
least take brief notes of the lights sent to me by God during the retreats and
give him at least a brief report on them. My God, for a day and a half all has
gone well, and now a life and death struggle is beginning. The conference is to
start in a half hour, and then I am to go to confession. Satan tried to
persuade me into believing that if my superiors have told me that my inner life
is an illusion, why should I ask again and trouble the confessor? Didn't MX
[probably Mother Jane] tell you that the Lord Jesus does not commune with souls
as miserable as yours? This confessor is going to tell you the same thing. Why
speak to him about all this? These are not sins, and Mother X, told you that
all this communing with the Lord Jesus was daydreaming and pure hysteria. So
why tell it to this confessor? You would do better to dismiss all this as
illusions. Look how many humiliations you have suffered because of them, and
how many more are still awaiting you, and all the sisters know that you are a
hysteric. "Jesus!" I called out with all the strength of my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">216 We have come to Cracow today
[April 18, 1933]. What a joy it is to find myself again where I took my first
steps in the spiritual life! Dear Mother Directress [Mary Joseph] is ever the
same, cheerful and full of love of neighbor. I entered the chapel for a moment
and joy filled my soul. In a flash I recalled the whole ocean of graces that
had been given me as a novice here.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">229 +At the beginning of the
retreat, Jesus told me, <b>During this retreat, I myself will direct your soul.
I want to confirm you in peace and love. </b>And so the first few days passed
by. On the fourth day, doubts began to trouble me: Is not this tranquillity of
mine false? Then I heard these words, <b>My daughter, imagine that you are the
sovereign of all the world and have the power to dispose of all things
according to your good pleasure. You have the power to do all the good you
want, and suddenly a little child knocks on your door, all trembling and in
tears and, trusting in your kindness, asks for a piece of bread lest he die of
starvation. What would you do for this child? Answer Me, </b>my daughter. And I
said, "Jesus, I would give the child all it asked and a thousand times
more. "And the Lord said to me,<b> That is how I am treating your soul. In
this retreat I am giving you, not only peace, but also such a disposition of
soul that even if you wanted to experience uneasiness you could not do so. My
love has taken possession of your soul, and I want you to be confirmed in it.
Bring your ear close to My Heart, forget everything else, and meditate upon My
wondrous mercy. My love will give you the strength and courage you need in
these matters.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">241 Love of neighbor. First:
Helpfulness towards the sisters. Second: Do not speak about those who are
absent, and defend the good name of my neighbor. Third: Rejoice in the success
of others.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">267 Jesus told me that I please Him
best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light
falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the
Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon the Passion of Jesus, I get a clear
understanding of many things I could not comprehend before. I want to resemble
You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint upon my
heart and soul Your own humility. I love You, Jesus, to the point of madness,
You who were crushed with suffering as described by the prophet [cf. Isaiah
53:2-9], as if he could not see the human form in You because of Your great
suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus, that I love You to the point of
madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has love done to You?...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">275 Jesus loves hidden souls. A
hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior of my
soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus. In difficult and painful moments,
O my Creator, I sing You a hymn of trust, for bottomless is the abyss of my
trust in You and in Your mercy!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden
Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget
yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in
the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of
happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O
Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all
understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I
cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the
Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They
admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given
us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the
veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn
me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">279 God made known to me what true
love consists in and gave light to me about how, in practice, to give proof of
it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying out God's will. To show God
our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must spring from our
love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you please Me most by
suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter, do
not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering to be
pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach yourself, not only from creatures,
but also from yourself. My daughter, I want to delight in the love of your
heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished, untarnished. The more you will come
to love suffering, My daughter, the purer your love for Me will be.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">281 I feel certain that my mission
will not come to an end upon my death, but will begin. O doubting souls, I will
draw aside for you the veils of heaven to convince you of God's goodness, so
that you will no longer continue to wound with your distrust the sweetest Heart
of Jesus. God is Love and Mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Heart was moved by great mercy towards
you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain
you suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that
I give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My
Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention.
I lift up the humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">283 I want to love You as no human
soul has ever loved You before; and although I am utterly miserable and small,
I have nevertheless cast the anchor of my trust deep down into the abyss of
Your mercy, O my God and Creator! In spite of my great misery I fear nothing,
but hope to sing You a hymn of glory forever. Let no soul, even the most
miserable, fall prey to doubt; for, as long as one is alive, each one can
become a great saint, so great is the power of God's grace. It remains only for
us not to oppose God's action. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">287 +My Jesus, when I look at this
life of souls, I see that many of them serve You with some mistrust. At certain
times, especially when there is an opportunity to show their love for God, I
see them running away from the battlefield. And once Jesus said to me, <b>Do
you, my child, also want to act like that? </b>I answered the Lord, "Oh,
no, my Jesus, I will not retreat from the battlefield, even if mortal sweat
breaks out on my brow; I will not let the sword fall from my hand until I rest
at the feet of the Holy Trinity!" Whatever I do, I do not rely on my own
strength, but on God's grace. With God's grace a soul can overcome the greatest
difficulties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord said to me, Act
like a beggar who does not back away when he gets more alms [than he asked
for], but offers thanks the more fervently. You too should not back away and
say that you are not worthy of receiving greater graces when I give them to
you. I know you are unworthy, but rejoice all the more and take as many
treasures from My Heart as you can carry, for then you will please Me more. And
I will tell you one more thing: Take these graces not only for yourself, but also
for others; that is, encourage the souls with whom you come in contact to trust
in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those souls who have complete confidence
in Me. I will do everything for them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">296 +O Supreme Good, I want to love
You as no one on earth has ever loved You before! I want to adore You with
every moment of my life and unite my will closely to Your holy will. My life is
not drab or monotonous, but it is varied like a garden of fragrant flowers, so
that I don't know which flower to pick first, the lily of suffering or the rose
of love of neighbor or the violet of humility. I will not enumerate these
treasures in which my every day abounds. It is a great thing to know how to
make use of the present moment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">343 True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering.
Jesus, I thank You for the little daily crosses, for opposition to my
endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the misinterpretation of my
intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in which
we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for
self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for
the upsetting of all my plans.<br />
<br />
Thank You, Jesus, for interior sufferings, for dryness of spirit, for terrors,
fears and incertitudes, for the darkness and the deep interior night, for
temptations and various ordeals, for torments too difficult to describe,
especially for those which no one will understand, for the hour of death with
its fierce struggle and all its bitterness.<br />
<br />
I thank You, Jesus, You who first drank the cup of bitterness before You gave
it to me, in a much milder form. I put my lips to this cup of Your holy will.
Let all be done according to Your good pleasure; let that which Your wisdom
ordained before the ages be done to me. I want to drink the cup to its last
drop, and not seek to know the reason why. In bitterness is my joy, in
hopelessness is my trust. In You, O Lord, all is good, all is a gift of Your
paternal Heart. I do not prefer consolations over bitterness or bitterness over
consolations, but thank You, O Jesus, for everything! It is my delight to fix
my gaze upon You, O incomprehensible God! My spirit abides in these mysterious
dwelling places, and there I am at home. I know very well the dwelling place of
my Spouse. I feel there is not a single drop of blood in me that does not burn
with love for You.<br />
<br />
O Uncreated Beauty, whoever comes to know You once cannot love anything else. I
can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God
himself. I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a
bottomless ocean.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">375 Particular interior practice;
that is, the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. The denial of my reason.
Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. The denial of my will. Doing the
will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to me and
which is contained in the rule of our order.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. The denial of my judgment.
Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all orders
given by those who represent God to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. The denial of my tongue. I will
not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give it
complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I receive
Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue that I may
not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest respect for the
rule which speaks about silence.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">383 At the beginning of the retreat,
I saw, on the ceiling of the chapel, Jesus nailed to the Cross. He was looking
at the sisters with great love, but not at all of them. There were three
sisters at whom Jesus looked severely, for what reasons I do not know. I only
know what a terrible thing it is to meet with such a look, which is the look of
a severe Judge. That look was not directed at me, and yet I was paralyzed with
terror. I still tremble as I write these words. I did not dare to say so much as
a single word to Jesus. My physical strength failed me, and I thought I would
not live to the end of the conference. The next day, I saw the same thing
again, just as I had seen it the first time, and this time I dared to speak
these words: "Jesus, how great is Your mercy!"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the third day, that gaze of great
kindness upon all the sisters, except the three, was again repeated. I gathered
up my courage, which drew its force from love of neighbor, and I said to the
Lord, "You, who are Mercy Itself, as You yourself told me, I beg You by
the power of Your mercy, to look then with kindness at these three sisters as
well. And if this is not in accord with Your wisdom, I ask You for an exchange:
turn to them the kind look meant for my soul, and let Your severe gaze at their
souls be turned on me." Jesus then said to me these words: My daughter,
for the sake of your sincere and generous love, I grant them many graces
although they are not asking Me for them. But I am doing so because of the
promise I have made to you. And at that moment, He turned a merciful look
towards those three sisters as well. My heart leapt with joy to see the
goodness of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">531 November 24, 1935. Sunday, first
day. I went at once before the Blessed Sacrament and offered myself with Jesus,
present in the Most Holy Sacrament, to the Everlasting Father. Then I heard
these words in my soul:<b> Your purpose and that of your companions is to unite
yourselves with Me as closely as possible; through love You will reconcile
earth with heaven, you will soften the just anger of God, and you will plead
for mercy for the world. I place in your care two pearls very precious to My
Heart: these are the souls of priests and religious. You will pray particularly
for them; their power will come from your diminishment. You will join prayers,
fasts, mortifications, labors and all sufferings to My prayer, fasting,
mortification, labors and sufferings and then they will have power before My
Father.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">542 Postulancy. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#108" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[108]</span></a> Age of admission: any person between the
ages of fifteen and thirty. Firstly, the spirit with which the candidate is
imbued and her character are to be taken into consideration, whether she has a
strong will and the courage to follow in Jesus' footsteps with joy and
gladness, as God loves a cheerful giver. She must despise the world and
herself. The lack of a dowry will never be an obstacle to admission. All
formalities concerning the candidate must be clear; no complicated cases should
be admitted.<br />
<br />
Melancholy persons, those disposed to sadness, those suffering from contagious
diseases, those of an unstable character and those who are inclined to be
suspicious of others are not adaptable to the religious life and must not be
admitted. Members should be selected with greatest care, as one ill-fitting
member is enough to throw the whole convent into confusion. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">549 Work. As poor persons, the nuns
themselves will do all the work in the convent. Each one should be glad when
she is given some work which is humbling or which goes against her nature, as
that will greatly help her interior formation. The superior will often change
the sisters' duties, and in this way help them to detach themselves completely
from the little details to which women have a great attachment. Truly, I often
find it amusing to see with my own eyes souls who have forsaken really great
things only to attach themselves to fiddle faddle; that is, trifles. Each
sister, including even the superior, shall work in the kitchen for a month.
Every one should take a turn at every chore which is to be done in the convent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">570 On one occasion, I saw Jesus in
a bright garment; this was in the greenhouse. [He said to me,] <b>Write what I
say to you. My delight is to be united with you. With great desire, I wait and
long for the time when I shall take up My residence sacramentally in your
convent. My spirit will rest in that convent and I will bless its neighborhood
in a special way. Out of love for you all, I will avert any punishments which
are rightly meted out by My Father's justice. My daughter, I have inclined My
heart to your requests. Your assignment and duty here on earth is to beg for
mercy for the whole world. No soul will be justified until it turns with
confidence to My mercy, and this is why the first Sunday after Easter is to be
the Feast of Mercy. On that day, priests are to tell everyone about My great
and unfathomable mercy. I am making you the administrator of My mercy. Tell the
confessor that the Image is to be on view in the church and not within the
enclosure in that convent. By means of this Image I shall be granting many
graces to souls; so let every soul have access to it.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">571 O my Jesus, Eternal Truth, I
fear nothing, neither hardships nor sufferings; I fear only one thing, and that
is to offend You. My Jesus, I would rather not exist than make You sad. Jesus,
You know that my love knows no one but You. My soul is absorbed in You.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">576 O Holy Trinity, Eternal God, my
spirit is drowned in Your beauty. The ages are as nothing in Your sight. You
are always the same. Oh, how great is Your majesty. Jesus, why do You conceal
Your majesty, why have You left Your heavenly throne and dwelt among us? The
Lord answered me, <b>My daughter, love has brought Me here, and love keeps Me
here. My daughter, if you knew what great merit and reward is earned by one act
of pure love for Me, you would die of joy. I am saying this that you may
constantly unite yourself with Me through love, for this is the goal of the life
of your soul. This act is an act of the will. Know that a pure soul is humble.
When you lower and empty yourself before My majesty, I then pursue you with My
graces and make use of My omnipotence to exalt you</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">580 On a certain occasion, the Lord
said to me,<b> I am more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of chosen
souls than by the sins of those living in the world.</b> It made me very sad
that chosen souls make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told me, <b>These little
imperfections are not all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart: what I
suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so many graces is My
Heart's constant food, on the part of [such] a chosen soul. Their love is
lukewarm, and My Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them. Others
distrust My goodness and have no desire to experience that sweet intimacy in
their own hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the distance, and do not find
Me. This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. If My death has not
convinced you of My love, what will? Often a soul wounds Me mortally, and then
no one can comfort Me. They use My graces to offend Me. There are souls who
despise My graces as well as all the proofs of My love. They do not wish to
hear My call, but proceed into the abyss of hell. The loss of these souls
plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I am, I cannot help such a soul
because it scorns Me; having a free will, it can spurn Me or love Me. You, who
are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world about My goodness, and thus
you will comfort My Heart.</b> <b> </b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">590 When I receive Holy Communion, I
entreat and beg the Savior to heal my tongue, that I may never fail in love of
neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">692 + O Jesus, I understand that
Your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore I ask You to make my heart so
big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the souls living on the
face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends beyond the world, to the souls
suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward them by means of
indulgenced prayers. God's mercy is unfathomable and inexhaustible, just as God
himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use the strongest words there are to
express this mercy of God, all this would be nothing in comparison with what it
is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart sensitive to all the sufferings of my
neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O my Jesus, I know that You act toward us
as we act toward our neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Jesus, make my heart like unto
Your merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go through life doing good to everyone.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">700 + Once, when I was very tired
and in much pain, I told Mother Superior [Irene] about it and received the
answer that I should get used to suffering. I listened to everything that
Mother told me, and then I went out. Our Mother Superior has great love of
neighbor and especially great love for the sick sisters, as everyone knows. And
yet, as regards me, it is extraordinary that the Lord Jesus has permitted that
she not understand me and that she test me much in this respect.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">704 I spend every free moment at the
feet of the hidden God. He is my Master; I ask Him about everything; I speak to
Him about everything. Here I obtain strength and light; here I learn
everything; here I am given light on how to act toward my neighbor. From the
time I left the novitiate, I have enclosed myself in the tabernacle together
with Jesus, my Master. He himself drew me into the fire of living love on which
everything converges.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 My daughter, if I demand through
you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish
yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy,
which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors
always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or
absolve yourself from it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am giving you three ways of
exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word,
the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy,
and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul
glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is
the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the
worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through the
veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall grant
many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy,
because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. O my Jesus, You
yourself must help me in everything, because You see how very little I am, and
so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ Particular Examen</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Union with the merciful Christ. With
my heart I encompass the whole world, especially countries which are
uncivilized or where there is persecution. I am praying for mercy upon them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">791 Hide me, Jesus, in the depths of
Your mercy, and then let my neighbor judge me as he pleases.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">856 During the morning meditation, I
felt an aversion and a repugnance for all created things. Everything pales
before my eyes; my spirit is detached from all things. I desire only God
himself, and yet I must live. This is a martyrdom beyond description. God
imparts himself to the soul in a loving way and draws it into the infinite
depths of His divinity, but at the same time He leaves it here on earth for the
sole purpose that it might suffer and die of longing for Him. And this strong
love is so pure that God himself finds pleasure in it; and self-love has no
access to its deeds, for here everything is totally saturated with bitterness,
and thus is totally pure. Life is a continuous dying, painful and terrible, and
at the same time it is the depth of true life and of inconceivable happiness
and the strength of the soul; and because of this, [the soul] is capable of
great deeds for the sake of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">861 Particular examen: remains the
same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful Christ (that is; what would
Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit, to embrace the whole world,
especially Russia and Spain.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General resolutions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. Strict observance of silence -
interior silence. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. To see the image of God in every
sister; all love of neighbor must flow from this motive. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. To do the will of God
faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by this. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. To give a faithful account of
everything to the spiritual director and not to undertake anything of
importance without a clear understanding with him. I shall try to clearly lay
bare to him the most secret depths of my soul, bearing in mind that I am
dealing with God himself, and that His representative is just a human being,
and so I must pray daily that he be given light. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">V. During the evening examination of
conscience, I am to ask myself the question: What if He were to call me today? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VI. Not to look for God far away,
but within my own being to abide with Him alone. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VII. In sufferings and torments, to
take refuge in the tabernacle and to be silent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VIII. To join all sufferings,
prayers, works and mortifications to the merits of Jesus in order to obtain
mercy for the world. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IX. To use free moments, however
short, for prayers for the dying. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">X. There must not be a day in my
life when I do not recommend to the Lord the works of our Congregation. Never
have regard for what others think of you [for human respect]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XI. Have no familiar relationships
with anyone. Gentle firmness toward the girls, boundless patience; punish them
severely but with such punishments as these: prayer and self-sacrifice. The
strength that is in the emptying of myself for their sake is for them a [source
of] constant remorse and the softening of their obdurate hearts. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XII. The presence of God is the
basis of all my thoughts, words and deeds.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XIII. To take advantage of all
spiritual help. To always put self-love in its proper place; namely, the last.
To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were doing them for the last time
in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my duties. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">871 + My Master, cause my heart
never to expect help from anyone, but I will always strive to bring assistance,
consolation and all manner of relief to others. My heart is always open to the
sufferings of others; and I will not close my heart to the sufferings of
others, even though because of this I have been scornfully nicknamed "dump";
that is, [because] everyone dumps his pain into my heart. [To this] I answered
that everyone has a place in my heart and I, in return, have a place in the
Heart of Jesus. Taunts regarding the law of love will not narrow my heart. My
soul is always sensitive on this point, and Jesus alone is the motive for my
love of neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">944 + There are moments when I
mistrust myself, when I feel my own weakness and wretchedness in the most
profound depths of my own being, and I have noticed that I can endure such
moments only by trusting in the infinite mercy of God. Patience, prayer and
silence-these are what give strength to the soul. There are moments when one
should be silent, and when it would be inappropriate to talk with creatures;
these are the moments when one is dissatisfied with oneself, and when the soul
feels as weak as a little child. Then the soul clings to God with all its
might. At such times, I live solely by faith, and when I feel strengthened by
God's grace, then I am more courageous in speaking and communicating with my
neighbors.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1039 + I suffer great pain at the
sight of the sufferings of others. All these sufferings are reflected in my
heart. I carry their torments in my heart so that it even wears me out
physically. I would like all pains to fall upon me so as to bring relief to my
neighbor. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1662 + O Christ, suffering for You
is the delight of my heart and my soul. Prolong my sufferings to infinity, that
I may give You a proof of my love. I accept everything that Your hand will hold
out to me. Your love, Jesus, is enough for me. I will glorify You in
abandonment and darkness, in agony and fear, in pain and bitterness, in anguish
of spirit and grief of heart. In all things may You be blessed. My heart is so
detached from the earth, that You Yourself are enough for me. There is no
longer any moment in my life for self concern.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1663 Holy Thursday [April 14, 1938]. Today I
felt strong enough to take part in the ceremonies of the Church. During Holy
Mass, Jesus stood before me and said, Look into My Heart and see there the love
and mercy which I have for humankind, and especially for sinners. Look, and
enter into My Passion. In an instant, I experienced and lived through the whole
Passion of Jesus in my own heart. I was surprised that these tortures did not
deprive me of my life. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1664 During adoration, Jesus said to
me, My daughter, know that your ardent love and the compassion you have for Me
were a consolation to Me in the Garden [of Olives]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1665 During Holy Hour in the
evening, I heard the words, You see My mercy for sinners, which at this moment
is revealing itself in all its power. See how little you have written about it;
it is only a single drop. Do what is in your power, so that sinners may come to
know My goodness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1702 Towards the end of the Way of
the Cross which I was making, the Lord Jesus began to complain about the souls
of religious and priests, about the lack of love in chosen souls. <b>I will
allow convents and churches to be destroyed.</b> I answered, "Jesus, but
there are so many souls praising You in convents." The Lord answered, <b>That
praise wounds My Heart, because love has been banished from convents. Souls
without love and without devotion, souls full of egoism and self-love, souls
full of pride and arrogance, souls full of deceit and hypocrisy, lukewarm souls
who have just enough warmth to keep them alive: My Heart cannot bear this. All
the graces that I pour out upon them flow off them as off the face of a rock. I
cannot stand them, because they are neither good or bad. I called convents into
being to sanctify the world through them. It is from them that a powerful flame
of love and sacrifice should burst forth. And if they do not repent and become
enkindled by their first love, I will deliver them over to the fate of this
world...<br />
<br />
How can they sit on the promised throne of judgment to judge the world, when
their guilt is greater than the guilt of the world? There is neither penance
nor atonement. O heart, which received Me in the morning and at noon are all
ablaze with hatred against Me, hatred of all sorts! O heart specially chosen by
Me, were you chosen for this, to give Me more pain? The great sins of the world
are superficial wounds on My Heart, but the sins of a chosen soul pierce My
Heart through and through...</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1703 When I tried to intercede for
them, I could find nothing with which to excuse them and, being at the time
unable to think of anything in their defense, my heart was seized with pain,
and I wept bitterly. Then the Lord looked at me kindly and comforted me with
these words:<b> Do not cry. There are still a great number of souls who love Me
very much, but My Heart desires to be loved by all and, because My love is
great, that is why I warn and chastise them. </b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1743 + God's Infinite Goodness in
Creating Mankind.<br />
<br />
God, who in Your mercy have deigned to call man from nothingness into being,
generously have You bestowed upon him nature and grace. But that seemed too
little for Your infinite goodness. In Your mercy, O Lord, You have given us
everlasting life. You admit us to Your everlasting happiness and grant us to
share in Your interior life. And You do this solely out of Your mercy. You
bestow on us the gift of Your grace, only because You are good and full of
love. You had no need of us at all to be happy, but You, O Lord, want to share
Your own happiness with us. But man did not stand the test. You could have
punished him, like the angels, with eternal rejection, but here Your mercy
appeared, and the very depths of Your being were moved with great compassion,
and You promised to restore our salvation. It is an incomprehensible abyss of
Your compassion that You did not punish us as we deserved. May Your mercy be
glorified, O Lord; we will praise it for endless ages. And the angels were
amazed at the greatness of the mercy which You have shown for mankind...
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ God's Infinite Goodness in
Redeeming Man. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1747 God, You could have saved
thousands of worlds with one word; a single sigh from Jesus would have
satisfied Your justice. But You Yourself, Jesus, purely out of love for us,
underwent such a terrible Passion. Your Father's justice would have been
propitiated with a single sigh from You, and all Your self-abasement is solely
the work of Your mercy and Your inconceivable love. On leaving the earth, O
Lord, You wanted to stay with us, and so You left us Yourself in the Sacrament
of the Altar, and You opened wide Your mercy to us. There is no misery that
could exhaust You; You have called us all to this fountain of love, to this
spring of God's compassion. Here is the tabernacle of Your mercy, here is the
remedy for all our ills. To You, O living spring of mercy, all souls are drawn;
some like deer, thirsting for Your love, others to wash the wound of their
sins, and still others, exhausted by life, to draw strength. At the moment of
Your death on the Cross, You bestowed upon us eternal life; allowing Your most
holy side to be opened, You opened an inexhaustible spring of mercy for us,
giving us Your dearest possession, the Blood and Water from Your Heart. Such is
the omnipotence of Your mercy. From it all grace flows to us.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1754<b> Consider, My daughter, Who
it is to whom your heart is so closely united by the vows. Before I made the
world, I loved you with the love your heart is experiencing today and,
throughout the centuries, My love will never change</b>.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1758 <b>My daughter, consider the
life of God which is found in the Church for the salvation and the
sanctification of your soul. Consider the use that you make of these treasures
of grace, of these efforts of My love</b>. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-57-58, 77, 93, 96-98, 101, 116, 118)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-140, 147, 156, 163, 178, 186-187, 216)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-229, 241, 267, 275, 278-279, 281, 287)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-282-283, 294, 296, 343, 375, 383)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-531, 542, 549, 570-571, 576, 580, 590)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-692, 700, 704, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-791, 856, 861, 871, 944)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1029, 1039)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1662-1663)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1701-1703,
1743, 1747, 1754, 1758)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-20670568610458841882020-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-13T08:20:27.828-08:00Immutable-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Immutable </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 14, 2020.
Memorial of </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Saint Cyril,
Monk and Methodius, Bishop</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 7:31-37</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus left the
district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the
district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had
a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him
off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s
ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and
groaned, and said to him, “<i>Ephphatha</i>!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And
immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed,
and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more
he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were
exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He
makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory
Prayer: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I truly sense Your love in my heart. I hope in You, for You
have won my confidence by revealing Your sacrificial love to me. I love
You, Lord, and I wish to be a witness of Your love to all.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, open my
heart to Your love so I may be a convincing witness to the world that Your
love exists.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Who Would I Be
if I Did Not Have the Faith? </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We can be so familiar with and
immersed in our Catholic heritage that we take for granted the truths we have
received from our Catholic Church, much like most of us take for granted our
ability to hear or speak. Today’s Gospel gives us an opportunity to
contemplate a man who from birth did not enjoy either of these common
faculties. There are people who cannot embrace Jesus’ revelation not
because it isn’t given, but because they are not prepared to receive
it. Let us rejoice in the grace we have received and honor it with our
fidelity. What type of person would I be (or soon become) if I didn’t
have the gift of faith to support, guide or mold my values?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Christ Is the
Revelation of the Father and His Love: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ revealed
himself to this man, and his power gave him hearing and good speech. <b>“</b>Christ
… by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and his love, fully reveals
man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear<b><i>”</i></b>(Gaudium
et Spes, no. 22).Inasmuch as we are deaf to divine revelation we are like
this man. Unable to speak the message of the meaning of our lives, unable to
give ourselves to God and others, life just passes us by. But if God
touches our ears and tongue, if he cures and empowers us with his grace, our
lives take on a whole new direction and significance. God does touch our ears
and tongue, but we must embrace his grace and purpose in our lives.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. We Are
Witnesses to the World that Love Exists: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our Lord restored
to this man the health of his ears and tongue. Christ thus revealed to
him his real identity: <b>“</b>He, who is ‘the image of the invisible God’
(Colossians 1:15), is himself the perfect man” (Redemptor Hominis, no.
10). How difficult his life must have been before this revelation! How
hard must it have been for him to believe and love! <b>“</b>Man cannot live
without love. He remains a being that is incomprehensible for himself,
his life is senseless, if love is not revealed to him, if he does not
encounter love, if he does not experience it and make it his own, if he does
not participate intimately in it<b>” </b>(Ibid). With his health restored,
the man became an agent of God’s redemption. Who could keep him silent
now about this wonderful experience of his Savior he has had? How loved
by God this man must have felt that day when Christ restored his
health! This man believed and so he speaks! Why am I
silent? Do I not know that as a Catholic I am to be a witness to the
world that love exists? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with
Christ: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved
you!<br />
You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for
you. <br />
In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things, which you created. <br />
You were with me, but I was not with you. <br />
Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would
not have been at all. <br />
You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness.<br />
You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. <br />
You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. <br />
I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. <br />
You touched me, and I burned for your peace.<br />
<br />
(The Confessions of St. Augustine)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today, I will
share an aspect of my faith with a friend or family member.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">57 O my Jesus, You are the life of my life. You know only
too well that I long for nothing but the glory of Your Name and that souls
come to know Your goodness. Why do souls avoid You, Jesus?-I don't understand
that. Oh, if I could only cut my heart into tiny pieces and in this way offer
to You, O Jesus, each piece as a heart whole and entire, to make up in part
for the hearts that do not love You! I love You, Jesus, with every drop of my
blood, and I would gladly shed my blood for You to give You a proof of the
sincerity of my love. O God, the more I know You the less I can comprehend
You, but this "non-comprehension" lets me realize how great You
are! And it is this impossibility of comprehending You which enflames my
heart anew for You, O Lord. From the moment when You let me fix the eyes of
my soul on You, O Jesus, I have been at peace and desired nothing else. I
found my destiny at the moment when my soul lost itself in You, the only
object of my love. In comparison with you, everything is nothing. Sufferings,
adversities, humiliations, failures and suspicions that have come my way are
splinters that keep alive the fire of my love for You, O Jesus.<br />
<br />
My desires are mad and unattainable. I wish to conceal from You that I
suffer. I want never to be rewarded for my efforts and my good actions. You
yourself, Jesus, are my only reward; You are enough, O Treasure of my heart!
I want to share compassionately in the sufferings of my neighbors and to
conceal my own sufferings, not only from them, but also from You, Jesus.<br />
<br />
Suffering is a great grace; through suffering the soul becomes like the
Savior; in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering,
the purer the love.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">58
+One night, a sister who had died two months previously came to me. She was a
sister of the first choir. I saw her in a terrible condition, all in flames
with her face painfully distorted. This lasted only a short time, and then
she disappeared. A shudder went through my soul because I did not know
whether she was suffering in purgatory or in hell. Nevertheless I redoubled
my prayers for her. The next night she came again, but I saw her in an even
more horrible state, in the midst of flames which were even more intense, and
despair was written all over her face. I was astonished to see her in a worse
condition after the prayers I had offered for her, and I asked, "Haven't
my prayers helped you?" She answered that my prayers had not helped her
and that nothing would help her. I said to her, "And the prayers which
been any help to you?" She said no, that these prayers had helped some
other souls. I replied, "If my prayers are not helping you, Sister,
please stop coming to me." She disappeared at once. Despite this, I kept
on praying.<br />
<br />
After some time she came back again to me during the night, but already her
appearance had changed. There were no longer any flames, as there had been
before, and her face was radiant, her eyes beaming with joy. She told me that
I had a true love for my neighbor and that many other souls had profited from
my prayers. She urged me not to cease praying for the souls in purgatory, and
she added that she herself would not remain there much longer. How astounding
are the decrees of God!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness and Temptations <br />
<br />
77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When
people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from
it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will,
to remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me
that I was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely
impossible for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I
felt in my soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill
it. I began to suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my
utter powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to
meditate in this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of
what I had read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered
the chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an
aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not
profiting from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor
that I frequented them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I
could follow and my very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me
that these were trials sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not
only was I not offending God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a
sign," he told me, "that God loves you very much and that He has
great confidence in you, since He is sending you such trials." But these
words brought me no comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at
all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15]
It seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible
thought for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other
thoughts came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why
mortify and annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to
sacrifice and immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good
is it - if I am already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God
alone knew what was going on in my heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[39]</span></a> <br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow? <br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act.
<br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment? <br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege. <br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value? <br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the
Church, in which the members bound together in a religious community
undertake to strive always for perfection by means of the three religious
vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?" <br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of
sin, that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not
want to become perfect neglects his principal duty of state. <br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them. <br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue? <br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the
virtue goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the
other hand, by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage. <br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to
submit ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in
force; thus the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing
every right over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service
of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property
or to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God. <br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern? <br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We
have no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has
been accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents,
which may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by
right to the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any
wages we may receive for work or even any annuity. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment? <br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we
sell or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of
an object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we
give to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When
by negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house
to another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where
the vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we
make use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and
what are they? <br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with
necessities (this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with
things of inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing,
nourishment, etc., and to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice
in extreme poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity <br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the
sixth and ninth commandments. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow? <br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin? <br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the
acquiescence of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the
mind. <br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue? <br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved? <br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God,
and moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth,
a holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the
monastic body. <br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to
his legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the
rule. The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in
virtue of these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious
commits a grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in
virtue of obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors. <br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious? <br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if
he were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil
and without merit. <br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience? <br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior,
or when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our
disobedience. <br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow? <br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence. <br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience <br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To
facilitate obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always
to see God in our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the
order or advice of the superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without
examining it or reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is
difficult for the humble.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul which is particularly
loved by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such
as God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of
God's presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it
must fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's
vigilance is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place
to coldness and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual
exercises; it cannot pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which
it had just begun to pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no
satisfaction. God has hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation
in creatures, nor can any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The
soul craves passionately for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense
God's justice; it seems to it that it has lost all the gifts that God had
given it; its mind is dimmed, and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment
begins. The soul tries to explain its state to the confessor, but it is not
understood and is assailed by an even greater unrest. Satan begins his work.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith
staggers under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to
cling to God by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even
further: hope and love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible.
God supports the soul in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this,
but otherwise it would be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well
how much He can allow to befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in
respect to revealed truths and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan
says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why speak about all
this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it seems to the soul
that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does not want to see.
It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a terrible thing at
times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The soul carries the
whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to find, if it is
at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can collapse under
the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these trials are
heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not already
been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet tasted the
divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for us are
impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future designs
and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is not
yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the complete
abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of
Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though
it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon
God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely
abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but
one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries
to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as
this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds
itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a
precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and
tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which
it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring
it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend
it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for
her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it
seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This
thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it
and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the
torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give
it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner.
From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will
comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst
of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will
you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our
power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows
him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of
your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the
rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by
God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve
to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The
ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks
into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has accepted
the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no words.
This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">101 Jesus, You alone know how the soul, engulfed in
darkness, moans in the midst of these torments and, despite all this, thirsts
for God as burning lips thirst for water. It dies and withers; it dies a
death without death; that is to say, it cannot die. All its efforts come to
nothing; it is under a powerful hand. Now the soul comes under the power of
the Just One. All exterior temptations cease; all that surrounds it becomes
silent, like a dying person who loses contact with everything around it: the
person's entire soul is in the hand of the Just God, the Thrice-Holy God,-rejected
for all eternity! This is the culminating moment, and God alone can test a
soul in this way, because He alone knows what the soul can endure.<br />
<br />
When the soul has been saturated through and through by this infernal fire,
it is, as it were, cast headlong into great despair. My soul experienced this
moment when I was all alone in my cell. When my soul began to sink into this
despair, I felt that the end was near. But I seized my little crucifix and
clutched it tightly in my hand. And now I felt my body separate itself from
my soul; and though I wanted to go to my Superiors, I no longer had the
physical strength. I uttered my last words: "I trust in Your
Mercy!"-and it seemed to me that I provoked God to an even greater
anger. And now I was drowned in despair, and all that was left me was a moan
of unadulterated pain which, from time to time, tore itself from my soul. The
soul is in agony-and it seemed to me that I would remain in this state,
because by my own strength I could not emerge from it. Every recollection of
God opened up an unspeakable ocean of suffering, and yet despite this there
is something within the soul which is drawn to Him, though it seems to her
for this only-that she suffer more. The memory of the love with which God
formerly surrounded it is still another kind of suffering. His gaze pierces
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">116 My Jesus, You know what my
soul goes through at the recollection of these sufferings. I have often
marvelled that the angels and saints hold their peace at the sight of a soul
suffering like that. Yet they have special love for us at such moments. My
soul has often cried out after God, as a little child who cries as loudly as
he can when his mother covers her face and he cannot recognize her. O my
Jesus, honor and glory to You for these trials of love! Great and
incomprehensible is your mercy. All that You intended for my soul, O Lord, is
steeped in Your mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">118 The tongue is a small member,
but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence will never
attain holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not delude
herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for then
she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has to
have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an
interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great
deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and
be constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable damage is done by the
breach of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our neighbor, but even more to
our own selves.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In my opinion, and according to my
experience, the rule concerning silence should stand in the very first place.
God does not give himself to a chattering soul which, like a drone in a
beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty
inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A deeper
interior life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells,
is quite out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of
inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others. I
have seen many souls in the depths of hell for not having kept their silence;
they told me so themselves when I asked them what was the cause of their
undoing. These were souls of religious. My God, what an agony it is to think
that not only might they have been in heaven, but they might even have become
saints! O Jesus, have mercy!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">140 Pure love is capable of great
deeds, and it is not broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains strong
in the midst of great difficulties, so too it perseveres in the toilsome and
drab life of each day. It knows that only one thing is needed to please God:
to do even the smallest things out of great love-love, and always love.<br />
<br />
Pure love never errs. Its light is strangely plentiful. It will not do
anything that might displease God. It is ingenious at doing what is more pleasing
to God, and no one will equal it. It is happy when it can empty itself and
burn like a pure offering. The more it gives of itself, the happier it is.
But also, no one can sense dangers from afar as can love; it knows how to
unmask and also knows with whom it has to deal.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">147 I recall
that I have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate
before the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent.
During that time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even
though I had the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles
to praying in such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and
persevere in prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with
exterior and interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are
discouragement, dryness, heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior
difficulties are human respect and time; one must observe the time set apart
for prayer. This has been my personal experience because, when I did not pray
at the time assigned for prayer, later on I could not do it because of my
duties; or if I did manage to do so, this was only with great difficulty,
because my thoughts kept wandering off to my duties. I also experienced this
difficulty: when a soul has prayed well and left prayer in a state of
profound interior recollection, others resist its recollection; and so, the
soul must be patient to persevere in prayer. It often happened to me that
when my soul was more deeply immersed in God, and I had derived greater fruit
from prayer, and God's presence accompanied me during the day, and at work
there was more recollection and greater precision and effort at my duty, this
was precisely when I received the most rebukes for being negligent in my duty
and indifferent to everything; because less recollected souls want others to
be like them, for they are a constant [source of] remorse to them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">156 +Once, l desired very much to
receive Holy Communion, but I had a certain doubt, and I did not go. I
suffered greatly because of this. It seemed to me that my heart would burst
from the pain. When I set about my work, my heart full of bitterness, Jesus
suddenly stood by me and said,<b> My daughter, do not omit Holy Communion
unless you know well that your fall was serious; apart from this, no doubt
must stop you from uniting yourself with Me in the mystery of My love. Your
minor faults will disappear in My love like a piece of straw thrown into a
great furnace. Know that you grieve Me much when you fail to receive Me in
Holy Communion.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">163 JMJ The Year 1937 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O Most Holy Trinity! As many
times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my
blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your
mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+I want to be completely
transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the
greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass
through my heart and soul to my neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may
be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look
for what is beautiful in my neighbors' souls and come to their rescue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my ears may be
merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors' needs and not be indifferent
to their pains and moaning. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful,
so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of
comfort and forgiveness for all.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my hands may
be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my
neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, that my feet may be
merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own
fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Help me, O Lord, that my heart may
be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I
will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I
know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful
Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O
Lord, rest upon me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+You yourself command me to
exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever
kind. The second: the word of mercy-if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I
will assist by my words. The third: prayer-if I cannot show mercy by deeds or
words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I
cannot reach out physically.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O my Jesus, transform me into
Yourself, for you can do all things.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">173 Satan's temptations during meditation. I felt a
strange fear that the priest would not</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">understand me, or that he would have no time to hear
everything I would have to say. How am I going to tell him all this? If it
were Father Bukowski I could do it more easily, but this Jesuit whom I am
seeing for the first time... Then I remembered Father Bukowski's advice that
I should at least take brief notes of the lights sent to me by God during the
retreats and give him at least a brief report on them. My God, for a day and
a half all has gone well, and now a life and death struggle is beginning. The
conference is to start in a half hour, and then I am to go to confession.
Satan tried to persuade me into believing that if my superiors have told me
that my inner life is an illusion, why should I ask again and trouble the
confessor? Didn't MX [probably Mother Jane] tell you that the Lord Jesus does
not commune with souls as miserable as yours? This confessor is going to tell
you the same thing. Why speak to him about all this? These are not sins, and
Mother X, told you that all this communing with the Lord Jesus was
daydreaming and pure hysteria. So why tell it to this confessor? You would do
better to dismiss all this as illusions. Look how many humiliations you have
suffered because of them, and how many more are still awaiting you, and all
the sisters know that you are a hysteric. "Jesus!" I called out
with all the strength of my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">216 We have come to Cracow today
[April 18, 1933]. What a joy it is to find myself again where I took my first
steps in the spiritual life! Dear Mother Directress [Mary Joseph] is ever the
same, cheerful and full of love of neighbor. I entered the chapel for a
moment and joy filled my soul. In a flash I recalled the whole ocean of
graces that had been given me as a novice here.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">229 +At the beginning of the
retreat, Jesus told me, <b>During this retreat, I myself will direct your
soul. I want to confirm you in peace and love. </b>And so the first few days
passed by. On the fourth day, doubts began to trouble me: Is not this
tranquillity of mine false? Then I heard these words, <b>My daughter, imagine
that you are the sovereign of all the world and have the power to dispose of
all things according to your good pleasure. You have the power to do all the
good you want, and suddenly a little child knocks on your door, all trembling
and in tears and, trusting in your kindness, asks for a piece of bread lest
he die of starvation. What would you do for this child? Answer Me, </b>my
daughter. And I said, "Jesus, I would give the child all it asked and a
thousand times more. "And the Lord said to me,<b> That is how I am
treating your soul. In this retreat I am giving you, not only peace, but also
such a disposition of soul that even if you wanted to experience uneasiness
you could not do so. My love has taken possession of your soul, and I want
you to be confirmed in it. Bring your ear close to My Heart, forget
everything else, and meditate upon My wondrous mercy. My love will give you
the strength and courage you need in these matters.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">241 Love of neighbor. First:
Helpfulness towards the sisters. Second: Do not speak about those who are
absent, and defend the good name of my neighbor. Third: Rejoice in the
success of others.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">267 Jesus told me that I please
Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much
light falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn true humility should reflect
upon the Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon the Passion of Jesus, I get a
clear understanding of many things I could not comprehend before. I want to
resemble You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint
upon my heart and soul Your own humility. I love You, Jesus, to the point of
madness, You who were crushed with suffering as described by the prophet [cf.
Isaiah 53:2-9], as if he could not see the human form in You because of Your
great suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus, that I love You to the point
of madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has love done to You?...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">275 Jesus loves hidden souls. A
hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior of my
soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus. In difficult and painful
moments, O my Creator, I sing You a hymn of trust, for bottomless is the
abyss of my trust in You and in Your mercy!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord.
Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You
forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You
carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O
mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not
returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond
all understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because
I cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy
the Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart.
They admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven
given us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away
the veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have
drawn me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">279 God made known to me what true
love consists in and gave light to me about how, in practice, to give proof
of it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying out God's will. To show
God our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must spring from
our love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you please Me most by
suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter,
do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering
to be pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach yourself, not only from
creatures, but also from yourself. My daughter, I want to delight in the love
of your heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished, untarnished. The more you
will come to love suffering, My daughter, the purer your love for Me will be.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">281 I feel certain that my mission
will not come to an end upon my death, but will begin. O doubting souls, I
will draw aside for you the veils of heaven to convince you of God's
goodness, so that you will no longer continue to wound with your distrust the
sweetest Heart of Jesus. God is Love and Mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Heart was moved by great mercy towards
you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great
pain you suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and
true that I give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and
glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes
my attention. I lift up the humble even to my very throne, because I want it
so.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">283 I want to love You as no human
soul has ever loved You before; and although I am utterly miserable and
small, I have nevertheless cast the anchor of my trust deep down into the
abyss of Your mercy, O my God and Creator! In spite of my great misery I fear
nothing, but hope to sing You a hymn of glory forever. Let no soul, even the
most miserable, fall prey to doubt; for, as long as one is alive, each one
can become a great saint, so great is the power of God's grace. It remains
only for us not to oppose God's action. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">287 +My Jesus, when I look at this
life of souls, I see that many of them serve You with some mistrust. At
certain times, especially when there is an opportunity to show their love for
God, I see them running away from the battlefield. And once Jesus said to me,
<b>Do you, my child, also want to act like that? </b>I answered the Lord,
"Oh, no, my Jesus, I will not retreat from the battlefield, even if
mortal sweat breaks out on my brow; I will not let the sword fall from my
hand until I rest at the feet of the Holy Trinity!" Whatever I do, I do
not rely on my own strength, but on God's grace. With God's grace a soul can
overcome the greatest difficulties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord said to me, <b>Act
like a beggar who does not back away when he gets more alms [than he asked
for], but offers thanks the more fervently. You too should not back away and
say that you are not worthy of receiving greater graces when I give them to
you. I know you are unworthy, but rejoice all the more and take as many
treasures from My Heart as you can carry, for then you will please Me more.
And I will tell you one more thing: Take these graces not only for yourself,
but also for others; that is, encourage the souls with whom you come in
contact to trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those souls who have
complete confidence in Me. I will do everything for them.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">296 +O Supreme Good, I want to
love You as no one on earth has ever loved You before! I want to adore You
with every moment of my life and unite my will closely to Your holy will. My
life is not drab or monotonous, but it is varied like a garden of fragrant
flowers, so that I don't know which flower to pick first, the lily of
suffering or the rose of love of neighbor or the violet of humility. I will
not enumerate these treasures in which my every day abounds. It is a great
thing to know how to make use of the present moment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">343 True love is measured by the thermometer of suffering.
Jesus, I thank You for the little daily crosses, for opposition to my
endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the misinterpretation of
my intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in
which we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of
strength, for self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in
everything, for the upsetting of all my plans.<br />
<br />
Thank You, Jesus, for interior sufferings, for dryness of spirit, for
terrors, fears and incertitudes, for the darkness and the deep interior
night, for temptations and various ordeals, for torments too difficult to
describe, especially for those which no one will understand, for the hour of
death with its fierce struggle and all its bitterness.<br />
<br />
I thank You, Jesus, You who first drank the cup of bitterness before You gave
it to me, in a much milder form. I put my lips to this cup of Your holy will.
Let all be done according to Your good pleasure; let that which Your wisdom
ordained before the ages be done to me. I want to drink the cup to its last
drop, and not seek to know the reason why. In bitterness is my joy, in
hopelessness is my trust. In You, O Lord, all is good, all is a gift of Your
paternal Heart. I do not prefer consolations over bitterness or bitterness
over consolations, but thank You, O Jesus, for everything! It is my delight
to fix my gaze upon You, O incomprehensible God! My spirit abides in these
mysterious dwelling places, and there I am at home. I know very well the
dwelling place of my Spouse. I feel there is not a single drop of blood in me
that does not burn with love for You.<br />
<br />
O Uncreated Beauty, whoever comes to know You once cannot love anything else.
I can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God
himself. I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a
bottomless ocean.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">375 Particular interior practice;
that is, the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. The denial of my reason.
Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. The denial of my will. Doing
the will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to
me and which is contained in the rule of our order.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. The denial of my judgment.
Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all
orders given by those who represent God to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. The denial of my tongue. I
will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give
it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I
receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue
that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest
respect for the rule which speaks about silence.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">383 At the beginning of the
retreat, I saw, on the ceiling of the chapel, Jesus nailed to the Cross. He
was looking at the sisters with great love, but not at all of them. There
were three sisters at whom Jesus looked severely, for what reasons I do not
know. I only know what a terrible thing it is to meet with such a look, which
is the look of a severe Judge. That look was not directed at me, and yet I
was paralyzed with terror. I still tremble as I write these words. I did not
dare to say so much as a single word to Jesus. My physical strength failed
me, and I thought I would not live to the end of the conference. The next
day, I saw the same thing again, just as I had seen it the first time, and
this time I dared to speak these words: "Jesus, how great is Your mercy!"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the third day, that gaze of
great kindness upon all the sisters, except the three, was again repeated. I
gathered up my courage, which drew its force from love of neighbor, and I
said to the Lord, "You, who are Mercy Itself, as You yourself told me, I
beg You by the power of Your mercy, to look then with kindness at these three
sisters as well. And if this is not in accord with Your wisdom, I ask You for
an exchange: turn to them the kind look meant for my soul, and let Your
severe gaze at their souls be turned on me." Jesus then said to me these
words: My daughter, for the sake of your sincere and generous love, I grant
them many graces although they are not asking Me for them. But I am doing so
because of the promise I have made to you. And at that moment, He turned a
merciful look towards those three sisters as well. My heart leapt with joy to
see the goodness of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">531 November 24, 1935. Sunday,
first day. I went at once before the Blessed Sacrament and offered myself
with Jesus, present in the Most Holy Sacrament, to the Everlasting Father.
Then I heard these words in my soul:<b> Your purpose and that of your
companions is to unite yourselves with Me as closely as possible; through
love You will reconcile earth with heaven, you will soften the just anger of
God, and you will plead for mercy for the world. I place in your care two
pearls very precious to My Heart: these are the souls of priests and
religious. You will pray particularly for them; their power will come from
your diminishment. You will join prayers, fasts, mortifications, labors and
all sufferings to My prayer, fasting, mortification, labors and sufferings
and then they will have power before My Father.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">542 Postulancy. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#108" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[108]</span></a> Age of admission: any person between the
ages of fifteen and thirty. Firstly, the spirit with which the candidate is
imbued and her character are to be taken into consideration, whether she has
a strong will and the courage to follow in Jesus' footsteps with joy and
gladness, as God loves a cheerful giver. She must despise the world and
herself. The lack of a dowry will never be an obstacle to admission. All
formalities concerning the candidate must be clear; no complicated cases
should be admitted.<br />
<br />
Melancholy persons, those disposed to sadness, those suffering from
contagious diseases, those of an unstable character and those who are
inclined to be suspicious of others are not adaptable to the religious life
and must not be admitted. Members should be selected with greatest care, as
one ill-fitting member is enough to throw the whole convent into
confusion. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">549 Work. As poor persons, the
nuns themselves will do all the work in the convent. Each one should be glad
when she is given some work which is humbling or which goes against her
nature, as that will greatly help her interior formation. The superior will
often change the sisters' duties, and in this way help them to detach
themselves completely from the little details to which women have a great
attachment. Truly, I often find it amusing to see with my own eyes souls who
have forsaken really great things only to attach themselves to fiddle faddle;
that is, trifles. Each sister, including even the superior, shall work in the
kitchen for a month. Every one should take a turn at every chore which is to
be done in the convent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">570 On one occasion, I saw Jesus
in a bright garment; this was in the greenhouse. [He said to me,] <b>Write
what I say to you. My delight is to be united with you. With great desire, I
wait and long for the time when I shall take up My residence sacramentally in
your convent. My spirit will rest in that convent and I will bless its
neighborhood in a special way. Out of love for you all, I will avert any
punishments which are rightly meted out by My Father's justice. My daughter,
I have inclined My heart to your requests. Your assignment and duty here on
earth is to beg for mercy for the whole world. No soul will be justified
until it turns with confidence to My mercy, and this is why the first Sunday
after Easter is to be the Feast of Mercy. On that day, priests are to tell
everyone about My great and unfathomable mercy. I am making you the
administrator of My mercy. Tell the confessor that the Image is to be on view
in the church and not within the enclosure in that convent. By means of this
Image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so let every soul have access
to it.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">571 O my Jesus, Eternal Truth, I
fear nothing, neither hardships nor sufferings; I fear only one thing, and
that is to offend You. My Jesus, I would rather not exist than make You sad.
Jesus, You know that my love knows no one but You. My soul is absorbed in
You.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">576 O Holy Trinity, Eternal God,
my spirit is drowned in Your beauty. The ages are as nothing in Your sight.
You are always the same. Oh, how great is Your majesty. Jesus, why do You
conceal Your majesty, why have You left Your heavenly throne and dwelt among
us? The Lord answered me, <b>My daughter, love has brought Me here, and love
keeps Me here. My daughter, if you knew what great merit and reward is earned
by one act of pure love for Me, you would die of joy. I am saying this that
you may constantly unite yourself with Me through love, for this is the goal
of the life of your soul. This act is an act of the will. Know that a pure
soul is humble. When you lower and empty yourself before My majesty, I then
pursue you with My graces and make use of My omnipotence to exalt you</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">580 On a certain occasion, the
Lord said to me,<b> I am more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of
chosen souls than by the sins of those living in the world.</b> It made me
very sad that chosen souls make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told me, <b>These
little imperfections are not all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart:
what I suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so many graces is
My Heart's constant food, on the part of [such] a chosen soul. Their love is
lukewarm, and My Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them.
Others distrust My goodness and have no desire to experience that sweet
intimacy in their own hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the distance,
and do not find Me. This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. If My
death has not convinced you of My love, what will? Often a soul wounds Me
mortally, and then no one can comfort Me. They use My graces to offend Me.
There are souls who despise My graces as well as all the proofs of My love.
They do not wish to hear My call, but proceed into the abyss of hell. The
loss of these souls plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I am, I cannot
help such a soul because it scorns Me; having a free will, it can spurn Me or
love Me. You, who are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world about My
goodness, and thus you will comfort My Heart.</b> <b> </b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">590 When I receive Holy Communion,
I entreat and beg the Savior to heal my tongue, that I may never fail in love
of neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">692 + O Jesus, I understand that
Your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore I ask You to make my heart
so big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the souls living on
the face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends beyond the world, to the
souls suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward them by
means of indulgenced prayers. God's mercy is unfathomable and inexhaustible,
just as God himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use the strongest
words there are to express this mercy of God, all this would be nothing in
comparison with what it is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart sensitive to all
the sufferings of my neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O my Jesus, I know
that You act toward us as we act toward our neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Jesus, make my heart like unto
Your merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go through life doing good to
everyone.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">700 + Once, when I was very tired
and in much pain, I told Mother Superior [Irene] about it and received the
answer that I should get used to suffering. I listened to everything that
Mother told me, and then I went out. Our Mother Superior has great love of
neighbor and especially great love for the sick sisters, as everyone knows.
And yet, as regards me, it is extraordinary that the Lord Jesus has permitted
that she not understand me and that she test me much in this respect.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">704 I spend every free moment at
the feet of the hidden God. He is my Master; I ask Him about everything; I
speak to Him about everything. Here I obtain strength and light; here I learn
everything; here I am given light on how to act toward my neighbor. From the
time I left the novitiate, I have enclosed myself in the tabernacle together
with Jesus, my Master. He himself drew me into the fire of living love on
which everything converges.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 My daughter, if I demand
through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish
yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy,
which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your
neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to
excuse or absolve yourself from it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am giving you three ways of
exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word,
the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of
mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul
glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter
is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the
worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through
the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall
grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My
mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. O my
Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because You see how very
little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ Particular Examen</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Union with the merciful Christ.
With my heart I encompass the whole world, especially countries which are
uncivilized or where there is persecution. I am praying for mercy upon them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">791 Hide me, Jesus, in the depths
of Your mercy, and then let my neighbor judge me as he pleases.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">856 During the morning meditation,
I felt an aversion and a repugnance for all created things. Everything pales
before my eyes; my spirit is detached from all things. I desire only God
himself, and yet I must live. This is a martyrdom beyond description. God
imparts himself to the soul in a loving way and draws it into the infinite
depths of His divinity, but at the same time He leaves it here on earth for
the sole purpose that it might suffer and die of longing for Him. And this
strong love is so pure that God himself finds pleasure in it; and self-love
has no access to its deeds, for here everything is totally saturated with bitterness,
and thus is totally pure. Life is a continuous dying, painful and terrible,
and at the same time it is the depth of true life and of inconceivable
happiness and the strength of the soul; and because of this, [the soul] is
capable of great deeds for the sake of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">861 Particular examen: remains the
same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful Christ (that is; what would
Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit, to embrace the whole
world, especially Russia and Spain.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">General resolutions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I. Strict observance of silence -
interior silence. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">II. To see the image of God in
every sister; all love of neighbor must flow from this motive. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">III. To do the will of God
faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by this. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IV. To give a faithful account of
everything to the spiritual director and not to undertake anything of
importance without a clear understanding with him. I shall try to clearly lay
bare to him the most secret depths of my soul, bearing in mind that I am
dealing with God himself, and that His representative is just a human being,
and so I must pray daily that he be given light. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">V. During the evening examination
of conscience, I am to ask myself the question: What if He were to call me
today? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VI. Not to look for God far away,
but within my own being to abide with Him alone. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VII. In sufferings and torments,
to take refuge in the tabernacle and to be silent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">VIII. To join all sufferings,
prayers, works and mortifications to the merits of Jesus in order to obtain
mercy for the world. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IX. To use free moments, however
short, for prayers for the dying. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">X. There must not be a day in my
life when I do not recommend to the Lord the works of our Congregation. Never
have regard for what others think of you [for human respect]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XI. Have no familiar relationships
with anyone. Gentle firmness toward the girls, boundless patience; punish
them severely but with such punishments as these: prayer and self-sacrifice.
The strength that is in the emptying of myself for their sake is for them a
[source of] constant remorse and the softening of their obdurate hearts. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XII. The presence of God is the
basis of all my thoughts, words and deeds.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">XIII. To take advantage of all
spiritual help. To always put self-love in its proper place; namely, the
last. To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were doing them for the
last time in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my duties. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">871 + My Master, cause my heart
never to expect help from anyone, but I will always strive to bring assistance,
consolation and all manner of relief to others. My heart is always open to
the sufferings of others; and I will not close my heart to the sufferings of
others, even though because of this I have been scornfully nicknamed
"dump"; that is, [because] everyone dumps his pain into my heart.
[To this] I answered that everyone has a place in my heart and I, in return,
have a place in the Heart of Jesus. Taunts regarding the law of love will not
narrow my heart. My soul is always sensitive on this point, and Jesus alone
is the motive for my love of neighbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">944 + There are moments when I
mistrust myself, when I feel my own weakness and wretchedness in the most
profound depths of my own being, and I have noticed that I can endure such
moments only by trusting in the infinite mercy of God. Patience, prayer and
silence-these are what give strength to the soul. There are moments when one
should be silent, and when it would be inappropriate to talk with creatures;
these are the moments when one is dissatisfied with oneself, and when the
soul feels as weak as a little child. Then the soul clings to God with all
its might. At such times, I live solely by faith, and when I feel
strengthened by God's grace, then I am more courageous in speaking and
communicating with my neighbors.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1039 + I suffer great pain at the
sight of the sufferings of others. All these sufferings are reflected in my
heart. I carry their torments in my heart so that it even wears me out
physically. I would like all pains to fall upon me so as to bring relief to
my neighbor. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1662 + O Christ, suffering for You
is the delight of my heart and my soul. Prolong my sufferings to infinity,
that I may give You a proof of my love. I accept everything that Your hand
will hold out to me. Your love, Jesus, is enough for me. I will glorify You
in abandonment and darkness, in agony and fear, in pain and bitterness, in
anguish of spirit and grief of heart. In all things may You be blessed. My
heart is so detached from the earth, that You Yourself are enough for me.
There is no longer any moment in my life for self concern.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1663 Holy Thursday [April 14, 1938]. Today I
felt strong enough to take part in the ceremonies of the Church. During Holy
Mass, Jesus stood before me and said, Look into My Heart and see there the
love and mercy which I have for humankind, and especially for sinners. Look,
and enter into My Passion. In an instant, I experienced and lived through the
whole Passion of Jesus in my own heart. I was surprised that these tortures
did not deprive me of my life. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1664 During adoration, Jesus said
to me, My daughter, know that your ardent love and the compassion you have
for Me were a consolation to Me in the Garden [of Olives]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1665 During Holy Hour in the
evening, I heard the words, You see My mercy for sinners, which at this
moment is revealing itself in all its power. See how little you have written
about it; it is only a single drop. Do what is in your power, so that sinners
may come to know My goodness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1702 Towards the end of the Way of
the Cross which I was making, the Lord Jesus began to complain about the
souls of religious and priests, about the lack of love in chosen souls. <b>I
will allow convents and churches to be destroyed.</b> I answered,
"Jesus, but there are so many souls praising You in convents." The
Lord answered, <b>That praise wounds My Heart, because love has been banished
from convents. Souls without love and without devotion, souls full of egoism
and self-love, souls full of pride and arrogance, souls full of deceit and
hypocrisy, lukewarm souls who have just enough warmth to keep them alive: My
Heart cannot bear this. All the graces that I pour out upon them flow off
them as off the face of a rock. I cannot stand them, because they are neither
good or bad. I called convents into being to sanctify the world through them.
It is from them that a powerful flame of love and sacrifice should burst
forth. And if they do not repent and become enkindled by their first love, I
will deliver them over to the fate of this world...<br />
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How can they sit on the promised throne of judgment to judge the world, when
their guilt is greater than the guilt of the world? There is neither penance
nor atonement. O heart, which received Me in the morning and at noon are all
ablaze with hatred against Me, hatred of all sorts! O heart specially chosen
by Me, were you chosen for this, to give Me more pain? The great sins of the
world are superficial wounds on My Heart, but the sins of a chosen soul
pierce My Heart through and through...</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1703 When I tried to intercede for
them, I could find nothing with which to excuse them and, being at the time
unable to think of anything in their defense, my heart was seized with pain,
and I wept bitterly. Then the Lord looked at me kindly and comforted me with
these words:<b> Do not cry. There are still a great number of souls who love
Me very much, but My Heart desires to be loved by all and, because My love is
great, that is why I warn and chastise them. </b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1743 + God's Infinite Goodness in
Creating Mankind.<br />
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God, who in Your mercy have deigned to call man from nothingness into being,
generously have You bestowed upon him nature and grace. But that seemed too
little for Your infinite goodness. In Your mercy, O Lord, You have given us
everlasting life. You admit us to Your everlasting happiness and grant us to
share in Your interior life. And You do this solely out of Your mercy. You
bestow on us the gift of Your grace, only because You are good and full of
love. You had no need of us at all to be happy, but You, O Lord, want to
share Your own happiness with us. But man did not stand the test. You could
have punished him, like the angels, with eternal rejection, but here Your
mercy appeared, and the very depths of Your being were moved with great
compassion, and You promised to restore our salvation. It is an
incomprehensible abyss of Your compassion that You did not punish us as we
deserved. May Your mercy be glorified, O Lord; we will praise it for endless
ages. And the angels were amazed at the greatness of the mercy which You have
shown for mankind... </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ God's Infinite Goodness in
Redeeming Man. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1747 God, You could have saved
thousands of worlds with one word; a single sigh from Jesus would have
satisfied Your justice. But You Yourself, Jesus, purely out of love for us,
underwent such a terrible Passion. Your Father's justice would have been
propitiated with a single sigh from You, and all Your self-abasement is
solely the work of Your mercy and Your inconceivable love. On leaving the
earth, O Lord, You wanted to stay with us, and so You left us Yourself in the
Sacrament of the Altar, and You opened wide Your mercy to us. There is no
misery that could exhaust You; You have called us all to this fountain of
love, to this spring of God's compassion. Here is the tabernacle of Your
mercy, here is the remedy for all our ills. To You, O living spring of mercy,
all souls are drawn; some like deer, thirsting for Your love, others to wash
the wound of their sins, and still others, exhausted by life, to draw
strength. At the moment of Your death on the Cross, You bestowed upon us
eternal life; allowing Your most holy side to be opened, You opened an
inexhaustible spring of mercy for us, giving us Your dearest possession, the
Blood and Water from Your Heart. Such is the omnipotence of Your mercy. From it
all grace flows to us.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1754<b> Consider, My daughter, Who
it is to whom your heart is so closely united by the vows. Before I made the
world, I loved you with the love your heart is experiencing today and,
throughout the centuries, My love will never change</b>.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1758 <b>My daughter, consider the
life of God which is found in the Church for the salvation and the
sanctification of your soul. Consider the use that you make of these
treasures of grace, of these efforts of My love</b>. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-57-58, 77, 93, 96-98, 101, 116, 118)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-140, 147, 156, 163, 178, 186-187, 216)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-229, 241, 267, 275, 278-279, 281, 287)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-282-283, 294, 296, 343, 375, 383)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-531, 542, 549, 570-571, 576, 580,
590)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-692, 700, 704, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-791, 856, 861, 871, 944)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1029, 1039)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1662-1663)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1701-1703,
1743, 1747, 1754, 1758)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-64744800207728022642020-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-12T06:52:41.790-08:00Humility and Faith: Foundation and Cathedral-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Humility and Faith:
Foundation and Cathedral </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 13, 2020. Thursday
of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 7:24-30</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted
no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman
whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his
feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syro-phoenician by birth, and she begged
him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the
children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and
throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs
under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For
saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When
the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I come before
You today to learn the lessons of faith that You want to teach me. I want to
learn to be patient when You test my faith. I know You want only to make
it grow and bear more fruit in my life. In this prayer I desire to trust
and love You as You deserve to be loved by me. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, make my faith
vibrant and persevering.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Seek Ye Higher Gifts: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our Lord is close to us in our sufferings. In
this Gospel, a daughter suffered from a demonic possession, and her mother
suffered with her. What most strikes us about this passage, however, is that
Our Lord initially adds to the mother’s suffering by rebuking her. It
seems so out of character, so foreign to the one who is “meek and humble of
heart,” so unlike the gentle Jesus who is ever-sensitive to the needs of
others. Yet Our Lord was about to confer upon her the greatest gift that
could befall any human being: the gift of salvation represented by the healing
of her daughter. Because the gift was so great, the vessel that was to
contain it needed to be prepared.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Feelings, Nothing More Than Feelings: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is important to
remember two principles about our feelings. First, we are not to treat
them as if they were the infallible compass of our spiritual
lives. Second, their lack of support does not mean that Our Lord is
abandoning us. We can easily forget these two principles and blindly
follow our feelings, persuasions and seductions. We can wrongly confuse
feelings with faith. This believing woman beautifully shows the attitude we
must maintain. Her example of humility in the face of Jesus’ seemingly
hostile rebuke truly astounds us. No rebellion, no complaints, no
resentments, no pity party. She remains determinedly fixed on
Christ. She maintains a spirit of humility and faith in him who has the
power to deliver her daughter from the devil. Am I capable of persisting in my
prayer even when it seems Our Lord is turning a deaf ear?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. A Cathedral of Faith for All to See: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If only we could
learn from her example! With such a firm foundation to build on, Jesus
draws out of her an even greater faith — as large as a cathedral for the entire
world to see. We need to ponder and contemplate the mysterious and wise
ways of Our Lord when we suffer from his rebukes. We must hold fast to
humility, mindful that we are creatures always loved by Christ, our Good
Shepherd. He promised he would not leave us orphans. Why then such
little faith?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, let me not confuse faith with
feelings. Let me not confuse trust with mere sentiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never let me reduce my relationship with you
to feelings, no matter how pleasurable or worthy I think they may be at that
moment. Help me to remain humble in my dispositions and firm in my
convictions, seeking only to trust, love and please you.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I experience pleasant, worthy or
helpful feelings, I will thank and praise God, and I will channel these
feelings toward what is more relevant: living out the deeper virtue of faith.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY
of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">23 Toward the end of the first year
of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul. I felt no
consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear began to
sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but great misery.
I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not dare to raise my
eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and begged for mercy. My
soul was in this state for almost six months. Our beloved Mother Directress
[Mary Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[14]</span></a>] encouraged me in
these difficult moments. But this suffering became greater and greater. <br />
<br />
The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I
was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was
reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing
to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was offending
God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[15]</span></a>] did not let me omit one single Holy
Communion. God was working very strangely in my soul. I did not understand
anything at all of what my confessor was telling me. The simple truths of the
faith became incomprehensible to me. My soul was in anguish, unable to find
comfort anywhere.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the
judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as
we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except
for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the
complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is
displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will
have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before
the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered, "I am
Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire in purgatory. I
wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory, but Jesus
stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in purgatory
or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied, "Jesus, I want to suffer in
purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on earth, even if it
were until the end of the world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is
enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for
long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of
Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart,
and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find
neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have
much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">55 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1933. Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior inspirations,
but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize that these
interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they are for the
good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to follow them;
and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation with your
confessor.<br />
<br />
<u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the
spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the evil
spirit.<br />
<br />
<u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor
specifically to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it
would be better to even ignore them.<br />
<br />
But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the other,
as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God. Humility,
humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all is purely
and simply God's grace.<br />
<br />
You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the
first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br />
<br />
Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special
graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the Lord,
paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God suffice you;
He alone."<br />
<br />
Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told me:
"Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages: `She
spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br />
<br />
Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like
the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of
little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of
others."<br />
<br />
On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a
way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow
happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then,
generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled
with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep
well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br />
<br />
Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God push
your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of the
interior life."<br />
<br />
Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress [Mary
Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity and
humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like a
little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility, content
with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others fear, you
will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility. Remember this,
Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains down into the
valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble souls." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">62 O life so dull and monotonous,
how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of
faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The
grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may
be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to
return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a
seal for eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">91 O my Jesus, You alone know what
persecutions I suffer, and this only because I am being faithful to You and
following Your orders. You are my strength; sustain me that I may always carry
out what You ask of me. Of myself I can do nothing, but when You sustain me,
all difficulties are nothing for me. O my Lord, I can see very well that from
the time when my soul first received the capacity to know You, my life has been
a continual struggle which has become increasingly intense. <br />
<br />
Every morning during meditation, I prepare myself for the whole day's struggle.
Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory; and so it is. I fear the
day when I do not receive Holy Communion. This Bread of t lie Strong gives me
all the strength I need to carry on my mission and the courage to do whatever
the Lord asks of me. The courage and strength that are in me are not of me, but
of Him who lives in me - it is the Eucharist.<br />
<br />
O my Jesus, the misunderstandings are so great; sometimes, were it not for the
Eucharist, I would not have the courage to go any further along the way You
have marked out for me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Divine Sun, in Your rays the soul sees the tiniest specks
of dust which displease You. <br />
<br />
72 O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for
poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy,
I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from
which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg
of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion
and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most
precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I
rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the
salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and
ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled. Therefore, let every
soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God
will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God's mercy
will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I contemplate
Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all sinners to Your
feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation is my daily food. I
understand that the bride must herself share in everything that is the groom's;
and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times when I suffer
much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which, at such
moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me praise
God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I receive Jesus
in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so that I
would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to praise God
without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The soul will not
attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">93 +A Short Version of the Catechism of the Vows<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.html#39" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[39]</span></a> <br />
<br />
Q. What is a vow? <br />
<br />
A. A vow is a voluntary promise made to God, to carry out a more perfect act. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a vow binding in a matter which is the object of a commandment? <br />
<br />
A. Yes. The carrying out of an act which is the object of a commandment has a
double value and merit; and the neglect of such an act is a double
transgression and evil, because by breaking such a vow we add to the sin
against the commandment, the sin of sacrilege. <br />
<br />
Q. Why do religious vows have such value? <br />
<br />
A. Because they are the foundation of the religious life approved by the
Church, in which the members bound together in a religious community undertake
to strive always for perfection by means of the three religious vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience, observed according to the rules. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the meaning of the words, "strive for perfection?" <br />
<br />
A. To strive for perfection means that the religious life does not in itself
demand that perfection be already attained, but obliges, under the pain of sin,
that we work daily to attain it. Therefore, a religious who does not want to
become perfect neglects his principal duty of state. <br />
<br />
Q. What are "solemn" religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. " Solemn" religious vows are so absolute that, in extraordinary
cases, only the Holy Father can dispense from them. <br />
<br />
Q. What are simple religious vows? <br />
<br />
A. These are vows which are less absolute - the Holy See dispenses from
perpetual and annual vows. <br />
<br />
Q. What is the difference between a vow and a virtue? <br />
<br />
A. A vow pertains only to that which is commanded under pain of sin; the virtue
goes beyond this and helps in the carrying out of the vow; on the other hand,
by breaking the vow we fail in the virtue and do it damage. <br />
<br />
Q. To what do the religious vows oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. The religious vows oblige us to strive to acquire the virtues and to submit
ourselves completely to our Superiors and to the Rules which are in force; thus
the religious gives his own person to the Community, renouncing every right
over himself and his actions, which he sacrifices to the service of God.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Poverty<br />
<br />
The vow of poverty is the voluntary renunciation of the right over property or
to the use of such property with the purpose of pleasing God. <br />
<br />
Q. What objects does the vow of poverty concern? <br />
<br />
A. All those goods and those objects which appertain to the Community. We have
no longer any right over anything that has been given to us, once it has been
accepted, whether an article or money. All these donations and presents, which
may have been given us out of gratitude or in any other way, belong by right to
the Community. We cannot make use, without violating the vow, of any wages we
may receive for work or even any annuity. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we break or violate the vow in a matter which entails the seventh
commandment? <br />
<br />
A. We break or violate it when, without permission, we take for ourselves
anything that belongs to the house; when, without permission, we retain
something in order to appropriate it; and when, without authorization, we sell
or exchange something that belongs to the Community. When we make use of an
object for some other purpose than that intended by the Superior. When we give
to, or accept from another, anything whatsoever without permission. When by
negligence we destroy or damage something. When, in going from one house to
another, we take something with us without permission. In a situation where the
vow is broken, the religious is bound to restitution to the Community.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Poverty<br />
<br />
This is an evangelical virtue which impels the heart to detach itself from
temporal things; the religious, in virtue of his profession, is strictly
obliged to it. <br />
<br />
Q. When do we sin against the virtue of poverty? When we desire something,
contrary to this virtue. When we become attached to something, and when we make
use of superfluous things. How many degrees of poverty are there and what are
they? <br />
<br />
A. There are, in practice, four degrees of poverty for one who is a professed
religious: to dispose of nothing without the consent of the Superiors (the
strict matter of the vow); to avoid superfluities and be content with
necessities (this pertains to the virtue); to readily content oneself with
things of inferior quality in what concerns one's cell, clothing, nourishment,
etc., and to experience this contentment interiorly; to rejoice in extreme poverty.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Chastity <br />
<br />
Q. To what does this vow oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. To renounce marriage and to avoid everything that is forbidden by the sixth
and ninth commandments. <br />
<br />
Q. Is a fault against the virtue a violation of the vow? <br />
<br />
A. Every fault against the virtue is at the same time a violation of the vow,
because here there is no difference, as in the case of poverty and obedience,
between the vow and the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. Is every bad thought a sin? <br />
<br />
A. No, every bad thought is not a sin; it becomes so only when the acquiescence
of the will and consent are joined to the consideration of the mind. <br />
<br />
Q. Is there anything, over and above sins against chastity, which is
detrimental to the virtue? <br />
<br />
A. Lack of custody of the senses, of the imagination, of the feelings;
familiarity and sentimental friendships are detrimental to the virtue. <br />
<br />
Q. What are the means by which this virtue may be preserved? <br />
<br />
A. To conquer interior temptations with the thought of the presence of God, and
moreover to fight without fear. And for exterior temptations, to avoid
occasions. There are, in all, seven principal means: to guard the senses, to
avoid occasions, to avoid idleness, to remove temptations promptly, to remove
oneself from all - and especially particular friendships, the spirit of
mortification, and to reveal all these temptations to one's confessor.<br />
<br />
Besides this, there are also five means of preserving this virtue: humility,
the spirit of prayer, modesty of the eyes, fidelity to the rule, a sincere
devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
The Vow of Obedience<br />
<br />
The vow of obedience is superior to the first two. It is, to tell the truth, a
holocaust, and it is more necessary because it forms and animates the monastic
body. <br />
<br />
Q. To what does the vow of obedience oblige us? <br />
<br />
A. By the vow of obedience, the religious promises to God to be obedient to his
legitimate superiors in everything that they will ordain in virtue of the rule.
The vow of obedience makes the religious dependent on his superior in virtue of
these rules for his whole life and in all his affairs. A religious commits a
grave sin against the vow every time he disobeys an order given in virtue of
obedience and of these rules.<br />
<br />
The Virtue of Obedience<br />
<br />
The virtue of obedience goes further than the vow; it embraces the rules, the
regulations and even the counsels of the superiors. <br />
<br />
Q. Is the virtue of obedience indispensable for a religious? <br />
<br />
A. The virtue of obedience is so indispensable to a religious that, even if he
were to perform good actions contrary to obedience, these would be evil and
without merit. <br />
<br />
Q. Can we sin gravely against the virtue of obedience? <br />
<br />
A. We sin gravely when we scorn the authority or the order of the superior, or
when spiritual or temporal harm to the community results from our disobedience.
<br />
<br />
Q. What faults endanger the vow? <br />
<br />
A. To be prejudiced against the superior, or to harbor an antipathy for him -
murmuring and criticism, tardiness and negligence. <br />
<br />
The Degrees of Obedience <br />
<br />
Prompt and complete fulfillment - the obedience of the will, when the will
persuades the intellect to submit to the advice of the superior. To facilitate
obedience, Saint Ignatius suggests, moreover, three means: always to see God in
our superior, whoever he might be; to justify in itself the order or advice of the
superior; to accept each order as an order from God, without examining it or
reflecting on it. General means: humility. Nothing is difficult for the humble.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame my heart with
love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the
sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and
the Terror of the Soul. <br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain;
it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it
received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it,
and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of
God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him. <br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is;
the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed
and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it
begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These
lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized,
the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded
faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His
consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain
moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly
rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of
perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within
it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult
for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and
taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take
account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact,
this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here,
however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a
well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers under the impact;
the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act of will.
With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put to the
test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret, so to
speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be impossible to
stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to befall a soul. The
soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths and to insincerity
toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why
speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it
seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does
not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a
terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The
soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to
find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can
collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these
trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not
already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet
tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for
us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future
designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is
not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the
complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete
Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the summit
of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected,
becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It
pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul
no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of
everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned.
This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">102 After some time, one of the
sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was frightened and
went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy obedience
ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned immediately, and I
got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the state of my soul
and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying, "Do not be
distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in virtue of
obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that God is
calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you very close
to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so soon. Be
faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to have a
high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of these
words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set free
from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I
perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">106 Though these are frightening
things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will never test us
beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may never send us such
sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the Lord to let a soul pass
through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but, insofar as this depends
on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God. God will do a soul no
harm, because He is Love itself, and in this unfathomable love has called it
into being. However, when I was so tormented, I myself did not understand this.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">107 O my God, I have come to know
that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this profound awareness
into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with earth, though I in no
way neglect my duties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">111 When, in the midst of these
interior torments, I tried to accuse myself in confession of the smallest
trifles, the priest was surprised that I had not committed graver faults, and
he said to me, "If you are as faithful as this to God during these
sufferings, this in itself is evidence to me that God is sustaining you, Sister,
with a special grace, and it is a good thing that you do not understand
this." It is a strange thing, nevertheless, that confessors could neither
understand me nor set my mind at peace concerning these matters, until I met
Father Andrasz and, later on, Father Sopocko.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">113 And again, I would like to say three words to the soul
that is determined to strive for sanctity and to derive fruit; that is to say,
benefit from confession.<br />
<br />
First word-complete sincerity and openness. Even the holiest and wisest confessor
cannot forcibly pour into the soul what he desires if it is not sincere and
open. An insincere, secretive soul risks great dangers in the spiritual life,
and even the Lord Jesus Himself does not give Himself to such a soul on a
higher level, because He knows it would derive no benefit from these special
graces.<br />
<br />
Second word-humility. A soul does not benefit as it should from the sacrament
of confession if it is not humble. Pride keeps it in darkness. The soul neither
knows how, nor is it willing, to probe with precision the depths of its own
misery. It puts on a mask and avoids everything that might bring it recovery. <br />
<br />
Third word-obedience. A disobedient soul will win no victory, even if the Lord
Jesus himself, in person, were to hear its confession. The most experienced
confessor will be of no help whatsoever to such a soul. The disobedient soul
exposes itself to great misfortunes; it will make no progress toward
perfection, nor will it succeed in the spiritual life. God lavishes His graces
most generously upon the soul, but it must be an obedient soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing are the hymns
flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a soul, especially
when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing for Him. Great is
its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through the jungle of
life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the ground.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of
these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows better
without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given moment
and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very faithful
to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him. It
discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general.
The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the
soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and
purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with
himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the
Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the
senses. God fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the
spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here,
the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound.
In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both
for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There
are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The
senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it
is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic
as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more
about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience
with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage of
such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for your
faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere when one
is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again I fell to
the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear began to
overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a voice
within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light
illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such sorrows.
I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new courage to
suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">132 I must again mention that there
are some confessors who seem to be true spiritual fathers, but only as long as
things go well. When the soul finds itself in greater need, they become
perplexed, and either cannot or will not understand the soul. They try to get
rid of the person as soon as possible. But if the soul is humble, it will
always profit in some little way or other. God himself will sometimes cast a
shaft of light into the depths of the soul, because of its humility and faith.
The confessor will sometimes say something he had never intended to say,
without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the soul believe that such words are
the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed we ought to believe that every
word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I have referred to above is
something that comes directly from God. And the soul perceives that the priest
is not master of himself, that he is saying things that he would rather not
say. This is how God rewards faith.<br />
<br />
I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and respected
priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at Plock], to whom I
sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe and opposed to these
matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion he replied to me,
"Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of you, you should not
oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just this way. Be at peace;
what God has started, He will finish. But I say this to you: faithfulness to
God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well in mind what I have told
you today." I was delighted, and I thought that perhaps this priest had
understood me. But it so turned out that I never went to confession to him
again.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">133 +Once, one of the older Mothers
[probably Mother Jane<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#43" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[43]</span></a>] summoned me, and it was as if fiery bolts
from the blue were coming down upon my head, so much so that I could not even
discover what it was all about. But after a while I understood that it was
about a matter over which I had no control whatsoever. She said to me,
"Get it out of your head, Sister, that the Lord Jesus might be communing
in such an intimate way with such a miserable bundle of imperfections as you!
Bear in mind that it is only with holy souls that the Lord Jesus communes in
this way!" I acknowledged that she was right, because I am indeed a
wretched person, but still I trust in God's mercy. When I met the Lord I
humbled myself and said, "Jesus, it seems that You do not associate
intimately with such wretched people as I"<b> Be at peace, My daughter, it
is precisely through such misery that I want to show the power of My mercy.</b>
I understood that this Mother had merely wanted to subject me to a [salutary]
humiliation.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">136 And the Lord gave me to know
that the whole mystery depended on me, on my free consent to the sacrifice
given with full use of my faculties. In this free and conscious act lies the
whole power and value before His Majesty. Even if none of these things for
which I offered myself would ever happen to me, before the Lord everything was
as though it had already been consummated.<br />
<br />
At that moment, I realized I was entering into communion with the
incomprehensible Majesty. I felt that God was waiting for my word, for my
consent. Then my spirit immersed itself in the Lord, and I said, "Do with
me as You please. I subject myself to Your will. As of today, Your holy will
shall be my nourishment, and I will be faithful to Your commands with the help
of Your grace. Do with me as You please. I beg You, O Lord, be with me at every
moment of my life."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">138 A great mystery has been
accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in my soul.
When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced
everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a
great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was awaiting
me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled closely to the
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready for that for
which I had offered myself.<br />
<br />
Suffering seemed to spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself was
surprised. For others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't worth
paying any attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed; each
word was analyzed, each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get ready,
Sister, to receive a small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I feel sorry
for you." But as for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of my soul and
had been ready for it for a long time. When she saw my courage, she was
surprised. I see now that a soul cannot do much of itself, but with God it can
do all things. Behold what God's grace can do. Few are the souls that are
always watchful for divine graces, and even fewer of such souls who follow
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">139 Still, a soul which is faithful
to God cannot confirm its own inspirations; it must submit them to the control
of a very wise and learned priest; and until it is quite certain, it should
remain distrustful. It should not, on its own initiative alone, put its trust
in these inspirations and all other higher graces, because it can thus expose
itself to great losses.<br />
<br />
Even though a soul may immediately distinguish between false inspirations and
those of God, it should nevertheless be careful, because many things are
uncertain. God is pleased and rejoices when a soul distrusts Him for His own
sake; because it loves Him, it is prudent and itself asks and searches for help
to make certain that it is really God who is acting within it. And once a
well-instructed confessor has confirmed this, the soul should be at peace and
give itself up to God, according to His directions; that is, according to the
directions of the confessor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for
having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me
with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected
them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful
to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have
learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the
least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to my
confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the
confessor touch Me myself.</b><br />
<br />
When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and
peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for combat</b>
- repeated over and over at various times.<br />
<br />
+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has
more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in
fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master.
For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a
spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not
understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often
says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has never
happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what the
Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father
Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me,
about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional,
my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br />
<br />
+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many
inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these
inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes
it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul
recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It
knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but
it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God
is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it were.
They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is constantly
in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being
frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his
attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and
ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and
asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts
in this way, it nearly always wins.<br />
<br />
There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must
enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in
the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very
act the enemy is already defeated.<br />
<br />
In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time
of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no
chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of
preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and
again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted
soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O
Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for
the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">148 +A noble and delicate soul, even
the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees God in everything,
finds Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the most hidden things.
It finds all things important, it highly appreciates all things, it thanks God
for all things, it draws profit for the soul from all things, and it gives all
glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not confused when the time of
ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best of Fathers and makes little
of human opinion. It follows faithfully the faintest breath of the Holy Spirit;
it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its mother.
Where other souls come to a standstill and fear, this soul passes on without
fear or difficulty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">149 When the Lord himself wants to
be close to a soul and to lead it, He will remove everything that is external.
When I fell ill and was taken to the infirmary, I suffered much unpleasantness
because of this. There were two of us sick in the infirmary. Sisters would come
to see Sister N., but no one came to visit me. It is true that there was only
one infirmary, but each one had her own cell. The winter nights were long, and
Sister N. had the light and the radio headphones, while I could not even
prepare my meditation for lack of a light.<br />
<br />
When nearly two weeks had passed in this way, I complained to the Lord one
evening that I was suffering so much and that I could not even prepare my
meditation because there was no light. And the Lord said that He would come
every evening and give me the points for the next day's meditation. These
points always concerned His sorrowful Passion. He would say, <b>Consider My sufferings
before Pilate. </b>And thus, point by point, I meditated upon His sorrowful
Passion for one week. From that moment, a great joy entered my soul, and I no
longer wanted either the visitors or the light; Jesus sufficed me for
everything. The superiors were indeed very solicitous for the sick, but the
Lord ordained that I should feel forsaken. This best of masters withdraws every
created thing in order that He himself might act. Many a time, I have
experienced such sufferings and persecutions that Mother M. [probably Mother
Margaret] herself said to me, "Sister, along your path, sufferings just
spring up out of the ground. I look upon you, Sister, as one crucified. But I
can see that Jesus has a hand in this. Be faithful to the Lord."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">150 + I want to write down a dream
that I had about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I was still a novice at the
time and was going through some difficulties which I did not know how to
overcome. They were interior difficulties connected with exterior ones. I made
novenas to various saints, but the situation grew more and more difficult. The
sufferings it caused me were so great that I did not know how to go on living,
but suddenly the thought occurred to me that I should pray to Saint Therese of
the Child Jesus. I started a novena to this Saint, because before entering the
convent I had had a great devotion to her. Lately I had somewhat neglected this
devotion, but in my need I began again to pray with great fervor.<br />
<br />
On the fifth day of the novena, I dreamed of Saint Therese, but it was as if
she were still living on earth. She hid from me the fact that she was a saint
and began to comfort me, saying that I should not be worried about this matter,
but should trust more in God. She said, "I suffered greatly, too," but
I did not quite believe her and said, "It seems to me that you have not
suffered at all." But Saint Therese answered me in a convincing manner
that she had suffered very much indeed and said to me, "Sister, know that
in three days the difficulty will come to a happy conclusion." When I was
not very willing to believe her, she revealed to me that she was a saint. At
that moment, a great joy filled my soul, and I said to her, "You are a
saint?" "Yes," she answered, "I am a saint. Trust that this
matter will be resolved in three days:" And I said, "Dear sweet
Therese, tell me, shall I go to heaven?" And she answered, "Yes, you
will go to heaven, Sister." "And will I be a saint?" To which
she replied, "Yes, you will be a saint." "But, little Therese,
shall I be a saint as you are, raised to the altar?" And she answered,
"Yes, you will be a saint just as I am, but you must trust in the Lord
Jesus." I then asked her if my mother and father would go to heaven, will
[unfinished sentence] And she replied that they would. I further asked,
"And will my brothers and sisters go to heaven?" She told me to pray
hard for them, but gave me no definite answer. I understood that they were in
need of much prayer. <br />
<br />
This was a dream. And as the proverb goes, dreams are phantoms; God is faith.
Nevertheless, three days later the difficulty was solved very easily, just as
she had said. And everything in this affair turned out exactly as she said it
would. It was a dream, but it had its significance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">159 +O Blessed Host, in golden
chalice enclosed for me, <br />
That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />
I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />
Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul, <br />
O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />
With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />
Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />
Though Your beauty be veiled<br />
And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />
Strong faith tears away that veil.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">170 The first day of the retreat. I
tried to be the first in the chapel in the morning; before the meditation I had
a bit of time for prayer to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady. I earnestly begged
the Mother of God to obtain for me the grace of fidelity to these inner
inspirations and of faithfully carrying out God's will, whatever it might be. I
began this retreat with a very special kind of courage. <br />
<br />
171 Struggle to keep silence. As usual, sisters from various houses came to the
retreat. One of the sisters whom I had not seen for a long time, came to my
cell and said she had something to tell me. I did not answer her, and she saw
that I did not want to break silence. She said to me, "I didn't know you
were such an eccentric, sister," and she went away. I was well aware that
she had no other business with me than to satisfy her own curious self-love. O
God, preserve me in faithfulness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">174 At that moment the priest came
in and began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he were in a
hurry. After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing that none
of the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an instant
was in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of telling
the father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my dealings
with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have just
described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and said,
"Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so kindly.
Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your communing
with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that you are on
the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces; you are not free to
shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your superiors about these
interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you clearly to do so, and even
then you should first consult with your confessor. But if the Lord Jesus
demands something external, in this case, after consulting your confessor, you
should carry out what He asks of you, even if this costs you greatly. On the
other hand, you must tell your confessor everything. There is absolutely no
other course for you to take, Sister. Pray that you may find a spiritual
director, or else you will waste these great gifts of God. I repeat once again,
be at peace; you are following the right path. Take no heed of anything else,
but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone says about you.
It is with just such miserable souls that the Lord Jesus communes in this
intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the Lord Jesus will
unite Himself with you." 175 176 177</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">186 +Today Jesus said to me,<b> I desire that you know more
profoundly the love that burns in My Heart for souls, and you will understand
this when you meditate upon My Passion. Call upon My mercy on behalf of
sinners; I desire their salvation. When you say this prayer, with a contrite
heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I will give him the grace of
conversion. This is the prayer:</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">187 <b>"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the
Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You."</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">189 On one occasion, Jesus gave me
to know how pleasing to Him is the soul that faithfully keeps the rule. A soul
will receive a greater reward for observing the rule than for penances and
great mortifications. The latter will be rewarded also if they are undertaken
over and above the rule, but they will not surpass the rule.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">204 A short conversation with Mother
Directress [Margaret]. When I asked her about some particulars concerning
progress in the spiritual life, this holy Mother answered everything with great
clarity. She said to me, "if you continue cooperating with God's grace in
this way, Sister, you will be only one step away from close union with God. You
understand what I mean by this. This means that your characteristic trait
should be faithfulness to the grace of the Lord. God does not lead all souls
along such a path."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">210 I fervently beg the Lord to
strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not be guided by
human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything drags man
towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher regions
and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest one.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>226 The rules that I most often fail to obey:
sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell; sometimes I
meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my very best to improve.<br />
<br />
I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at
least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear
such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the
evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my actions.
I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act
at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must be mindful of
God.<br />
<br />
Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[67]</span></a> I must report [even] small things to my
superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in my
spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I must
keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty words
that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great appreciation for
even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become absorbed in the whirl
of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak little with people, but
a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay little attention as to who
is for me and who is against me. I must not tell others about those things I
have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking out loud to others during work.
I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult
moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation,
comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds of Jesus. <br />
<br />
227 +In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing
is as constant as suffering-it always faithfully keeps the soul company. O
Jesus, I will let no one surpass me in loving You!<br />
<br />
+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">230 Jesus, living Host, You are my
Mother, You are my all! It is with simplicity and love, with faith and trust
that I will always come to You, O Jesus! I will share everything with You, as a
child with its loving mother, my joys and sorrows-in a word, everything. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">234 When I finished this confession,
my spirit was immersed in God, and I prayed for three hours, but it seemed to
me like only a few minutes. Since then, I have placed no obstacles in the way
of grace working in my soul. Jesus knew why I had been afraid to commune
intimately with Him and was not at all offended. From the moment the priest
assured me that what I had experienced was not an illusion, but the grace of
God, I have tried to be faithful to God in everything. I can see now that there
are few such priests who understand the full depth of God's work in the soul.
Since then, my wings have been set free for flight, and I yearn to soar into
the very fire of the sun. My flight will not come to an end until I rest in Him
forever. When we fly very high, all the vapors, mists and clouds are beneath
our feet, and our whole carnal being is necessarily subject to the spirit.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">248 The words of the Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of
perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of
burning love." While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ,
the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as
a sign of the eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of
Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit,
that you may be called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be
crowned [as such] for all eternity. <br />
<br />
249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a
Mother to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">257 Tomorrow I am to leave for
Vilnius. Today, I went to confession to Father Andrasz, this priest who is so
filled with the spirit of God, who untied my wings so that I could soar to the
highest summits. He reassured me in everything and told me to believe in Divine
Providence. "Have confidence and walk ahead with courage." An
extraordinary, divine power came over me after that confession. Father stressed
that I must be faithful to God's grace and said, "No harm will come to you
if, in the future, you continue to keep this same simplicity and obedience.
Have confidence in God; you are on the right path and in good hands, in God's
hands." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">263 +The week for confession came
and, to my great joy, I saw the priest I had known before coming to Vilnius.
[That is to say,] I had known him by seeing him in a vision. At that moment, I
heard these words in my soul: <b>This is My faithful servant; he will help you
to fulfill My will here on earth. </b>Yet, I did not open myself to him as the
Lord wished. And for some time I struggled against grace. During each
confession, God's grace penetrated me in a very special way, yet I did not
reveal my soul before him, and I had the intention of not going to confession
to that priest. After this decision, a terrible anxiety entered my soul. God
reproached me severely. When I did lay bare my soul completely to this priest,
Jesus poured an ocean of graces into it. Now I understand what it means to be
faithful to a particular grace. That one grace draws down a whole series of
others. <br />
<br />
264 +O my Jesus, keep me near to You! See how weak I am! I cannot go a step
forward by myself; so You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother by a
helpless child-and even more so.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously, this priest had
put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these things
of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast of The
Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me and told
me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at eight, a
brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father had ordered
me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there, the good
brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that priests do not
hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home emptyhanded and did not
go to confession to him again, but I made a whole hour's adoration and took on
certain mortifications for him, that he might obtain light from God in order to
know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and he substituted for him, I was
forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while previously he had been unwilling
to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be
faithful to them. God lets such things happen sometimes, but may He be
glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace not to falter.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden
Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget
yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in
the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of
happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O
Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all
understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I
cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the
Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They
admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given
us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the
veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn
me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">291 On a certain occasion, I saw a
person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send me the greatest
torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt the terrible
pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long time, but that
person remained in the Lord's grace. 0 my Jesus, how very easy it is to become
holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees this little bit
of good will in the soul, He hurries to give himself to the soul, and nothing
can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls-absolutely nothing. Jesus is
anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from God, it can
very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature here on earth.
God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone. Indeed He gives
more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy
Spirit-that is the shortest route. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">292 +When a soul loves God
sincerely, it ought not fear anything in the spiritual life. Let it subject
itself to the action of grace, and let it not impose any restraints on itself
in communing with the Lord.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">294 +Once the Lord said to me,<b>
Act like a beggar who does not back away when he gets more alms [than he asked
for], but offers thanks the more fervently. You too should not back away and
say that you are not worthy of receiving greater graces when I give them to
you. I know you are unworthy, but rejoice all the more and take as many
treasures from My Heart as you can carry, for then you will please Me more. And
I will tell you one more thing: Take these graces not only for yourself, but
also for others; that is, encourage the souls with whom you come in contact to
trust in My infinite mercy. Oh, how I love those souls who have complete
confidence in Me. I will do everything for them.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant
[Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great mercy;
that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete
remission of sins and punishment.<br />
<br />
+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br />
<br />
+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am
Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My
Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br />
<br />
My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the
greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all the
souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest, for
then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned in
despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to savage
nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely consumed for
them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and for me. O
Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a preacher,
and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself and denying
myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">328 O purest Love, rule in all Your
plenitude in my heart and help me to do Your holy will most faithfully!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">331 Oh, how great a grace it is to
have a spiritual director! One makes more rapid progress in virtue, sees the
will of God more clearly, fulfills it more faithfully, and follows a road that
is sure and free of dangers. The director knows how to avoid the rocks against
which the soul could be shattered. The Lord gave me this grace rather late, to
be sure, but I rejoice in it greatly, seeing how God inclines His will to my
director's wishes. I will mention just one incident out of a thousand that have
happened to me. As I usually do, I asked the Lord Jesus one evening to give me
the points for next day's meditation. I received the answer: Meditate on the
Prophet Jonah and his mission. I thanked the Lord, but began to think within
myself of how different that subject was from the others. But with all my soul
I strove to meditate about it, and I recognized myself in the person of the
prophet, in the sense that often I, too, try to make excuses to the Lord,
claiming that someone else would do His holy will better [than I could], and
not understanding that God can do all things and that His omnipotence will be
all the more manifest if the tool is poorer. God made this clear to me in the
following way. That afternoon, there was confession for the community. When I
presented to the director of my soul the fear that seized me because of this
mission for which God was using me, clumsy tool that I was, my spiritual father
answered that, willing or not, we must carry out the will of God, and he gave
me the Prophet Jonah as an example. After the confession, I wondered how the
confessor knew that God had told me to meditate about Jonah; surely I myself
had not told him. Then I heard these words:<b>When the priest acts in my place,
he does not act of himself, but I act through him. His wishes are Mine. </b>I
can see how Jesus defends His representatives. He himself enters into their
actions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">333 I now see clearly how God acts
through the confessor and how faithfully He keeps His promises. Two weeks ago,
my confessor told me to reflect upon this spiritual childhood. It was somewhat
difficult at first, but my confessor, disregarding my difficulties, told me to
continue to reflect upon spiritual childhood. "In practice, this spiritual
childhood," [he said,] "should manifest itself in this way: a child
does not worry about the past or the future, but makes use of the present
moment. I want to emphasize that spiritual childlikeness in you, Sister, and I
place great stress upon it." I can see how God bows down to my confessor's
wishes; He does not show himself to me at this time as a Teacher in the
fullness of His strength and human adulthood, but as a little Child. The God
who is beyond all understanding stoops to me under the appearance of a little
Child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">352 At the chapter, Mother [Borgia]
stressed a life of faith and fidelity in small things. Half way through the
chapter, I heard these words:<b> I desire that you would all have more faith at
the present time. How great is My joy at the faithfulness of My spouse in the
smallest things.</b> Then I looked at the crucifix and saw that Jesus' head was
turned towards the refectory, and His lips were moving.<br />
<br />
When I told Mother Superior about it, she answered, "You see, Sister, how
Jesus demands that our life be a life of faith." <br />
<br />
353 When Mother left for the chapel and I stayed to set the room in order, I
heard these words: <b>Tell all the sisters that I demand that they live in the
spirit of faith towards the superiors at this present time.</b> I begged my
confessor to release me from this duty. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">424 In the evening, I just about got
into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep quickly, I was
awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up. The child
seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well, as
children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The child
was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to me, <b>Look
at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the stars and the moon
shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this moon and these stars? </b>When
I said yes, he spoke these words to me, <b>These stars are the souls of
faithful Christians, and the moon is the souls of religious. Do you see how
great the difference is between the light of the moon and the light of the
stars? Such is the difference in heaven between the soul of a religious and the
soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And he went on to say that, <b>True greatness
is in loving God and in humility.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">449 I prepared for this feast with
greater zeal than in previous years. On the morning of the feast itself, I
experienced an inner struggle at the thought that I must leave this
Congregation which enjoys such special protection from Mary. This struggle
lasted through the meditation and through the first Mass as well. During the
second Mass, I turned to our Holy Mother, telling Her that it was difficult for
me to separate myself from this Congregation... "which is under Your
special protection, O Mary." Then I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably
beautiful. She came down from the altar to my kneeler, held me close to herself
and said to me, <i>I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable mercy of
God. Most pleasing to Me is that soul which faithfully carries out the will of
God.</i> She gave me to understand that I had faithfully fulfilled the will of
God and had thus found favor in His eyes. <i>Be courageous. Do not fear
apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and in this
way you will be victorious.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">481 Almost every feast of the Church
gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace. That is why I prepare
myself for each feast and unite myself closely with the spirit of the Church.
What a joy it is to be a faithful child of the Church! Oh, how much I love Holy
Church and all those who live in it! I look upon them as living members of
Christ, who is their Head. I burn with love with those who love; I suffer with
those who suffer, I am consumed with sorrow at the sight of those whoa are cold
and ungrateful; and I then try to have such a love for God that it will make
amends for those who do not love Him, those who feed their Savior with
ingratitude at its worst.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">497 O Eternal Truth, Word Incarnate,
who most faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am becoming a martyr
of Your inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because I have no will of
my own, though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit in everything to
the will of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow Your will insofar as
You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus, it cannot
be helped, but I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with
which You speak to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">500 During Holy Mass I prayed
fervently that Jesus might become King of all hearts and that divine grace
might shine in every soul. Then I saw Jesus as He is depicted in the image, and
He said to me,<b> My daughter, you give Me the greatest glory by faithfully
fulfilling My desires.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">506 "Do nothing without the
consent of the superiors. One must think this matter over thoroughly and pray
much. One must be very careful about these things because, in your present
situation, Sister, the will of God is certain and clear, for you are in fact
bound to this Congregation by vows, and perpetual vows at that; so there should
be no doubt. What you are experiencing interiorly, Sister, are only the
glimmerings of a project. God can make some alterations, but such things are
very rare. Don't be in a hurry, Sister, until you have received more precise
knowledge. The works of God proceed slowly, but if they are of Him, you will
surely recognize them clearly. If they are not, they will disappear; and you,
by being obedient, will not go astray. Speak frankly about everything to your
confessor and obey him blindly. <br />
<br />
"For the present, Sister, there is nothing more for you to do than accept
the suffering until the time when everything will become clear; that is, all
things will be resolved. You are well disposed as regards these matters, and so
continue in this simplicity and spirit of obedience; this is a good sign. If
you continue in this attitude, God will not allow you to fall into error.
Still, as much as is possible, keep far away from these things, but if despite
that they still come your way, receive them calmly and do not fear anything.
You are in the good hands of a very good God. In all that you have told me, I
do not see any illusion or anything contrary to faith. These are things which
are good in themselves, and it would indeed be good if there were a group of
souls pleading with God for the world, as we all are in need of prayer. You
have a good director; stay with him and be at peace. Be faithful to God's will
and carry it out. As to your duties, always do what you are told to do and as
you are told to do it, no matter how humiliating or toilsome it might be.
Always choose the last place, and then they themselves will say to you, `Go up
higher.' In spirit and in your demeanor, consider yourself the least in the
whole house and in the entire Congregation. In everything and at all times, be
most faithful to God." <br />
<br />
507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all
the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to
disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue
me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and
change its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in
You as one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You
burn, O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of
loving God. Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven
by an intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite
incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple
faithfulness of soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">544 The novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[109]</span></a> is to last one year, without any
interruption. At this time the novice should be taught about the virtues
relating to the vows and about the importance of the vows. The directress
should do her utmost to provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices in
the practice of humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows easily and
experiences the great joys that God pours out upon the faithful soul. The
novices should not be burdened with duties that entail responsibilities, so
that they may be free to devote themselves to their own perfection. They are
obliged to observe the rules and statutes strictly, as are the postulants. <br />
<br />
545 After a year of novitiate, if the novice proves faithful, she may be
admitted to make her profession for one year. This is to be repeated for three
years. She may then be given duties of responsibility. However, she will still
belong to the novitiate, and once a week she must attend conferences together
with the novices, and she will spend the last six months entirely in the
novitiate in order to prepare well for her solemn profession. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#110" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[110]</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Superior. <br />
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567 All the sisters should respect the superior as the Lord Jesus himself, as I
mentioned when speaking about the vow of obedience. They should behave toward
her with childlike trust, and should never murmur or find fault with her
commands, as this is very displeasing to God. Let each be guided by a spirit of
faith in her relationship to superiors; let her ask with simplicity for all
that she needs. God forbid that it ever happen or be repeated that any of the
sisters would be a cause of sorrow or tears to the superior. Let each one know
that as the fourth commandment obliges a child to honor its parents, in like
manner is the religious bound to respect her superior. Only a bad religious
would take the liberty of judging her superior. Let the sisters be sincere with
the superior, telling her about everything and about their needs with childlike
simplicity. <br />
<br />
The sisters will address the superior thus: "With your leave, Sister
Superior." They shall never kiss her hand, but whenever they meet her in
the corridor or enter her cell, they should say, "Praised be Jesus
Christ," bowing their heads slightly. <br />
<br />
They shall address each other as "Sister," adding the proper name.
Their relationship toward the superior should be marked by a spirit of faith
and not by sentimentality or flattery, as these are unworthy of a religious and
would degrade her very much. A religious should be as free as a queen, and will
be such only when she lives in the spirit of faith. We should obey and respect
the superior, not because she is good, holy or prudent, but solely because she
represents God, and by obeying her we are obeying God himself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">635 March 25. In the morning, during
meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I saw the
immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension to His
creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how pleasing to
God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His grace! I gave
the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the world about His
great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him who will come,
not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible is that day!
Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The angels tremble
before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is still the time for
[granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be answering for a great
number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the end. I
sympathize with you.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">637 Confession. As I was preparing
for confession, I said to Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament, "Jesus,
I beg You to speak to me through the mouth of this priest. And this will be a
sign to me, because he does not know at all that You want me to establish that
Congregation of Mercy. Let him say something to me about this mercy."<br />
<br />
When I approached the confessional and started my confession, the priest
interrupted me and started telling me about the great mercy of God, and he
spoke more forcefully about it than I had ever heard anyone speak before. And
he asked me, "Do you know that the mercy of the Lord is greater than all
His works, that it is the crown of His works?" And I listened attentively
to these words which the Lord was speaking through the mouth of the priest.
Although I believe that it is always God who speaks through the lips of the
priest in the confessional, I experienced it in a special way on that occasion.<br />
<br />
Although I did not reveal anything of the divine life which is in my soul and
only accused myself of my offenses, the priest himself told me very much of
what was in my soul and put me under obligation to be faithful to the
inspirations of God. He said to me, "You are going through life with the
Mother of God, who faithfully responded to every divine inspiration." O my
Jesus, who can ever comprehend Your goodness?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">650 O my Jesus, my Master and
Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of my life. I
expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in the face of
Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I am
fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible
throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do
with me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough for
me.<br />
<br />
O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to
me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I
may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire
nothing but Your glory.<br />
<br />
O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the light
of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite myself
with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the place of my
feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">666 I understood that all striving
for perfection and all sanctity consist in doing God's will. Perfect
fulfillment of God's will is maturity in sanctity; there is no room for doubt
here. To receive God's light and recognize what God wants of us and yet not do
it is a great offense against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves to be
completely forsaken by God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light, but did
not do God's will. An extraordinary peace entered my soul when I reflected on
the fact that, despite great difficulties, I had always faithfully followed
God's will as I knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to put Your will into
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">667 July 14. I received a letter at
three o'clock [from Father Sopocko <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#135" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[135]</span></a>]. O Jesus, You alone know what I suffer,
but I will keep silent and will not say anything about it to any creature, because
I know that no one will comfort me. You are everything to me, O God, and Your
holy will is my nourishment. I am living now on what I will live on in
eternity.<br />
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I have great reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel; he had no example to
follow in doing the will of God, and yet he fulfilled God's will faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">678 The essence of the virtues is
the will of God. He who does the will of God faithfully, practices all the
virtues. In all the events and circumstances of my life, I adore and bless the
holy will of God. The holy will of God is the object of my love. In the most
secret depths of my soul, I live according to His will. I act exteriorly
according to what I recognize inwardly as the will of God. Sweeter to me are
the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all manner of adversities by divine
will than popularity, praise and esteem by my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">683 + Once, when I was praying
fervently to the Jesuit Saints, I suddenly saw my Guardian Angel, who led me
before the throne of God. I passed through great hosts of saints, and I
recognized many of them, whom I knew from their pictures. I saw many Jesuits,
who asked me from what congregation I was. When I answered they asked,
"Who is your spiritual director?" I answered that it was Father A....
When they wanted to say more, my Guardian Angel beckoned me to be silent, and I
came before the throne of God. I saw a great and inaccessible light, and I saw
a place destined for me, close to God. But what it was like I do not know,
because a cloud covered it. However, my Guardian Angel said to me, "Here
is your throne, for your faithfulness in fulfilling the will of God."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">724 On the eve of the retreat, I
started to pray that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little health so that
I could take part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill that I thought
perhaps it might be my last. However, as soon as I had started praying I felt a
strange dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of supplication and began to
thank the Lord for everything He sends me, submitting myself completely to His
holy will. Then I felt profound peace of soul. + Faithful submission to the
will of God, always and everywhere, in all events and circumstances of life,
gives great glory to God. Such submission to the will of God carries more weight
with Him than long fasts, mortifications and the most severe penances. Oh, how
great is the reward for one act of loving submission to the will of God! As I
write, my soul is enraptured at the thought of how much God loves it and of the
peace that my soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">734 I see that Jesus himself is
acting in my soul during this retreat. And as for me, I try only to be faithful
to His grace. I have submitted my soul completely to the influence of God. This
Mighty Ruler of Heaven has taken entire possession of my soul. I feel that I am
being lifted up above earth and heaven into the inner life of God, where I come
to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but always in the unity of
majesty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 <b>My daughter, if I demand
through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish
yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy,
which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors
always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or
absolve yourself from it.<br />
<br />
I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the
first-by deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees
is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love
for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the
first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of
mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of
the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of
this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the
demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without
works. </b>O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because You see
how very little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1030 + O my Jesus, give me wisdom, give me a mind great and
enlightened by Your light, and this only, that I may know You better, O Lord.
For the better I get to know You, the more ardently will I love You, the sole
object of my love. In You my soul drowns, in You my heart dissolves. I know not
how to love partially, but only with the full strength of my soul and the total
ardor of my heart. You yourself, O Lord, have enkindled this love of mine for
You; in You my heart has drowned forever.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1420 When I steeped myself in
prayer, I was transported in spirit to the chapel, where I saw the Lord Jesus,
exposed in the monstrance. In place of the monstrance, I saw the glorious face
of the Lord, and He said to me, <b>What you see in reality, these souls see
through faith. Oh, how pleasing to Me is their great faith! You see, although
there appears to be no trace of life in Me, in reality it is present in its
fullness in each and every Host. But for Me to be able to act upon a soul, the
soul must have faith. O how pleasing to Me is living faith!</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1448 <b>Write, speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are
to look for solace; that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy </b>[the Sacrament of
Reconciliation]<b>. There the greatest miracles take place </b>[and]<b> are
incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to
go on a great pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to
come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one's
misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul
like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint, there would be no </b>[hope
of]<b> restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God.
The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. Oh, how miserable are
those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God's mercy! You will call
out in vain, but it will be too late.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1456 + O most gracious Lord, how merciful it is on Your part
to judge each one according to his conscience and his discernment, and not
according to people's talk. My spirit delights and feeds more and more on Your
wisdom, which I am getting to know more and more deeply. And in this, the
vastness of Your mercy becomes more and more manifest to me. O my Jesus, the
effect of all this knowledge on my soul is that I am being transformed into a
flame of love towards You, my God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1564 Jesus, hide me; just as You have hidden Yourself under
the form of the white Host, so hide me from human eyes, and particularly hide
the gifts which You so kindly grant me. May I not betray outwardly what You are
effecting in my soul. I am a white host before You, O Divine Priest. Consecrate
me Yourself, and may my transubstantiation be known only to You. I stand before
You each day as a sacrificial host and implore Your mercy upon the world. In
silence, and unseen, I will empty myself before You; my pure and undivided love
will burn, in profound silence, as a holocaust. And may the fragrance of my
love be wafted to the foot of Your throne. You are the Lord of lords, but You
delight in innocent and humble souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1586 O my Jesus, You see how very grateful I am to Father
Sopocko, who has advanced Your work so much. That soul, so humble, has had to
endure all the storms. He has not allowed himself to become discouraged by
adversities, but has faithfully responded to the call of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1602 Today the Lord said to me, <b>Daughter, when you go to
confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth
from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you
go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that
I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the
confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only
hidden by the priest, but I myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the
soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls
draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is
no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The
proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from
them to humble souls.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1605 <b>Write down everything that
occurs to you regarding My goodness.</b> I answered, "What do You mean,
Lord, what if I write too much?" And the Lord replied, <b>My daughter,
even if you were to speak at one and the same time in all human and angelic
tongues, even then you would not have said very much, but on the contrary, you
would have sung in only a small measure the praises of My goodness-of My
unfathomable mercy.</b><br />
<br />
O my Jesus, You Yourself must put words into my mouth, that I may praise You
worthily.<br />
<br />
<b>My daughter, be at peace; do as I tell you. Your thoughts are united to My
thoughts, so write whatever comes to your mind. You are the secretary of My
mercy. I have chosen you for that office in this life and the next life. That
is how I want it to be in spite all the opposition they will give you. Know
that My choice will not change. </b><br />
<br />
At that moment I steeped myself in profound humility before God's majesty. But
the more I humbled myself, the more God's presence penetrated me...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1682 + May 1, [1938]. This evening,
Jesus said to me, <b>My daughter, do you need anything?</b> I answered, "O
my Love, when I have You I have everything." And the Lord answered, <b>If
souls would put themselves completely in My care, I Myself would undertake the
task of sanctifying them, and I would lavish even greater graces on them. There
are souls who thwart My efforts, but I have not given up on them; as often as
they turn to Me, I hurry to their aid, shielding them with My mercy, and I give
them the first place in My compassionate Heart.</b><br />
<br />
1683 <b>Write for the benefit of religious souls that it delights Me to come to
their hearts in Holy Communion. But if there is anyone else in such a heart, I
cannot bear it and quickly leave that heart, taking with Me all the gifts and
graces I have prepared for the soul. And the soul does not even notice My
going. After some time, inner emptiness and dissatisfaction will come to her
attention. Oh, if only she would turn to Me then, I would help her to cleanse
her heart, and I would fulfill everything in her soul; but without her
knowledge and consent, I cannot be the Master of her heart.</b><br />
<br />
1684 + I often communicate with persons who are dying and obtain the divine
mercy for them. Oh, how great is the goodness of God, greater than we can
understand. There are moments and there are mysteries of the divine mercy over
which the heavens are astounded. Let our judgment of souls cease, for God's
mercy upon them is extraordinary. <br />
<br />
1685 During Holy Hour today, I asked the Lord Jesus if He would deign to teach
me about the spiritual life. Jesus answered me,<b> My daughter, faithfully live
up to the words which I speak to you. Do not value any external thing too
highly, even if it were to seem very precious to you. Let go of yourself, and
abide with Me continually. Entrust everything to Me and do nothing on your own,
and you will always have great freedom of spirit. No circumstances or events
will ever be able to upset you. Set little store on what people say. Let
everyone judge you as they like. Do not make excuses for yourself; it will do
you no harm. Give away everything at the first sign of a demand, even if they
were the most necessary things. Do not ask for anything without consulting Me.
Allow them to take away even what is due you-respect, your good name-let your
spirit rise above all that. And so, set free from everything, rest close to My
Heart, not allowing your peace to be disturbed by anything. My pupil, consider
the words which I have spoken to you. </b><br />
<br />
1686 O my Love, my eternal Master, how good it is to obey; because when
obedience infuses the soul, it brings with it power and strength to act. <br />
<br />
1687 Today I saw the Crucified Lord Jesus. Precious pearls and diamonds were
pouring forth from the wound in His Heart. I saw how a multitude of souls was
gathering these gifts, but there was one soul who was closest to His Heart and
she, knowing the greatness of these gifts, was gathering them with liberality,
not only for herself, but for others as well. The Savior said to me, <b>Behold,
the treasures of grace that flow down upon souls, but not all souls know how to
take advantage of My generosity.</b><br />
<br />
1688 Today, the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, look into My Merciful Heart
and reflect its compassion in your own heart and in your deeds, so that you,
who proclaim My mercy to the world, may yourself be aflame with it.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1692 I adore You, Lord and Creator, hidden in the Blessed
Sacrament. I adore You for all the works of Your hands, that reveal to me so
much wisdom, goodness and mercy, O Lord. You have spread so much beauty over
the earth, and it tells me about Your beauty, even though these beautiful
things are but a faint reflection of You, Incomprehensible Beauty. And although
You have hidden Yourself and concealed Your beauty, my eye, enlightened by
faith, reaches You, and my soul recognizes its Creator, its Highest Good; and
my heart is completely immersed in prayer of adoration.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Lord and Creator, Your goodness encourages me to converse
with You. Your mercy</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">abolishes the chasm which separates the Creator from the
creature. To converse with You, O Lord, is the delight of my heart. In You I
find everything that my heart could desire. Here Your light illumines my mind,
enabling it to know You more and more deeply. Here streams of graces flow down
upon my heart. Here my soul draws eternal life. O my Lord and Creator, You
alone, beyond all these gifts, give Your own self to me and unite Yourself
intimately with Your miserable creature. Here, without searching for words, our
hearts understand each other. Here, no one is able to interrupt our
conversation. What I talk to You about, Jesus, is our secret, which creatures
shall not know and Angels dare not ask about. These are secret acts of
forgiveness, known only to Jesus and me; this is the mystery of His mercy,
which embraces each soul separately. For this incomprehensible goodness of
Yours, I adore You, O Lord and Creator, with all my heart and all my soul. And,
although my worship is so little and poor, I am at peace because I know that
You know it is sincere, however inadequate...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1701 I asked the Lord today that He
might deign to teach me about the interior life, because of myself I can
neither understand nor conceive anything perfectly. The Lord answered me,<b> I
was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make your heart like unto My
humble and gentle Heart. Never claim your rights. Bear with great calm and
patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend yourself when you are put
to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not stop being good when you
notice that your goodness is being abused. I Myself will speak up for you when
it is necessary. Be grateful for the smallest of My graces, because your
gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces...</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1711 When I was left alone with the Blessed Virgin, She
instructed me concerning the interior life. She said, <i>The soul's true
greatness is in loving God and in humbling oneself in His presence, completely
forgetting oneself and believing oneself to be nothing; because the Lord is
great, but He is well pleased only with the humble; He always opposes the
proud.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1734 O my Jesus, You know that there are times when I have
neither lofty thoughts nor a soaring spirit. I bear with myself patiently and
admit that that is just what I am, because all that is beautiful is a grace
from God. And so I humble myself profoundly and cry out for Your help; and the
grace of visitation is not slow in coming to the humble heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1742 Be praised, merciful God, One God in the Holy Trinity,<br />
Unfathomable, infinite, incomprehensible, <br />
immersing themselves in You, their minds cannot comprehend You, <br />
So they repeat without end their eternal: Holy. <br />
<br />
Be glorified, O merciful Creator of ours, O Lord, <br />
Omnipotent, but full of compassion, inconceivable. <br />
To love You is the mission of our existence, <br />
Singing our eternal hymn: Holy... <br />
<br />
Be blessed, merciful God, Eternal Love.<br />
You are above the heavens, the saphires, the firmaments. <br />
The host of pure spirits sings You praises, <br />
With its eternal hymn: Thrice Holy. <br />
<br />
And, gazing upon You, face to face, O God, <br />
I see that You could have called other creatures before them. <br />
Therefore they humble themselves before You in great humility,<br />
For well they see that this grace comes solely from Your mercy.<br />
<br />
One of the most beautiful spirits would not recognize Your mercy, <br />
And, blinded by his pride, he drew others after him.<br />
Angel of great beauty, he became Satan <br />
And was cast down in one moment from heaven's heights into hell. <br />
<br />
Then the faithful spirits cried, "Glory to God's mercy!" <br />
And they stood firm in spite of the fiery test. <br />
Glory to Jesus, the Christ abased, <br />
Glory to His Mother, the humble and pure Virgin.<br />
<br />
After this battle, the pure spirits plunged into the ocean of Divinity; <br />
Contemplating and praising the depths of His mercy, <br />
They drown in His mercy and manifold light, <br />
Possessing in knowledge the Trinity of Persons, the Oneness of Godhead.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 36, 55, 62, 72, 91-95, 97-98)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-102, 106-107, 111, 113-115, 129, 132)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-133, 136, 138-139, 145, 149-150, 159)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-170-171, 186-187, 189, 210, 226-227)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-230, 234, 248, 249, 257, 263-264, 272)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-278, 291-292, 294, 300-302, 328, 331)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-333, 352-353, 424, 449, 481, 497, 500)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-544-545, 567, 635, 637, 650, 666-668)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-683, 724, 734, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1030)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1420, 1448, 1465)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of
Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1564, 1586, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1602, 1605,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> 1682-1688)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska
Notebook-VI-1692, 1701, 1711, 1734, 1742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-91325447112289267282020-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-11T06:59:43.810-08:00The Kingdom Within-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">The Kingdom Within</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 12, 2020. Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 7:14-23</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, "Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) "But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, I believe that You are my Creator and Redeemer and that You know all things. Though none of my sins are hidden from You, I know that you still love me unconditionally and are waiting for me to repent and turn to You so that You can forgive me and wash me clean once more. Thank You for loving me infinitely. I offer You my weak love in return.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, help me to overcome my fallen nature and to put You first in my life.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. “Nothing that goes into a man from the outside can make him unclean.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The Kingdom of God,” as Christ tells us in the Gospel, “is within you.” Consequently, all that wars against the Kingdom is also within us. Number 405 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that original sin is a “deprivation of original holiness and justice.” It states that human nature has been “wounded in the natural powers proper to it,” and that it is subject to “ignorance, suffering and the dominion of death; and inclined to sin – an inclination to evil that is called ‘concupiscence.’” This concupiscence causes all sorts of disordered tendencies to surface from within us. These disordered tendencies—if accepted—are, as our Lord tells us, what defiles a man. Our holiness and purification must start from within (in ordering our thoughts and desires according to the Gospel standard), and rise to the surface in concrete deeds of goodness (in words and actions). Where does concupiscence do the most damage in my life?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “<b>It is the things that come out of a man that make him unclean.</b>" Sin and death entered the world through the disobedience of the Adam. But, “if death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:15). It is true that death and sin strive to reign in us due to our concupiscence, but it is not less true that we have at our disposal all the means necessary to root sin out from our hearts and live a new life in Christ. Christ has already conquered sin and death. With his grace we can conquer them within our hearts. Without ever looking back we must start out on this path, the path of the reign of Christ within us. Am I sincerely striving to overcome concupiscence in my life?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. “If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.” “</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” This is a familiar theme in the Liturgy due to the fact that throughout the centuries, people have often closed their hearts to the message of the Gospel and to their own greatest good. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the rich man petitions Abraham to send Lazarus from the dead so that he can warn his brothers about the fate that awaits them due to their materialistic, self-centered way of life. The rich man is told that they have the Law and the Prophets, to which he replies that if only someone would return from the dead, the brothers would believe. He is told that even then people would not believe. I cannot permit my heart to be hardened against God’s saving Word! But to remain open, my heart needs to be detached from the pleasures and easy way of living that make me deaf to Christ’s gentle instructions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversation with Christ: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, open my ears and lift the veil from my eyes so that I will allow Your Kingdom to reign in my heart. Free me from loving anything more than You. Free me to allow You to make demands in my life, demands which are proof of Your love. Help me, Lord, to live Christian charity so that I will not be caught off guard on the Day of Judgment. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will foster goodness in my thoughts and desires, and I will deny entrance to anything that would drive Jesus away.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered, "I am Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire in purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory, but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in purgatory or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied, "Jesus, I want to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on earth, even if it were until the end of the world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">83 <b>Write this: before I come as the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">112 +A few words about confession and confessors. I shall speak only of what I have experienced and gone through within my own soul. There are three things which hinder the soul from drawing profit from confession in these exceptional moments.<br /><br />The first thing: when the confessor has little knowledge of extraordinary ways and shows surprise if a soul discloses to him the great mysteries worked in it by God. Such surprise frightens a sensitive soul, and it notices that the confessor hesitates to give his opinion; and if it does notice this, it will not be set at peace, but will have even more doubts after confession than before, because it will sense that the confessor is trying to set it at peace while he himself is uncertain. Or else, as has happened to me, a confessor, unable to penetrate some of the soul's mysteries, refuses to hear the confession, showing a certain fear when the soul approaches the confessional.<br /><br />How can a soul in this state obtain peace in the confessional when it has become so oversensitive to every word of the priest? In my opinion, at times of such special trials sent by God to a soul, the priest, if he does not understand the soul, should direct it to some other experienced and well-instructed confessor. Or else he himself should seek light in order to give the soul what it needs, instead of downrightly denying it confession. For in this way he is exposing the soul to a great danger; and more than one soul may well leave the road along which God wanted it to journey. This is a matter of great importance, for I have experienced it myself. I myself began to waver; despite special gifts from God, and even though God himself reassured me, I have nevertheless always wanted to have the Church's seal as well.<br /><br />The second thing: the confessor does not allow the soul to express itself frankly, and shows impatience. The soul then falls silent and does not say everything [it has to say] and, by this, profits nothing. It profits even less when the confessor, without really knowing the soul, proceeds to put it to the test. Instead of helping the soul, he does it harm. The soul is aware that the confessor does not know it, because he did not allow it to lay itself open fully as regards both its graces and its misery. And so the test is ill-adapted. I have been submitted to some tests at which I have had to laugh.<br /><br />I will express this better thus: The confessor is the doctor of the soul, but how can a doctor prescribe a suitable remedy if he does not know the nature of the sickness? Never will he be able to do so. For either the remedy will not produce the desired effect, or else it will be too strong and will aggravate the illness, and sometimes-God forbid-even bring about death. I am speaking from my own experience because, in certain instances, it was the Lord himself who directly sustained me.<br /><br />The third thing: it also happens sometimes that the confessor makes light of little things. There is nothing little in the spiritual life. Sometimes a seemingly insignificant thing will disclose a matter of great consequence and will be for the confessor a beam of light which helps him to get to know the soul. Many spiritual undertones are concealed in little things.<br /><br />A magnificent building will never rise if we reject the insignificant bricks. God demands great purity of certain souls, and so He gives them a deeper knowledge of their own misery. Illuminated by light from on high, the soul can better know what pleases God and what does not. Sin depends upon the degree of knowledge and light that exists within the soul. The same is true of imperfections. Although the soul knows that it is only sin in the strict sense of the term which pertains to the sacrament of penance, yet these petty things are of great importance to a soul which is tending to sanctity, and the confessor must not treat them lightly. The patience and kindness of the confessor open the way to the innermost secrets of the soul. The soul, unconsciously as it were, reveals its abysmal depth and feels stronger and more resistant; it fights with greater courage and tries to do things better because it knows it must give an account of them.<br /><br />I will mention one more thing regarding the confessor. It is his duty to occasionally put to the test, to try, to exercise, to learn whether he is dealing with straw, with iron or with pure gold. Each of these three types of souls needs different kinds of training. The confessor must-and this is absolutely necessary-form a clear judgment of each soul in order to know how heavy a burden it can carry at certain times, in certain circumstances, or in particular situations. As for myself, it was only later on, after many [negative] experiences, that, when I saw that I was not understood, I no longer laid bare my soul or allowed my peace to be disturbed. But this happened only when all these graces had already been submitted to the judgement of a wise, well-instructed and experienced confessor. Now I know what to go by in certain cases.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">118 The tongue is a small member, but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence will never attain holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not delude herself-unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for then she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has to have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be constantly breaking silence. Oh, what irreparable damage is done by the breach of silence! We cause a lot of harm to our neighbor, but even more to our own selves.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In my opinion, and according to my experience, the rule concerning silence should stand in the very first place. God does not give himself to a chattering soul which, like a drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A deeper interior life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells, is quite out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others. I have seen many souls in the depths of hell for not having kept their silence; they told me so themselves when I asked them what was the cause of their undoing. These were souls of religious. My God, what an agony it is to think that not only might they have been in heaven, but they might even have become saints! O Jesus, have mercy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br /><br />When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br /><br />+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me, about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br /><br />+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br /><br />There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br /><br />In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b>My Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">374 J.M.J Vilnius, Februrary 4, 1935<br /><br />[page in the Dairy with the words "From today on my will does not exist" crossed out with a large 'X']<br /><br />The moment I knelt down to cross out my own will, as the Lord had bid me to do, I heard this voice in my soul:<b>From today on, do not fear God's judgment, for you will not be judged</b><br /><br />[The next page has...]<br />J.M.J Vilnius, February 4, 1935<br /><br />From today on, I do the Will of God everywhere, always, and in everything.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#88" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[88]</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">378 Once as I was talking with my spiritual director, I had an interior vision-quicker than lightning-of his soul in great suffering, in such agony that God touches very few souls with such fire. The suffering arises from this work. There will come a time when this work, which God is demanding so very much, will be as though utterly undone. And then God will act with great power, which will give evidence of its authenticity. It will be a new splendor for the Church, although it has been dormant in it from long ago. That God is infinitely merciful, no one can deny. He desires everyone to know this before He comes again as Judge. He wants souls to come to know Him first as King of Mercy. When this triumph comes, we shall already have entered the new life in which there is no suffering. But before this, your soul [of the spiritual director] will be surfeited with bitterness at the sight of the destruction of your efforts. However, this will only appear to be so, because what God has once decided upon, He does not change. But although this destruction will be such only in outward appearance, the suffering will be real. When will this happen? I do not know. How long will it last? I do not know.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#89" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[89]</span></a> But God has promised a great grace especially to you and to all those... <b>who will proclaim My great mercy. I shall protect them Myself at the hour of death, as My own glory. And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">423 Praise the Lord, my soul, for everything, and glorify His mercy, for His goodness is without end. Everything will pass, but His mercy is without limit or end. And although evil will attain its measure, in mercy there is no measure.<br /><br />O my God, even in the punishments You send down upon the earth I see the abyss of Your mercy, for by punishing us here on earth You free us from eternal punishment. Rejoice, all you creatures, for you are closer to God in His infinite mercy than a baby to its mother's heart. O God, You are compassion itself for the greatest sinners who sincerely repent. The greater the sinner, the greater his right to God's mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">496 Confession Day. From early morning, the turmoil in my soul was more violent than anything I had ever experienced before. Complete abandonment by God; I felt the utter weakness that I was. Thoughts bore in upon me: why should I leave this convent where I am loved by the sisters and superiors, where life is so tranquil; [where I am] bound by perpetual vows and carry out my duties without difficulty; why should I listen to the voice of my conscience; why follow an inspiration coming from who knows where; wouldn't it be better to carry on like all the other sisters? Perhaps the Lord's words could be stifled, not taken heed of; maybe God will not demand an account of them on the day of judgment. Where will this inner voice lead me? If I follow it, what tremendous difficulties, tribulations and adversities are in store for me. I fear the future, and I am agonizing in the present.<br /><br />This suffering continued with the same intensity throughout the whole day. When, in the evening, my turn came for confession, I could not make a full confession, even though I had been preparing for a long time. I received absolution and left, not knowing what was going on within me. When I went to bed, the suffering grew even worse; or rather, it changed into a fire which penetrated all the faculties of my soul like lightning, piercing me to the marrow, and to the most secret recesses of my heart. In the midst of this suffering, I was unable to bring myself to do anything. "Your will be done, Lord." At times I could not even think these words. Truly, a deadly fear had taken hold of me, and the flames of hell were touching me. Toward morning, silence set in, and my tribulations disappeared in the twinkling of an eye, but I felt so frightfully exhausted that I could not even move. During my conversation with Mother Superior, my strength returned bit by bit, but God alone knows how I felt throughout that whole day.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">566 One day, after Holy Communion, I suddenly saw the Infant Jesus standing by my kneeler and holding on to it with His two little hands. Although He was but a little Child, my soul was filled with awe and fear, for I see in Him my Judge, my Lord, and my Creator, before whose holiness the Angels tremble. At the same time, my soul was flooded with such unspeakable love that I thought I would die under its influence. I now see that Jesus first strengthens my soul and makes it capable of abiding with Him, for otherwise I would not be able to bear what I experience at such a moment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">660 O my Jesus, on the day of the last judgment, You will demand from me an account of this work of mercy. O just Judge, but my Spouse as well, help me to do Your holy will. O mercy, O divine virtue!<br /><br />O most merciful Heart of Jesus, my Betrothed, make my heart like unto Yours.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">717 All night long, I was preparing to receive Holy Communion, since I could not sleep because of physical suffering. My soul was flooded with love and repentance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">852 Today the Lord's gaze shot through me suddenly, like lightning. At once, I came to know the tiniest specks in my soul, and knowing the depths of my misery, I fell to my knees and begged the Lord's pardon, and with great trust I immersed myself in His infinite mercy. Such knowledge does not depress me nor keep me away from the Lord, but rather it arouses in my soul greater love and boundless trust. The repentance of my heart is linked to love. These extraordinary flashes from the Lord educate my soul. O sweet rays of God, enlighten me to the most secret depth, for I want to arrive at the greatest possible purity of heart and soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">854 December 29, [1936]. Today after Holy Communion, I heard a voice in my soul: <b>My daughter, stand ready, for I will come unexpectedly. </b>Jesus, You do not want to tell me the hour I am looking forward to with such longing?<b> My daughter, it is for your own good. You will learn it, but not now; keep watch. </b>O Jesus, do with me as You please. I know You are the merciful Savior and You will not change towards me at the hour of my death. If at this time you are showing me so much special love, and are condescending to unite Yourself with me is such an intimate way and with such great kindness, I expect even more at the hour of my death. You, my Lord-God, cannot change. You are always the same. Heaven can change, as well as everything that is created; but You, Lord, are ever the same and will endure forever. So come as You like and when You like. Father of infinite mercy, I, Your child, wait longingly for Your coming. O Jesus, You said in the Holy Gospel, "Out of your mouth do I judge you." Well, Jesus, I am always speaking of Your inconceivable mercy, so I trust that You will judge me according to Your unfathomable mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">895 January 23, [1937]. I did not feel like writing today. Then I heard a voice in my soul:<b>My daughter, you do not live for yourself but for souls; write for their benefit. You know that My will as to your writing has been confirmed many times by your confessors. You know what is pleasing to Me, and if you have any doubts about what I am saying, you also know whom you are to ask. I grant him light to pronounce judgment on my case. My eye watches over him. My daughter, you are to be like a child towards him, full of simplicity and candor. Put his judgment above all My demands. He will guide you according to My will. If he doesn't allow you to carry out My demands, be at peace; I will not judge you, but the matter will remain between Me and him. You are to be obedient.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">934 Small practices for Lent. Although I wish and desire to do so, I cannot practice big mortifications as before, because I am under the strict surveillance of the doctor. But I can practice little things: first-sleep without a pillow; keep myself a little hungry; every day, with my arms outstretched, say the chaplet which the Lord taught me; occasionally, with arms outstretched, for an indefinite period of time pray informally. Intention: to beg divine mercy for poor sinners, and for priests, the power to bring sinful hearts to repentance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1052 O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church: Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit, and give power to the words of priests so that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord. Lord, give us holy priests; You yourself maintain them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil's traps and snares which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of Your mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priests, for You can do all things.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1054 When Jesus was taking leave of me, such great pain filled my soul that it is impossible to express it. Physical strength left me; I left the chapel quickly and went to bed. I was oblivious of what was going on around me. My soul was filled with longing for the Lord, and all the bitterness of His Divine Heart was imparted to me. This lasted for about three hours. I asked the Lord to protect me from the eyes of those around me. Although I wanted to, I could not take any food all day, until evening.<br /><br />I earnestly desired to spend the whole night with Jesus in the dark prison cell. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#184"><span style="color: blue;">[184]</span></a> I prayed until eleven o'clock. At eleven, the Lord said to me,<b> Lie down and take your rest. I have let you experience in three hours what I suffered during the whole night.</b> And immediately I went to bed.<br /><br />I had no physical strength left; the suffering had deprived me of it completely. Throughout all this time, I had been in a sort of swoon. Every beat of Jesus' Heart was reflected in my heart and pierced my soul. If these tortures had concerned me only, I would have suffered less; but as I looked at the One whom my heart has loved with all its might and saw that He was suffering, and that I could not bring Him any relief, my heart dissolved in love and bitterness. I was dying with Him, and yet I could not die. But I would not have exchanged that martyrdom for all the pleasures in the whole world. In the course of this suffering, my love grew immeasurably. I know that the Lord was supporting me with His omnipotence, for otherwise I would not have been able to endure it for even a moment. Together with Him, I underwent, in a special way, all the various tortures. The world still has no idea of all that Jesus suffered. I accompanied Him to the Garden of Gethsemane; I stayed with Him in the prison; I went with Him before the judges; I underwent with Him each of the tortures. Not a single one of His movements or looks escaped my notice. I came to know all the omnipotence of His love and of His mercy toward souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1064 + O my most sweet Master, good Jesus, I give You my heart. You shape and mold it after Your liking. O fathomless love, I open the calyx of my heart to You, like a rosebud to the freshness of dew. To You alone, my Betrothed, is known the fragrance of the flower of my heart. Let the fragrance of my sacrifice be pleasing to You. O Immortal God, my everlasting delight, already here on earth You are my heaven. May every beat of my heart be a new hymn of praise to You, O Holy Trinity! Had I as many hearts as there are drops of water in the ocean or grains of sand in the whole world, I would offer them all to You, O my Love, O Treasure of my heart! Whomever I shall meet in my life, no matter who they may be, I want to draw them all to love You, O my Jesus, my Beauty, my Repose, my sole Master, Judge, Savior and Spouse, all in one; I know that one title will modify the other-I have entrusted everything to Your mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1074 When I went for adoration, I heard these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down these words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow house]<b>. Tell the world about My mercy and My love.<br /><br />The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br /><br />My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace.<br /><br />Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1075 <b>Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1076 <b>Write this: Everything that exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more deeply than an infant in its mother's womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1093 + O Jesus, shield me with Your mercy and also judge me leniently, or else Your justice may rightly damn me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1146 <b>[Let] the greatest sinners place their trust in My mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy. My daughter, write about My mercy towards tormented souls. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion, but on the contrary, I justify him in My unfathomable and inscrutable mercy. Write: before I come as a just Judge, I first open wide the door of My mercy. He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice...</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1158 A member of this group ought to perform at least one act of mercy a day; at least one, but there can be many more, for such deeds can easily be carried out by anyone, even the very poorest. For there are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the merciful word, by forgiving and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no word, then pray-that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy. And when the Last Day comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we shall receive the eternal verdict.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1159 God's floodgates have been opened for us. Let us want to take advantage of them before the day of God's justice arrives. And that will be a dreadful day!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1317 I understand Your words, Lord, and the magnitude of the mercy that ought to shine in my soul. Jesus:<b> I know, My daughter, that you understand it and that you do everything within your power. But write this for the many souls who are often worried because they do not have the material means with which to carry out an act of mercy. Yet spiritual mercy, which requires neither permissions nor storehouses, is much more meritorious and is within the grasp of every soul. If a soul does not exercise mercy somehow or other, it will not obtain My mercy on the day of judgment. Oh, if only souls knew how to gather eternal treasure for themselves, they would not be judged, for they would forestall My judgment with their mercy</b>.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1426 Christ, give me souls. Let anything You like happen to me, but give me souls in return. I want the salvation of souls. I want souls to know Your mercy. I have nothing left for myself, because I have given everything away to souls, with the result that on the day of judgment I will stand before You empty-handed, since I have given everything away to souls. Thus You will have nothing on which to judge me, and we shall meet on that day: Love and mercy... + J. M. J.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1515 + I spent this whole night with Jesus in the dark dungeon. This was a night of adoration. The sisters were praying in the chapel, and I was uniting myself with them in spirit, because poor health prevents me from going to the chapel. But all night long I could not fall asleep, so I spent the night in the dark prison with Jesus. Jesus gave me to know of the sufferings He experienced there. The world will learn about them on the day of judgment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1528 + When I complained to the Lord Jesus about a certain person [saying], "Jesus, how can this person pass judgment like that, even about an intention?" the Lord answered, <b>Do not be surprised. That soul does not even know her own self, so how could she pass a fair judgment on another soul?</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1701 I asked the Lord today that He might deign to teach me about the interior life, because of myself I can neither understand nor conceive anything perfectly. The Lord answered me,<b> I was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart. Never claim your rights. Bear with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not stop being good when you notice that your goodness is being abused. I Myself will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be grateful for the smallest of My graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces...</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1702 Towards the end of the Way of the Cross which I was making, the Lord Jesus began to complain about the souls of religious and priests, about the lack of love in chosen souls. <b>I will allow convents and churches to be destroyed.</b> I answered, "Jesus, but there are so many souls praising You in convents." The Lord answered, <b>That praise wounds My Heart, because love has been banished from convents. Souls without love and without devotion, souls full of egoism and self-love, souls full of pride and arrogance, souls full of deceit and hypocrisy, lukewarm souls who have just enough warmth to keep them alive: My Heart cannot bear this. All the graces that I pour out upon them flow off them as off the face of a rock. I cannot stand them, because they are neither good or bad. I called convents into being to sanctify the world through them. It is from them that a powerful flame of love and sacrifice should burst forth. And if they do not repent and become enkindled by their first love, I will deliver them over to the fate of this world...<br /><br />How can they sit on the promised throne of judgment to judge the world, when their guilt is greater than the guilt of the world? There is neither penance nor atonement. O heart, which received Me in the morning and at noon are all ablaze with hatred against Me, hatred of all sorts! O heart specially chosen by Me, were you chosen for this, to give Me more pain? The great sins of the world are superficial wounds on My Heart, but the sins of a chosen soul pierce My Heart through and through...</b><br /><br />1703 When I tried to intercede for them, I could find nothing with which to excuse them and, being at the time unable to think of anything in their defense, my heart was seized with pain, and I wept bitterly. Then the Lord looked at me kindly and comforted me with these words:<b> Do not cry. There are still a great number of souls who love Me very much, but My Heart desires to be loved by all and, because My love is great, that is why I warn and chastise them.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1712 A certain person whom I have mentioned before visited me again. When I saw that she was beginning to get entangled in her own lies, I let her know that I knew she was lying. She became very embarrassed and stopped speaking. Then I spoke to her about the great judgments of God, and I also remarked that she was leading innocent souls astray and along dangerous roads. I uncovered before her everything that was in her heart. Since I had to overcome my own feelings in order to talk to her, to prove to Jesus that I love my enemies, I gave her my afternoon snack. She went away enlightened in soul, but action is still far away...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1722 I heard these words: <b>If you did not tie My hands, I would send down many punishments upon the earth. My daughter, your look disarms My anger. Although your lips are silent, you call out to Me so mightily that all heaven is moved. I cannot escape from your requests, because you pursue Me, not from afar but within your own heart.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1728 <b>Write: I am Thrice Holy, and I detest the smallest sin. I cannot love a soul which is stained with sin; but when it repents, there is no limit to My generosity toward it. My mercy embraces and justifies it. With My mercy, I pursue sinners along all their paths, and My Heart rejoices when they return to Me. I forget the bitterness with which they fed My Heart and rejoice at their return.<br /><br />Tell sinners that no one shall escape My Hand; if they run away from My Merciful Heart, they will fall into My Just Hands. Tell sinners that I am always waiting for them, that I listen intently to the beating of their heart... when will it beat for Me? Write, that I am speaking to them through their remorse of conscience, through their failures and sufferings, through thunderstorms, through the voice of the Church. And if they bring all My graces to naught, I begin to be angry with them, leaving them alone and giving them what they want.</b><br /><br />1729 O my Jesus, You alone know of my efforts. I seem to be a bit better, but better only to the point that I can go out on the veranda instead of lying in bed. I see and am fully aware of what is happening to me. Despite the diligent care of my superiors and the efforts of the doctors, my health is fading and running out. But I rejoice greatly at Your call, my God, my Love, because I know that my mission will begin at the moment of my death. Oh, how much I desire to be set free from the bonds of this body. O my Jesus, You know that, in all my desires, I always want to see Your will. Of myself, I would not want to die one minute sooner, or to live one minute longer, or to suffer less, or to suffer more, but I only want to do Your holy will. Although I have great enthusiasm, and the desires burning in my heart are immense, they are never above Your will.<br /><br />1730 I fly to Your mercy, Compassionate God, who alone are good. Although my misery is great, and my offenses are many, I trust in Your mercy, because You are the God of mercy; and, from time immemorial, it has never been heard of, nor do heaven or earth remember, that a soul trusting in Your mercy has been disappointed.<br /><br />O God of compassion, You alone can justify me, and You will never reject me when I, contrite, approach Your Merciful Heart, where no one has ever been refused, even if he were the greatest sinner.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1784 Today, in the course of a long conversation, the Lord said to me, <b>How very much I desire the salvation of souls! My dearest secretary, write that I want to pour out My divine life into human souls and sanctify them, if only they were willing to accept My grace. The greatest sinners would achieve great sanctity, if only they would trust in My mercy. The very inner depths of My being are filled to overflowing with mercy, and it is being poured out upon all I have created. My delight is to act in a human soul and to fill it with My mercy and to justify it. My kingdom on earth is My life in the human soul. Write, My secretary, that I Myself am the spiritual guide of souls-and I guide them indirectly through the priest, and lead each one to sanctity by a road known to Me alone.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I- 36, 83, 112, 118, 145, 282, 374, 378)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-423, 496)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-566, 660, 717, 852, 854, 895, 934)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1052, 1054, 1064, 1074-1076, 1093)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1146, 1158-1159)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1317)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1426, 1515, 1528)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1701-1703, 1712, 1722)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1728-1730, 1784)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-58593692807696797272020-02-10T00:00:00.001-08:002020-02-09T07:24:07.969-08:00True Worship-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">True Worship</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 11, 2020. </span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes</span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 7:1-13</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. [For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles (and beds).] So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: ´This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.´ You disregard God´s commandment but cling to human tradition." He went on to say, "How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, ´Honor your father and your mother,´ and ´Whoever curses father or mother shall die.´ Yet you say, ´If a person says to father or mother, "Any support you might have had from me is qorban"´ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, thank You for Your Gospel and for all the truth it teaches me. Thank You for warning me of attitudes and dispositions that could become temptations for me. I love You for Your goodness and mercy, and I entrust myself into Your loving hands. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, help me to serve You sincerely, in truth and in love. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. “This people honors me only with lip service, while their hearts are far from me.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus calls his disciples to authenticity. Too often so-called disciples give the impression of following him, while at the same time accepting sensual loves and lusts in their heart. Although the Pharisees display the outward trappings of holiness, the way they treat Jesus and others betrays their true character. Jesus would call them “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 15:27): clean and bright on the outside, but full of dead men’s bones within. Self-righteousness would be their downfall. Such dispositions may lend the proud man certain short-term security, but it will always be illusory since it is not rooted in the truth. Is there any way in which I also pay tribute to God with my lips but say something else in my heart, or behave contrariwise in my actions?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. “The worship they offer me is worthless.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">True worship begins with humility, when the soul recognizes that it possesses no good in and of itself, but that all of its goodness comes from God. The Pharisees offered no real worship to God since, in effect, they worshipped only themselves by relying more on their talents and goodness than on the goodness that comes from God. It is not insignificant that when Jesus describes a Pharisee’s prayer in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, he says “The Pharisee prayed this prayer <i>to himself</i>” (Luke 18:11). How can I make sure that my prayer is truly devoted, meaning that I am addressing Our Lord with the words of my heart?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. "You make God’s word null and void.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Pharisees used the talents and gifts God had given them not for God’s glory, but for their own personal gain, whether that gain consisted of praise and admiration or personal comfort and ease. True worship of God, truly placing God above all else, involves using the things God created as means to reaching him. As number 226 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “It means making good use of created things: faith in God, the only One, leads us to use everything that is not God only insofar as it brings us closer to him, and to detach ourselves from it insofar as it turns us away from him: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.<br /> My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.<br /> My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, thank You for my life and all the good things You have given me. Help me to realize that You have created everything and that all I have is from You. May I use all I have to serve others and as a means to come closer to You, the source of all good. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will examine my conscience to see if I am using any of my gifts and talents to glorify or serve only myself. If so, I’ll strive to put these same gifts at the service of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #a20000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">92 Humiliation is my daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in everything that is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which, at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">200 O Jesus, how deeply it hurts the soul when it is always trying to be sincere and they accuse it of hypocrisy and behave with mistrust toward it. O Jesus, You also suffered like this to make satisfaction to Your Father.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">282 Once the Lord said to me, <b>My Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in repenting for your sins. I see your love, so pure and true that I give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the humble even to my very throne, because I want it so.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">320 Jesus made known to me how very pleasing to Him were prayers of atonement. He said to me,<b> The prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws down an ocean of blessings. </b>After the adoration, half way to my cell, I was surrounded by a , pack of huge black dogs who were jumping and howling and trying to tear me to pieces. I realized that they were not dogs, but demons. One of them spoke up in a rage, "Because you have snatched so many souls away from us this night, we will tear you to pieces." I answered, "If that is the will of the most merciful God, tear me to pieces, for I have justly deserved it, because I am the most miserable of all sinners, and God is ever holy, just, and infinitely merciful." To these words all the demons answered as one, "Let us flee, for she is not alone; the Almighty is with her!" And they vanished like dust, like the noise of the road, while I continued on my way to my cell undisturbed, finishing my Te Deum and pondering the infinite and unfathomable mercy of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">332 +Thursday. When I started the Holy Hour, I wanted to immerse myself in the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives. Then I heard a voice in my soul:<b>Meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation</b> . And suddenly the Infant Jesus appeared before me, radiant with beauty. He told me how much God is pleased with simplicity in a soul. <b>Although My greatness is beyond understanding, I commune only with those who are little. I demand of you a childlike spirit.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1306 + O humility, lovely flower, I see how few souls possess you. Is it because you are so beautiful and at the same time so difficult to attain? O yes, it is both the one and the other. Even God takes great pleasure in her. The floodgates of heaven are open to a humble soul, and a sea of graces flows down upon her. O how beautiful is a humble soul! From her heart, as from a censer, rises a varied and most pleasing fragrance which breaks through the skies and reaches God himself, filling His Most Sacred Heart with joy. God refuses nothing to such a soul; she is all-powerful and influences the destiny of the whole world. God raises such a soul up to His very throne, and the more she humbles herself, the more God stoops down to her, pursuing her with His graces and accompanying her at every moment with His omnipotence. Such a soul is most deeply united with God. O humility, strike deep roots in my whole being. O Virgin most pure, but also most humble, help me to attain deep humility. Now I understand why there are so few saints; it is because so few souls are deeply humble.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1579 + It is when I meet with hypocrisy that I suffer most. Now I understand You, my Savior, for rebuking the Pharisees so severely for their hypocrisy. You associated more graciously with hardened sinners when they approached You contritely.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1602 Today the Lord said to me, <b>Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1702 Towards the end of the Way of the Cross which I was making, the Lord Jesus began to complain about the souls of religious and priests, about the lack of love in chosen souls. I will allow convents and churches to be destroyed. I answered, "Jesus, but there are so many souls praising You in convents." The Lord answered, That praise wounds My Heart, because love has been banished from convents.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Souls without love and without devotion, souls full of egoism and self-love, souls full of pride and arrogance, souls full of deceit and hypocrisy, lukewarm souls who have just enough warmth to keep them alive: My Heart cannot bear this. All the graces that I pour out upon them flow off them as off the face of a rock. I cannot stand them, because they are neither good or bad. I called convents into being to sanctify the world through them. It is from them that a powerful flame of love and sacrifice should burst forth. And if they do not repent and become enkindled by their first love, I will deliver them over to the fate of this world...<br /><br />How can they sit on the promised throne of judgment to judge the world, when their guilt is greater than the guilt of the world? There is neither penance nor atonement. O heart, which received Me in the morning and at noon are all ablaze with hatred against Me, hatred of all sorts! O heart specially chosen by Me, were you chosen for this, to give Me more pain? The great sins of the world are superficial wounds on My Heart, but the sins of a chosen soul pierce My Heart through and through..</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1710 May 26, [1938-Feast of the Ascension]. Today I accompanied the Lord Jesus as He ascended into heaven. It was about noon. I was overcome by a great longing for God. It is a strange thing, the more I felt God's presence, the more ardently I desired Him. Then I saw myself in the midst of a huge crowd of disciples and apostles, together with the Mother of God. Jesus was telling them to... <b>Go out into the whole world and teach in My name.</b> He stretched out His hands and blessed them and disappeared in a cloud. I saw the longing of Our Lady. Her soul yearned for Jesus with the whole force of Her love. But She was so peaceful and so united to the will of God that there was not a stir in Her heart but for what God wanted.<br /><br />1711 When I was left alone with the Blessed Virgin, She instructed me concerning the interior life. She said, <i>The soul's true greatness is in loving God and in humbling oneself in His presence, completely forgetting oneself and believing oneself to be nothing; because the Lord is great, but He is well pleased only with the humble; He always opposes the proud.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-92, 200, 282, 320, 332) </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1306)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1579)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1602, 1702, 1710-1711)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-47876837221196319592020-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-09T06:43:52.316-08:00Faith and Christ’s Healing Power-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="margin-left: -3.4pt;"><tbody>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Faith and Christ’s Healing Power</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 10, 2020</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. <b>Memorial of Saint Scholastica, virgin</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 6:53-56</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I believe in Your power of healing grace, in Your capacity to heal both physically and spiritually. I come to You in spiritual illness and weakness, confident in Your desire to heal and strengthen me. I humbly offer You my soul, wounded and aching from the spiritual cancer of self-love, pride and self-sufficiency. I abandon myself to Your loving mercy. Thank You, Lord, for watching over me and loving me unconditionally. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, heal my heart and soul, and help me to do what I must do to maintain my spiritual health. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. “People recognized him, and started hurrying all through the countryside.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For the most part, the people in this Gospel were not “hurrying throughout the countryside” to invite others to come and seek forgiveness and spiritual healing from Jesus. They were in haste, yes, but in haste to bring the sick so that the Lord would heal them from their physically infirmities. How blind is the human heart that often fears physical illness more than spiritual infirmities and falling out of God’s grace! The gravest ills we can suffer are those that come from within us: “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, unchastity, theft, false witness, blasphemy. These are what defile a person” (Matthew 15:19-20).</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. “They laid down the sick in the open spaces, begging him to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Holy men and women throughout the centuries have firmly believed that “touching” Christ through receiving the sacraments brings about spiritual healing and redemption. “My heart has been wounded by many sins,” St. Ambrose used to pray before he celebrated Mass, “my mind and tongue carelessly left unguarded. Lord of kindness and power, in my lowliness and need I am turning to you, the fountain of mercy; I am hurrying to you to be healed; I am taking refuge under your protection. I am longing to meet you, not as my Judge but as my Savior. Lord, I am not ashamed to show you my wounds. Only you know how many and how serious my sins are, and though they could make me fear for my salvation, I am putting my hope in your mercies, which are beyond count. Look on me with mercy, then, Lord Jesus Christ, eternal King, God and man, crucified for our sake. I am putting my trust in you, the fountain that will never stop flowing with merciful love: hear me and forgive my sins and weaknesses.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. “All those who touched him were cured.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All those who touched Jesus Christ with the touch of faith were cured: the Canaanite woman, the blind man, the ten lepers, the man with a withered hand, the paralytic, Jairus’ daughter, the woman with the hemorrhage, the boy with a demon, the Gerasene demoniac, the deaf man. All these people in the Gospel had something in common: it was their faith that allowed the Lord to heal them. The phrase used in the case of the woman with the hemorrhage is telling: “power had gone out from him” (Mark 5:30). Faith is one of the most powerful acts of the human person, since God himself chooses to be moved by it. How strong is my faith in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ? Do I reach out and touch him in faith every day? Do I allow him to act in my life through faith? What am I waiting for? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, You are all powerful and the source of my salvation and spiritual healing. In this prayer I am reaching out to touch You in faith, even though I am unworthy and my faith is weak. Heal me, Lord. Give me the strength to resist the power of evil in my life and to adhere to Your grace and goodness. Lord, I believe; increase my faith. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will offer up short acts of faith in the Lord throughout the world.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">23 Toward the end of the first year of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul. I felt no consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear began to sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but great misery. I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not dare to raise my eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and begged for mercy. My soul was in this state for almost six months. Our beloved Mother Directress [Mary Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank">[14]</a>] encouraged me in these difficult moments. But this suffering became greater and greater.<br /><br />The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was offending God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank">[15]</a>] did not let me omit one single Holy Communion. God was working very strangely in my soul. I did not understand anything at all of what my confessor was telling me. The simple truths of the faith became incomprehensible to me. My soul was in anguish, unable to find comfort anywhere.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered, "I am Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire in purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory, but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in purgatory or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied, "Jesus, I want to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on earth, even if it were until the end of the world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">55 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1933. Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior inspirations, but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize that these interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they are for the good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to follow them; and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation with your confessor.<br /><br /><u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the evil spirit.<br /><br /><u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor specifically to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it would be better to even ignore them.<br /><br />But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the other, as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God. Humility, humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all is purely and simply God's grace.<br /><br />You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br /><br />Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the Lord, paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God suffice you; He alone."<br /><br />Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told me: "Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages: `She spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br /><br />Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of others."<br /><br />On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then, generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br /><br />Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God push your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of the interior life."<br /><br />Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress [Mary Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity and humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like a little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility, content with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others fear, you will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility. Remember this, Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains down into the valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble souls."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">62 O life so dull and monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a seal for eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">91 O my Jesus, You alone know what persecutions I suffer, and this only because I am being faithful to You and following Your orders. You are my strength; sustain me that I may always carry out what You ask of me. Of myself I can do nothing, but when You sustain me, all difficulties are nothing for me. O my Lord, I can see very well that from the time when my soul first received the capacity to know You, my life has been a continual struggle which has become increasingly intense.<br /><br />Every morning during meditation, I prepare myself for the whole day's struggle. Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory; and so it is. I fear the day when I do not receive Holy Communion. This Bread of t lie Strong gives me all the strength I need to carry on my mission and the courage to do whatever the Lord asks of me. The courage and strength that are in me are not of me, but of Him who lives in me - it is the Eucharist.<br /><br />O my Jesus, the misunderstandings are so great; sometimes, were it not for the Eucharist, I would not have the courage to go any further along the way You have marked out for me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">92 Humiliation is my daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in everything that is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which, at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame my heart with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and the Terror of the Soul.<br /><br />In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness - that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain; it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it, and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him.<br /><br />But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is; the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized, the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact, this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here, however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">97 Faith staggers under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the complete abandonment of the soul by God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair<br /><br />98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br /><br />At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br /><br />The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br /><br />If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">102 After some time, one of the sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was frightened and went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy obedience ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned immediately, and I got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the state of my soul and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying, "Do not be distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in virtue of obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that God is calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you very close to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so soon. Be faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to have a high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of these words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set free from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">106 Though these are frightening things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will never test us beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may never send us such sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the Lord to let a soul pass through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but, insofar as this depends on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God. God will do a soul no harm, because He is Love itself, and in this unfathomable love has called it into being. However, when I was so tormented, I myself did not understand this.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">107 O my God, I have come to know that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this profound awareness into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with earth, though I in no way neglect my duties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">111 When, in the midst of these interior torments, I tried to accuse myself in confession of the smallest trifles, the priest was surprised that I had not committed graver faults, and he said to me, "If you are as faithful as this to God during these sufferings, this in itself is evidence to me that God is sustaining you, Sister, with a special grace, and it is a good thing that you do not understand this." It is a strange thing, nevertheless, that confessors could neither understand me nor set my mind at peace concerning these matters, until I met Father Andrasz and, later on, Father Sopocko.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing are the hymns flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a soul, especially when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing for Him. Great is its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through the jungle of life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the ground.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him. It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general. The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the senses. God fills it with His light.<br /><br />The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here, the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound. In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new courage to suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">132 I must again mention that there are some confessors who seem to be true spiritual fathers, but only as long as things go well. When the soul finds itself in greater need, they become perplexed, and either cannot or will not understand the soul. They try to get rid of the person as soon as possible. But if the soul is humble, it will always profit in some little way or other. God himself will sometimes cast a shaft of light into the depths of the soul, because of its humility and faith. The confessor will sometimes say something he had never intended to say, without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the soul believe that such words are the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed we ought to believe that every word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I have referred to above is something that comes directly from God. And the soul perceives that the priest is not master of himself, that he is saying things that he would rather not say. This is how God rewards faith.<br /><br />I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and respected priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at Plock], to whom I sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe and opposed to these matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion he replied to me, "Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of you, you should not oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just this way. Be at peace; what God has started, He will finish. But I say this to you: faithfulness to God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well in mind what I have told you today." I was delighted, and I thought that perhaps this priest had understood me. But it so turned out that I never went to confession to him again.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">136 And the Lord gave me to know that the whole mystery depended on me, on my free consent to the sacrifice given with full use of my faculties. In this free and conscious act lies the whole power and value before His Majesty. Even if none of these things for which I offered myself would ever happen to me, before the Lord everything was as though it had already been consummated.<br /><br />At that moment, I realized I was entering into communion with the incomprehensible Majesty. I felt that God was waiting for my word, for my consent. Then my spirit immersed itself in the Lord, and I said, "Do with me as You please. I subject myself to Your will. As of today, Your holy will shall be my nourishment, and I will be faithful to Your commands with the help of Your grace. Do with me as You please. I beg You, O Lord, be with me at every moment of my life."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">138 A great mystery has been accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in my soul. When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was awaiting me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled closely to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready for that for which I had offered myself.<br /><br />Suffering seemed to spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself was surprised. For others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't worth paying any attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed; each word was analyzed, each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get ready, Sister, to receive a small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I feel sorry for you." But as for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of my soul and had been ready for it for a long time. When she saw my courage, she was surprised. I see now that a soul cannot do much of itself, but with God it can do all things. Behold what God's grace can do. Few are the souls that are always watchful for divine graces, and even fewer of such souls who follow those inspirations faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">139 Still, a soul which is faithful to God cannot confirm its own inspirations; it must submit them to the control of a very wise and learned priest; and until it is quite certain, it should remain distrustful. It should not, on its own initiative alone, put its trust in these inspirations and all other higher graces, because it can thus expose itself to great losses.<br /><br />Even though a soul may immediately distinguish between false inspirations and those of God, it should nevertheless be careful, because many things are uncertain. God is pleased and rejoices when a soul distrusts Him for His own sake; because it loves Him, it is prudent and itself asks and searches for help to make certain that it is really God who is acting within it. And once a well-instructed confessor has confirmed this, the soul should be at peace and give itself up to God, according to His directions; that is, according to the directions of the confessor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br /><br />When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br /><br />+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me, about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br /><br />+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br /><br />There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br /><br />In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">148 +A noble and delicate soul, even the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees God in everything, finds Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the most hidden things. It finds all things important, it highly appreciates all things, it thanks God for all things, it draws profit for the soul from all things, and it gives all glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not confused when the time of ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best of Fathers and makes little of human opinion. It follows faithfully the faintest breath of the Holy Spirit; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its mother. Where other souls come to a standstill and fear, this soul passes on without fear or difficulty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">149 When the Lord himself wants to be close to a soul and to lead it, He will remove everything that is external. When I fell ill and was taken to the infirmary, I suffered much unpleasantness because of this. There were two of us sick in the infirmary. Sisters would come to see Sister N., but no one came to visit me. It is true that there was only one infirmary, but each one had her own cell. The winter nights were long, and Sister N. had the light and the radio headphones, while I could not even prepare my meditation for lack of a light.<br /><br />When nearly two weeks had passed in this way, I complained to the Lord one evening that I was suffering so much and that I could not even prepare my meditation because there was no light. And the Lord said that He would come every evening and give me the points for the next day's meditation. These points always concerned His sorrowful Passion. He would say, <b>Consider My sufferings before Pilate. </b>And thus, point by point, I meditated upon His sorrowful Passion for one week. From that moment, a great joy entered my soul, and I no longer wanted either the visitors or the light; Jesus sufficed me for everything. The superiors were indeed very solicitous for the sick, but the Lord ordained that I should feel forsaken. This best of masters withdraws every created thing in order that He himself might act. Many a time, I have experienced such sufferings and persecutions that Mother M. [probably Mother Margaret] herself said to me, "Sister, along your path, sufferings just spring up out of the ground. I look upon you, Sister, as one crucified. But I can see that Jesus has a hand in this. Be faithful to the Lord."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">150 + I want to write down a dream that I had about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I was still a novice at the time and was going through some difficulties which I did not know how to overcome. They were interior difficulties connected with exterior ones. I made novenas to various saints, but the situation grew more and more difficult. The sufferings it caused me were so great that I did not know how to go on living, but suddenly the thought occurred to me that I should pray to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I started a novena to this Saint, because before entering the convent I had had a great devotion to her. Lately I had somewhat neglected this devotion, but in my need I began again to pray with great fervor.<br /><br />On the fifth day of the novena, I dreamed of Saint Therese, but it was as if she were still living on earth. She hid from me the fact that she was a saint and began to comfort me, saying that I should not be worried about this matter, but should trust more in God. She said, "I suffered greatly, too," but I did not quite believe her and said, "It seems to me that you have not suffered at all." But Saint Therese answered me in a convincing manner that she had suffered very much indeed and said to me, "Sister, know that in three days the difficulty will come to a happy conclusion." When I was not very willing to believe her, she revealed to me that she was a saint. At that moment, a great joy filled my soul, and I said to her, "You are a saint?" "Yes," she answered, "I am a saint. Trust that this matter will be resolved in three days:" And I said, "Dear sweet Therese, tell me, shall I go to heaven?" And she answered, "Yes, you will go to heaven, Sister." "And will I be a saint?" To which she replied, "Yes, you will be a saint." "But, little Therese, shall I be a saint as you are, raised to the altar?" And she answered, "Yes, you will be a saint just as I am, but you must trust in the Lord Jesus." I then asked her if my mother and father would go to heaven, will [unfinished sentence] And she replied that they would. I further asked, "And will my brothers and sisters go to heaven?" She told me to pray hard for them, but gave me no definite answer. I understood that they were in need of much prayer.<br /><br />This was a dream. And as the proverb goes, dreams are phantoms; God is faith. Nevertheless, three days later the difficulty was solved very easily, just as she had said. And everything in this affair turned out exactly as she said it would. It was a dream, but it had its significance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">159 +O Blessed Host, in golden chalice enclosed for me,<br />That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br /><br />O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul,<br />O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br /><br />O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />Though Your beauty be veiled<br />And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />Strong faith tears away that veil.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">170 The first day of the retreat. I tried to be the first in the chapel in the morning; before the meditation I had a bit of time for prayer to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady. I earnestly begged the Mother of God to obtain for me the grace of fidelity to these inner inspirations and of faithfully carrying out God's will, whatever it might be. I began this retreat with a very special kind of courage.<br /><br />171 Struggle to keep silence. As usual, sisters from various houses came to the retreat. One of the sisters whom I had not seen for a long time, came to my cell and said she had something to tell me. I did not answer her, and she saw that I did not want to break silence. She said to me, "I didn't know you were such an eccentric, sister," and she went away. I was well aware that she had no other business with me than to satisfy her own curious self-love. O God, preserve me in faithfulness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">174 At that moment the priest came in and began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he were in a hurry. After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing that none of the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an instant was in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of telling the father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my dealings with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have just described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and said, "Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so kindly. Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your communing with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that you are on the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces; you are not free to shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your superiors about these interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you clearly to do so, and even then you should first consult with your confessor. But if the Lord Jesus demands something external, in this case, after consulting your confessor, you should carry out what He asks of you, even if this costs you greatly. On the other hand, you must tell your confessor everything. There is absolutely no other course for you to take, Sister. Pray that you may find a spiritual director, or else you will waste these great gifts of God. I repeat once again, be at peace; you are following the right path. Take no heed of anything else, but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone says about you. It is with just such miserable souls that the Lord Jesus communes in this intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the Lord Jesus will unite Himself with you." 175 176 177</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">189 On one occasion, Jesus gave me to know how pleasing to Him is the soul that faithfully keeps the rule. A soul will receive a greater reward for observing the rule than for penances and great mortifications. The latter will be rewarded also if they are undertaken over and above the rule, but they will not surpass the rule.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">204 A short conversation with Mother Directress [Margaret]. When I asked her about some particulars concerning progress in the spiritual life, this holy Mother answered everything with great clarity. She said to me, "if you continue cooperating with God's grace in this way, Sister, you will be only one step away from close union with God. You understand what I mean by this. This means that your characteristic trait should be faithfulness to the grace of the Lord. God does not lead all souls along such a path." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">210 I fervently beg the Lord to strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not be guided by human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything drags man towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher regions and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest one.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 226 The rules that I most often fail to obey: sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell; sometimes I meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my very best to improve.<br /><br />I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my actions. I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must be mindful of God.<br /><br />Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank">[67]</a> I must report [even] small things to my superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in my spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I must keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty words that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great appreciation for even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become absorbed in the whirl of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak little with people, but a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay little attention as to who is for me and who is against me. I must not tell others about those things I have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking out loud to others during work. I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds of Jesus.<br /><br />227 +In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing is as constant as suffering-it always faithfully keeps the soul company. O Jesus, I will let no one surpass me in loving You!<br /><br />+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">230 Jesus, living Host, You are my Mother, You are my all! It is with simplicity and love, with faith and trust that I will always come to You, O Jesus! I will share everything with You, as a child with its loving mother, my joys and sorrows-in a word, everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">234 When I finished this confession, my spirit was immersed in God, and I prayed for three hours, but it seemed to me like only a few minutes. Since then, I have placed no obstacles in the way of grace working in my soul. Jesus knew why I had been afraid to commune intimately with Him and was not at all offended. From the moment the priest assured me that what I had experienced was not an illusion, but the grace of God, I have tried to be faithful to God in everything. I can see now that there are few such priests who understand the full depth of God's work in the soul. Since then, my wings have been set free for flight, and I yearn to soar into the very fire of the sun. My flight will not come to an end until I rest in Him forever. When we fly very high, all the vapors, mists and clouds are beneath our feet, and our whole carnal being is necessarily subject to the spirit.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">248 The words of the Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank">[73]</a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of burning love." While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as such] for all eternity.<br /><br />249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a Mother to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">257 Tomorrow I am to leave for Vilnius. Today, I went to confession to Father Andrasz, this priest who is so filled with the spirit of God, who untied my wings so that I could soar to the highest summits. He reassured me in everything and told me to believe in Divine Providence. "Have confidence and walk ahead with courage." An extraordinary, divine power came over me after that confession. Father stressed that I must be faithful to God's grace and said, "No harm will come to you if, in the future, you continue to keep this same simplicity and obedience. Have confidence in God; you are on the right path and in good hands, in God's hands."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">263 +The week for confession came and, to my great joy, I saw the priest I had known before coming to Vilnius. [That is to say,] I had known him by seeing him in a vision. At that moment, I heard these words in my soul: <b>This is My faithful servant; he will help you to fulfill My will here on earth. </b>Yet, I did not open myself to him as the Lord wished. And for some time I struggled against grace. During each confession, God's grace penetrated me in a very special way, yet I did not reveal my soul before him, and I had the intention of not going to confession to that priest. After this decision, a terrible anxiety entered my soul. God reproached me severely. When I did lay bare my soul completely to this priest, Jesus poured an ocean of graces into it. Now I understand what it means to be faithful to a particular grace. That one grace draws down a whole series of others.<br /><br />264 +O my Jesus, keep me near to You! See how weak I am! I cannot go a step forward by myself; so You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother by a helpless child-and even more so.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">272 But previously, this priest had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there, the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets such things happen sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace not to falter.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">291 On a certain occasion, I saw a person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send me the greatest torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt the terrible pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long time, but that person remained in the Lord's grace. 0 my Jesus, how very easy it is to become holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees this little bit of good will in the soul, He hurries to give himself to the soul, and nothing can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls-absolutely nothing. Jesus is anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from God, it can very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature here on earth. God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone. Indeed He gives more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit-that is the shortest route.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">292 +When a soul loves God sincerely, it ought not fear anything in the spiritual life. Let it subject itself to the action of grace, and let it not impose any restraints on itself in communing with the Lord.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant [Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment.<br /><br />+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br /><br />+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br /><br />My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest, for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">328 O purest Love, rule in all Your plenitude in my heart and help me to do Your holy will most faithfully!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">331 Oh, how great a grace it is to have a spiritual director! One makes more rapid progress in virtue, sees the will of God more clearly, fulfills it more faithfully, and follows a road that is sure and free of dangers. The director knows how to avoid the rocks against which the soul could be shattered. The Lord gave me this grace rather late, to be sure, but I rejoice in it greatly, seeing how God inclines His will to my director's wishes. I will mention just one incident out of a thousand that have happened to me. As I usually do, I asked the Lord Jesus one evening to give me the points for next day's meditation. I received the answer: Meditate on the Prophet Jonah and his mission. I thanked the Lord, but began to think within myself of how different that subject was from the others. But with all my soul I strove to meditate about it, and I recognized myself in the person of the prophet, in the sense that often I, too, try to make excuses to the Lord, claiming that someone else would do His holy will better [than I could], and not understanding that God can do all things and that His omnipotence will be all the more manifest if the tool is poorer. God made this clear to me in the following way. That afternoon, there was confession for the community. When I presented to the director of my soul the fear that seized me because of this mission for which God was using me, clumsy tool that I was, my spiritual father answered that, willing or not, we must carry out the will of God, and he gave me the Prophet Jonah as an example. After the confession, I wondered how the confessor knew that God had told me to meditate about Jonah; surely I myself had not told him. Then I heard these words:<b>When the priest acts in my place, he does not act of himself, but I act through him. His wishes are Mine. </b>I can see how Jesus defends His representatives. He himself enters into their actions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">333 I now see clearly how God acts through the confessor and how faithfully He keeps His promises. Two weeks ago, my confessor told me to reflect upon this spiritual childhood. It was somewhat difficult at first, but my confessor, disregarding my difficulties, told me to continue to reflect upon spiritual childhood. "In practice, this spiritual childhood," [he said,] "should manifest itself in this way: a child does not worry about the past or the future, but makes use of the present moment. I want to emphasize that spiritual childlikeness in you, Sister, and I place great stress upon it." I can see how God bows down to my confessor's wishes; He does not show himself to me at this time as a Teacher in the fullness of His strength and human adulthood, but as a little Child. The God who is beyond all understanding stoops to me under the appearance of a little Child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">352 At the chapter, Mother [Borgia] stressed a life of faith and fidelity in small things. Half way through the chapter, I heard these words:<b> I desire that you would all have more faith at the present time. How great is My joy at the faithfulness of My spouse in the smallest things.</b> Then I looked at the crucifix and saw that Jesus' head was turned towards the refectory, and His lips were moving.<br /><br />When I told Mother Superior about it, she answered, "You see, Sister, how Jesus demands that our life be a life of faith."<br /><br />353 When Mother left for the chapel and I stayed to set the room in order, I heard these words: <b>Tell all the sisters that I demand that they live in the spirit of faith towards the superiors at this present time.</b> I begged my confessor to release me from this duty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">424 In the evening, I just about got into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep quickly, I was awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up. The child seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well, as children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The child was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to me, <b>Look at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the stars and the moon shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this moon and these stars? </b>When I said yes, he spoke these words to me, <b>These stars are the souls of faithful Christians, and the moon is the souls of religious. Do you see how great the difference is between the light of the moon and the light of the stars? Such is the difference in heaven between the soul of a religious and the soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And he went on to say that, <b>True greatness is in loving God and in humility.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">449 I prepared for this feast with greater zeal than in previous years. On the morning of the feast itself, I experienced an inner struggle at the thought that I must leave this Congregation which enjoys such special protection from Mary. This struggle lasted through the meditation and through the first Mass as well. During the second Mass, I turned to our Holy Mother, telling Her that it was difficult for me to separate myself from this Congregation... "which is under Your special protection, O Mary." Then I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably beautiful. She came down from the altar to my kneeler, held me close to herself and said to me, <i>I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable mercy of God. Most pleasing to Me is that soul which faithfully carries out the will of God.</i> She gave me to understand that I had faithfully fulfilled the will of God and had thus found favor in His eyes. <i>Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and in this way you will be victorious.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">481 Almost every feast of the Church gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace. That is why I prepare myself for each feast and unite myself closely with the spirit of the Church. What a joy it is to be a faithful child of the Church! Oh, how much I love Holy Church and all those who live in it! I look upon them as living members of Christ, who is their Head. I burn with love with those who love; I suffer with those who suffer, I am consumed with sorrow at the sight of those whoa are cold and ungrateful; and I then try to have such a love for God that it will make amends for those who do not love Him, those who feed their Savior with ingratitude at its worst.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">497 O Eternal Truth, Word Incarnate, who most faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am becoming a martyr of Your inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because I have no will of my own, though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit in everything to the will of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus, it cannot be helped, but I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">500 During Holy Mass I prayed fervently that Jesus might become King of all hearts and that divine grace might shine in every soul. Then I saw Jesus as He is depicted in the image, and He said to me,<b> My daughter, you give Me the greatest glory by faithfully fulfilling My desires.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">506 "Do nothing without the consent of the superiors. One must think this matter over thoroughly and pray much. One must be very careful about these things because, in your present situation, Sister, the will of God is certain and clear, for you are in fact bound to this Congregation by vows, and perpetual vows at that; so there should be no doubt. What you are experiencing interiorly, Sister, are only the glimmerings of a project. God can make some alterations, but such things are very rare. Don't be in a hurry, Sister, until you have received more precise knowledge. The works of God proceed slowly, but if they are of Him, you will surely recognize them clearly. If they are not, they will disappear; and you, by being obedient, will not go astray. Speak frankly about everything to your confessor and obey him blindly.<br /><br />"For the present, Sister, there is nothing more for you to do than accept the suffering until the time when everything will become clear; that is, all things will be resolved. You are well disposed as regards these matters, and so continue in this simplicity and spirit of obedience; this is a good sign. If you continue in this attitude, God will not allow you to fall into error. Still, as much as is possible, keep far away from these things, but if despite that they still come your way, receive them calmly and do not fear anything. You are in the good hands of a very good God. In all that you have told me, I do not see any illusion or anything contrary to faith. These are things which are good in themselves, and it would indeed be good if there were a group of souls pleading with God for the world, as we all are in need of prayer. You have a good director; stay with him and be at peace. Be faithful to God's will and carry it out. As to your duties, always do what you are told to do and as you are told to do it, no matter how humiliating or toilsome it might be. Always choose the last place, and then they themselves will say to you, `Go up higher.' In spirit and in your demeanor, consider yourself the least in the whole house and in the entire Congregation. In everything and at all times, be most faithful to God."<br /><br />507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and change its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in You as one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You burn, O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of loving God. Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven by an intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple faithfulness of soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">544 The novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank">[109]</a> is to last one year, without any interruption. At this time the novice should be taught about the virtues relating to the vows and about the importance of the vows. The directress should do her utmost to provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices in the practice of humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows easily and experiences the great joys that God pours out upon the faithful soul. The novices should not be burdened with duties that entail responsibilities, so that they may be free to devote themselves to their own perfection. They are obliged to observe the rules and statutes strictly, as are the postulants.<br /><br />545 After a year of novitiate, if the novice proves faithful, she may be admitted to make her profession for one year. This is to be repeated for three years. She may then be given duties of responsibility. However, she will still belong to the novitiate, and once a week she must attend conferences together with the novices, and she will spend the last six months entirely in the novitiate in order to prepare well for her solemn profession. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#110" target="_blank">[110]</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Relationship of Sisters with the Superior.<br /><br />567 All the sisters should respect the superior as the Lord Jesus himself, as I mentioned when speaking about the vow of obedience. They should behave toward her with childlike trust, and should never murmur or find fault with her commands, as this is very displeasing to God. Let each be guided by a spirit of faith in her relationship to superiors; let her ask with simplicity for all that she needs. God forbid that it ever happen or be repeated that any of the sisters would be a cause of sorrow or tears to the superior. Let each one know that as the fourth commandment obliges a child to honor its parents, in like manner is the religious bound to respect her superior. Only a bad religious would take the liberty of judging her superior. Let the sisters be sincere with the superior, telling her about everything and about their needs with childlike simplicity.<br /><br />The sisters will address the superior thus: "With your leave, Sister Superior." They shall never kiss her hand, but whenever they meet her in the corridor or enter her cell, they should say, "Praised be Jesus Christ," bowing their heads slightly.<br /><br />They shall address each other as "Sister," adding the proper name. Their relationship toward the superior should be marked by a spirit of faith and not by sentimentality or flattery, as these are unworthy of a religious and would degrade her very much. A religious should be as free as a queen, and will be such only when she lives in the spirit of faith. We should obey and respect the superior, not because she is good, holy or prudent, but solely because she represents God, and by obeying her we are obeying God himself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">635 March 25. In the morning, during meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I saw the immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension to His creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how pleasing to God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His grace! I gave the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the world about His great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him who will come, not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible is that day! Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The angels tremble before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is still the time for [granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be answering for a great number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the end. I sympathize with you.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">637 Confession. As I was preparing for confession, I said to Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament, "Jesus, I beg You to speak to me through the mouth of this priest. And this will be a sign to me, because he does not know at all that You want me to establish that Congregation of Mercy. Let him say something to me about this mercy."<br /><br />When I approached the confessional and started my confession, the priest interrupted me and started telling me about the great mercy of God, and he spoke more forcefully about it than I had ever heard anyone speak before. And he asked me, "Do you know that the mercy of the Lord is greater than all His works, that it is the crown of His works?" And I listened attentively to these words which the Lord was speaking through the mouth of the priest. Although I believe that it is always God who speaks through the lips of the priest in the confessional, I experienced it in a special way on that occasion.<br /><br />Although I did not reveal anything of the divine life which is in my soul and only accused myself of my offenses, the priest himself told me very much of what was in my soul and put me under obligation to be faithful to the inspirations of God. He said to me, "You are going through life with the Mother of God, who faithfully responded to every divine inspiration." O my Jesus, who can ever comprehend Your goodness?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">650 O my Jesus, my Master and Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of my life. I expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in the face of Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I am fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do with me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough for me.<br /><br />O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire nothing but Your glory.<br /><br />O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the light of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite myself with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the place of my feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">666 I understood that all striving for perfection and all sanctity consist in doing God's will. Perfect fulfillment of God's will is maturity in sanctity; there is no room for doubt here. To receive God's light and recognize what God wants of us and yet not do it is a great offense against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves to be completely forsaken by God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light, but did not do God's will. An extraordinary peace entered my soul when I reflected on the fact that, despite great difficulties, I had always faithfully followed God's will as I knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to put Your will into practice as I have come to know it, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">667 July 14. I received a letter at three o'clock [from Father Sopocko <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#135" target="_blank">[135]</a>]. O Jesus, You alone know what I suffer, but I will keep silent and will not say anything about it to any creature, because I know that no one will comfort me. You are everything to me, O God, and Your holy will is my nourishment. I am living now on what I will live on in eternity.<br /><br />I have great reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel; he had no example to follow in doing the will of God, and yet he fulfilled God's will faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">678 The essence of the virtues is the will of God. He who does the will of God faithfully, practices all the virtues. In all the events and circumstances of my life, I adore and bless the holy will of God. The holy will of God is the object of my love. In the most secret depths of my soul, I live according to His will. I act exteriorly according to what I recognize inwardly as the will of God. Sweeter to me are the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all manner of adversities by divine will than popularity, praise and esteem by my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">683 + Once, when I was praying fervently to the Jesuit Saints, I suddenly saw my Guardian Angel, who led me before the throne of God. I passed through great hosts of saints, and I recognized many of them, whom I knew from their pictures. I saw many Jesuits, who asked me from what congregation I was. When I answered they asked, "Who is your spiritual director?" I answered that it was Father A.... When they wanted to say more, my Guardian Angel beckoned me to be silent, and I came before the throne of God. I saw a great and inaccessible light, and I saw a place destined for me, close to God. But what it was like I do not know, because a cloud covered it. However, my Guardian Angel said to me, "Here is your throne, for your faithfulness in fulfilling the will of God."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">724 On the eve of the retreat, I started to pray that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little health so that I could take part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill that I thought perhaps it might be my last. However, as soon as I had started praying I felt a strange dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of supplication and began to thank the Lord for everything He sends me, submitting myself completely to His holy will. Then I felt profound peace of soul. + Faithful submission to the will of God, always and everywhere, in all events and circumstances of life, gives great glory to God. Such submission to the will of God carries more weight with Him than long fasts, mortifications and the most severe penances. Oh, how great is the reward for one act of loving submission to the will of God! As I write, my soul is enraptured at the thought of how much God loves it and of the peace that my soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">734 I see that Jesus himself is acting in my soul during this retreat. And as for me, I try only to be faithful to His grace. I have submitted my soul completely to the influence of God. This Mighty Ruler of Heaven has taken entire possession of my soul. I feel that I am being lifted up above earth and heaven into the inner life of God, where I come to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but always in the unity of majesty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">742 <b>My daughter, if I demand through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it.<br /><br />I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. </b>O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because You see how very little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1420 When I steeped myself in prayer, I was transported in spirit to the chapel, where I saw the Lord Jesus, exposed in the monstrance. In place of the monstrance, I saw the glorious face of the Lord, and He said to me, <b>What you see in reality, these souls see through faith. Oh, how pleasing to Me is their great faith! You see, although there appears to be no trace of life in Me, in reality it is present in its fullness in each and every Host. But for Me to be able to act upon a soul, the soul must have faith. O how pleasing to Me is living faith!</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1448 <b>Write, speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are to look for solace; that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy </b>[the Sacrament of Reconciliation]<b>. There the greatest miracles take place </b>[and]<b> are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one's misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint, there would be no </b>[hope of]<b> restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. Oh, how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God's mercy! You will call out in vain, but it will be too late.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 36, 55, 62, 91-92, 95, 97-98, 102)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-106-107, 111, 114-115, 129, 132, 136)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-138-139, 145, 149-150, 159, 170-171)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-189, 210, 226-227, 230, 234, 248-249)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-257, 263-264, 272, , 278, 291-292)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-300-302, 328, 331, 333, 352-353, 424)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-449, 481, 497, 500)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-544-545, 567, 635, 637, 650, 666-668)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-683, 724, 734, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1420, 1448)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-55166052514905531592020-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-08T09:27:21.117-08:00Let Your Faith Shine-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Let Your Faith Shine</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 9, 2020. Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Father Thomas Moylan, LC</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew 5: 13-16</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, You are the true light that comes into our world and banishes the darkness of our sins. As I humbly kneel before You today, I trust in Your mercy and love. Without You I can do nothing. I want this time I spend with You to be the expression of my love for You. I wish only to please You in all things.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition:</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, release me from the shadows of my imperfections!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. Make a Difference!</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Think of the difference a pinch of salt can make to a meal – how much better it makes the flavor. We are the salt! Think of the difference we can make in the lives of others when we give of ourselves. So many lives can change for the better as a result of our charity. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Christ invites us to come out of ourselves and make a difference wherever we are – in the lives of those around us at home, at school, or in the work place.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Let Your Light Shine!</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> We should not expect others to take the initiative to do what is right, hiding the light that God has entrusted to us to give to others. We are the light of the world! We need to use the gifts, the multiple talents that God has given us now. A bereaved husband was choosing what his wife would wear in the open casket before she was laid to rest. He found a beautiful dress that was still in its wrapping: It was one he had given her some years before. He asked those who were preparing her body to dress her in that dress. How he would have loved to see her dressed in it when she was alive. Do not wait for later! Let your light shine now! Drive out the darkness!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. Your Light Must Shine!</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Part of our Christian vocation, received in baptism, is to have an edifying effect on those around us. Our light must shine before others! By charity and example, our lives are to glorify our heavenly Father, not our personal vanity. Our good example is a “must”; it is a requirement for our salvation. Christ invites us to conquer the darkness of sin with the light of his grace within us. This light will then help us show the way to others.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, You have given me a mission to banish the darkness of sin in my own life. With Your grace, help me to reach out and help others to be children of light.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today I will overcome any fear of rebelling against the silence of the hushed majority, and I will speak well of others.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">16 It was during the octave of Corpus Christi [June 25, 1925]. God filled my soul with the interior light of a deeper knowledge of Him as Supreme Goodness and Supreme Beauty. I came to know how very much God loves me. Eternal is His love for me. It was at vespers. In simple words, which flowed from the heart, I made to God a vow of perpetual chastity. From that moment I felt a greater intimacy with God, my Spouse. From that moment I set up a little cell in my heart where I always kept company with Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">18 However, after three weeks I became aware that there is so very little time here for prayer, and of many other things which spoke to my soul in favor of entering a religious community of a stricter observance. This thought took a firm hold of my soul, but the will of God was not in it. Still, the thought, or rather the temptation, was growing stronger and stronger to the point where I decided one day to announce my departure to Mother Superior and definitely to leave [the convent]. But God arranged the circumstances in such a way that I could not get to the Mother Superior [Michael]. I stepped into the little chapel <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#7" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[7]</span></a> before going to bed, and I asked Jesus for light in this matter. But I received nothing in my soul except a strange unrest which I did not understand. But, in spite of everything, I made up my mind to approach Mother Superior the next morning right after Mass and tell her of my decision.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">27 First vows [First profession of temporary vows, April 30, 1928]. An ardent desire to empty myself for God by an active love, but a love that would be imperceptible, even to the sisters closest to me.<br /><br />However, even after the vows, darkness continued to reign in my soul for almost a half year. Once, when I was praying, Jesus pervaded all my soul, darkness melted away, and I heard these words within me: <b>You are My joy; you are My heart's delight.</b> From that moment I felt the Most Holy Trinity in my heart; that is to say, within myself. I felt that I was inundated with Divine light. Since then, my soul has been in intimate communion with God, like a child with its beloved Father.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">30 +On one occasion I was reflecting on the Holy Trinity, on the essence of God. I absolutely wanted to know and fathom who God is. ... In an instant my spirit was caught up into what seemed to be the next world. I saw an inaccessible light, and in this light what appeared like three sources of light which I could not understand. And out of that light came words in the form of lightning which encircled heaven and earth. Not understanding anything, I was very sad. Suddenly, from this sea of inaccessible light came our dearly beloved Savior, unutterably beautiful with His shining Wounds. And from this light came a voice which said, <b>Who God is in His Essence, no one will fathom, neither the mind of Angels nor of man. </b>Jesus said to me, <b>Get to know God by contemplating His attributes.</b> A moment later, He traced the sign of the cross with His hand and vanished."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">50 <b>+I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of mercy are burning Me - clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon these souls.</b><br /><br />Jesus complained to me in these words,<b> Distrust on the part of souls is tearing at My insides. The distrust of a chosen soul causes Me even greater pain; despite My inexhaustible love for them they do not trust Me. Even My death is not enough for them. Woe to the soul that abuses these</b> [gifts].</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">67 When I fell sick [probably the beginning of consumption] after my first vows and when, despite the kind and solicitous care of my Superiors and the efforts of the doctor, I felt neither better nor worse, remarks began to reach my ears which inferred that I was making believe. With that, my suffering was doubled, and this lasted for quite a long time. One day I complained to Jesus that I was being a burden to the sisters. Jesus answered me,<b> You are not living for yourself but for souls, and other souls will profit from your sufferings. Your prolonged suffering will give them the light and strength to accept My will.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">O Divine Sun, in Your rays the soul sees the tiniest specks of dust which displease You.<br /><br />72 O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled. Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God's mercy will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">75 But these doubts always come from without, a fact which inclined me to close myself up more and more within myself. When, during confession, I sense uncertainty on the part of the priest, I do not open my soul to its depths, but only accuse myself of my sins. A priest who is not at peace with himself will not be able to inspire peace in another soul.<br /><br />O priests, you bright candles enlightening human souls, let your brightness never be dimmed. I understood that at that time it was not God's will that I uncover my soul completely. Later on, God did give me this grace.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">83 <b>Write this: before I come as the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">84 O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vilnius, August 2, 1934.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">85 On Friday, after Holy Communion, I was carried in spirit before the throne of God. There I saw the heavenly Powers which incessantly praise God. Beyond the throne I saw a brightness inaccessible to creatures, and there only the Incarnate Word enters as Mediator. When Jesus entered this light, I heard these words, <b>Write down at once what you hear: I am the</b> <b>Lord in My essence and am immune to orders or needs. If I call creatures into being</b> <b>- that is the abyss of My mercy. </b>And at that very moment I found myself, as before, in our chapel at my kneeler, just as Mass had ended. I already had these words written.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and the Terror of the Soul.<br /><br />In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness - that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain; it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it, and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him.<br /><br />But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is; the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized, the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact, this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here, however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair<br /><br />98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br /><br />At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br /><br />The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br /><br />If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">99 When for the first time this moment was drawing near, I was snatched from it by virtue of holy obedience. The Directress of Novices, alarmed by my appearance, sent me off to confession, but the confessor did not understand me, and I experienced no relief whatsoever. O Jesus, give us experienced priests!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I told this priest I was undergoing infernal tortures, he answered that he was not worried about my soul, because he saw in it a great grace of God. But I understood nothing of this, and not even the least glimmer of light broke through to my soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">103 Suddenly I saw the Lord interiorly, and He said to me, <b>Fear not, My daughter; I am with you. </b>In that single moment, all the darkness and torments vanished, my senses were<b> </b>inundated with unspeakable joy, [and] the faculties of my soul filled with light.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">109 After such sufferings the soul finds itself in a state of great purity of spirit and very close to God. But I should add that during these spiritual torments it is close to God, but it is blind. The soul's vision is plunged into darkness, and though God is nearer than ever to the soul which is suffering, the whole secret consists in the fact that it knows nothing of this. The soul in fact declares that, not only has God abandoned it, but it is the object of His hatred. With how great a malady are they eyes of the soul afflicted! When struck by divine light, the soul affirms that this light does not exist, although it is precisely because this divine light is so bright that it is blinded. Yet despite all, I learned later that God is closer to a soul at such moments than at others, because it would not be able to endure these trials with the help of ordinary grace alone. God's omnipotence and an extraordinary grace must be active here, for otherwise the soul would succumb at the first blow.<br /><br />110 O Divine Master, what happens in my soul is Your work alone! You, O Lord, are not afraid to place the soul on the edge of a terrible precipice where it stands, alarmed and filled with fright, and then You call it back again to Yourself. These are Your imponderable mysteries.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">112 +A few words about confession and confessors. I shall speak only of what I have experienced and gone through within my own soul. There are three things which hinder the soul from drawing profit from confession in these exceptional moments.<br /><br />The first thing: when the confessor has little knowledge of extraordinary ways and shows surprise if a soul discloses to him the great mysteries worked in it by God. Such surprise frightens a sensitive soul, and it notices that the confessor hesitates to give his opinion; and if it does notice this, it will not be set at peace, but will have even more doubts after confession than before, because it will sense that the confessor is trying to set it at peace while he himself is uncertain. Or else, as has happened to me, a confessor, unable to penetrate some of the soul's mysteries, refuses to hear the confession, showing a certain fear when the soul approaches the confessional.<br /><br />How can a soul in this state obtain peace in the confessional when it has become so oversensitive to every word of the priest? In my opinion, at times of such special trials sent by God to a soul, the priest, if he does not understand the soul, should direct it to some other experienced and well-instructed confessor. Or else he himself should seek light in order to give the soul what it needs, instead of downrightly denying it confession. For in this way he is exposing the soul to a great danger; and more than one soul may well leave the road along which God wanted it to journey. This is a matter of great importance, for I have experienced it myself. I myself began to waver; despite special gifts from God, and even though God himself reassured me, I have nevertheless always wanted to have the Church's seal as well.<br /><br />The second thing: the confessor does not allow the soul to express itself frankly, and shows impatience. The soul then falls silent and does not say everything [it has to say] and, by this, profits nothing. It profits even less when the confessor, without really knowing the soul, proceeds to put it to the test. Instead of helping the soul, he does it harm. The soul is aware that the confessor does not know it, because he did not allow it to lay itself open fully as regards both its graces and its misery. And so the test is ill-adapted. I have been submitted to some tests at which I have had to laugh.<br /><br />I will express this better thus: The confessor is the doctor of the soul, but how can a doctor prescribe a suitable remedy if he does not know the nature of the sickness? Never will he be able to do so. For either the remedy will not produce the desired effect, or else it will be too strong and will aggravate the illness, and sometimes-God forbid-even bring about death. I am speaking from my own experience because, in certain instances, it was the Lord himself who directly sustained me.<br /><br />The third thing: it also happens sometimes that the confessor makes light of little things. There is nothing little in the spiritual life. Sometimes a seemingly insignificant thing will disclose a matter of great consequence and will be for the confessor a beam of light which helps him to get to know the soul. Many spiritual undertones are concealed in little things.<br /><br />A magnificent building will never rise if we reject the insignificant bricks. God demands great purity of certain souls, and so He gives them a deeper knowledge of their own misery. Illuminated by light from on high, the soul can better know what pleases God and what does not. Sin depends upon the degree of knowledge and light that exists within the soul. The same is true of imperfections. Although the soul knows that it is only sin in the strict sense of the term which pertains to the sacrament of penance, yet these petty things are of great importance to a soul which is tending to sanctity, and the confessor must not treat them lightly. The patience and kindness of the confessor open the way to the innermost secrets of the soul. The soul, unconsciously as it were, reveals its abysmal depth and feels stronger and more resistant; it fights with greater courage and tries to do things better because it knows it must give an account of them.<br /><br />I will mention one more thing regarding the confessor. It is his duty to occasionally put to the test, to try, to exercise, to learn whether he is dealing with straw, with iron or with pure gold. Each of these three types of souls needs different kinds of training. The confessor must-and this is absolutely necessary-form a clear judgment of each soul in order to know how heavy a burden it can carry at certain times, in certain circumstances, or in particular situations. As for myself, it was only later on, after many [negative] experiences, that, when I saw that I was not understood, I no longer laid bare my soul or allowed my peace to be disturbed. But this happened only when all these graces had already been submitted to the judgment of a wise, well-instructed and experienced confessor. Now I know what to go by in certain cases</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him. It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general. The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the senses. God fills it with His light.<br /><br />The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here, the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound. In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new courage to suffer.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">131 But I will simply mention here that these various sufferings had come to a peak, and I resolved to put an end to these doubts of mine before my perpetual vows. Throughout my probation, I prayed for light for the priest to whom I was to open up my soul to its depths. I asked God that He himself would help me and grant me the grace to be able to express even the most secret things that exist between me and Him and to be so disposed that, whatever the priest would decide, I would accept as coming from Jesus himself. No matter what judgment he would pass on me, all I wanted was the truth and a decisive answer to certain questions. I put myself completely in God's hands, and [all] my soul desired was the truth. I could not go on living in doubt any longer although, in the depths of my soul, I was so very sure that these things came from God, that I would lay down my life for this. However, I placed the confessor's opinion above all, and I made up my mind to do as he thought best and to act according to the advice that he would give me. I looked forward to that moment which would decide the course of my actions for the rest of my life. I knew that everything would depend on this. It mattered little whether what he would say to me would be in accord with my inspirations or quite the contrary; this no longer mattered to me. I wanted to know the truth and follow it.<br /><br />Jesus, You can help me! From this moment, I have begun anew. I conceal all the graces within my soul and await whomsoever the Lord will send me. With no doubt in my heart, I asked the Lord himself to deign to help me during these moments, and a courage of sorts entered my soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">140 Pure love is capable of great deeds, and it is not broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains strong in the midst of great difficulties, so too it perseveres in the toilsome and drab life of each day. It knows that only one thing is needed to please God: to do even the smallest things out of great love-love, and always love.<br /><br />Pure love never errs. Its light is strangely plentiful. It will not do anything that might displease God. It is ingenious at doing what is more pleasing to God, and no one will equal it. It is happy when it can empty itself and burn like a pure offering. The more it gives of itself, the happier it is. But also, no one can sense dangers from afar as can love; it knows how to unmask and also knows with whom it has to deal.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br /><br />When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br /><br />+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me, about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br /><br />+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br /><br />There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br /><br />In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">147 I recall that I have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate before the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent. During that time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even though I had the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles to praying in such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and persevere in prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with exterior and interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are discouragement, dryness, heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior difficulties are human respect and time; one must observe the time set apart for prayer. This has been my personal experience because, when I did not pray at the time assigned for prayer, later on I could not do it because of my duties; or if I did manage to do so, this was only with great difficulty, because my thoughts kept wandering off to my duties. I also experienced this difficulty: when a soul has prayed well and left prayer in a state of profound interior recollection, others resist its recollection; and so, the soul must be patient to persevere in prayer. It often happened to me that when my soul was more deeply immersed in God, and I had derived greater fruit from prayer, and God's presence accompanied me during the day, and at work there was more recollection and greater precision and effort at my duty, this was precisely when I received the most rebukes for being negligent in my duty and indifferent to everything; because less recollected souls want others to be like them, for they are a constant [source of] remorse to them.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">157 +In the evening, when I entered the small chapel, I heard these words in my soul: <b>My daughter, consider these words: "And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly." </b>When I started to think about them more deeply, much light streamed into my soul. I<b> </b>learned how much we need perseverance in prayer and that our salvation often depends on<b> </b>such difficult prayer.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">161 Immaculate Virgin,<br />Pure crystal for my heart,<br />You are my strength, O sturdy anchor!<br />You are the weak heart's shield and protection.<br /><br />Mary you are pure, of purity incomparable;<br />At once both Virgin and Mother,<br />You are beautiful as the sun, without blemish,<br />And your soul is beyond all comparison.<br /><br />Your beauty has delighted the eye of the Thrice-Holy One.<br />He descended from heaven, leaving His eternal throne,<br />And took Body and Blood of your heart<br />And for nine months lay hidden in a Virgin's Heart.<br /><br />O Mother, Virgin, purest of all lilies,<br />Your heart was Jesus' first tabernacle on earth.<br />Only because no humility was deeper than yours<br />Were you raised above the choirs of Angels and above all Saints.<br /><br />O Mary, my sweet Mother,<br />I give you my soul, my body and my poor heart.<br />Be the guardian of my life,<br />Especially at the hour of death, in the final strife.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">164 +JMJ Warsaw, 1933.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Probation Before Perpetual Vows</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">[56]</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I learned I was to go for probation, my heart beat with joy at the thought of such an immense grace, that of the perpetual vows. I went before the Blessed Sacrament; and when I immersed myself in a prayer of thanksgiving, I heard these words in my soul: <b>My child</b> <b>you are My delight, you are the comfort of My Heart. I grant you as many graces as</b> <b>you can hold. As often as you want to make Me happy, speak to the world about My</b> <b>great and unfathomable mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">166 In prayer I always find light and strength of spirit, although there are moments so trying and hurtful, that it is sometimes difficult to imagine that these things can happen in a convent. Strangely, God sometimes allows them, but always in order to manifest or develop virtue in a soul. That is the reason for trials.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">173 Satan's temptations during meditation. I felt a strange fear that the priest would not</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">understand me, or that he would have no time to hear everything I would have to say. How am I going to tell him all this? If it were Father Bukowski I could do it more easily, but this Jesuit whom I am seeing for the first time... Then I remembered Father Bukowski's advice that I should at least take brief notes of the lights sent to me by God during the retreats and give him at least a brief report on them. My God, for a day and a half all has gone well, and now a life and death struggle is beginning. The conference is to start in a half hour, and then I am to go to confession. Satan tried to persuade me into believing that if my superiors have told me that my inner life is an illusion, why should I ask again and trouble the confessor? Didn't MX [probably Mother Jane] tell you that the Lord Jesus does not commune with souls as miserable as yours? This confessor is going to tell you the same thing. Why speak to him about all this? These are not sins, and Mother X, told you that all this communing with the Lord Jesus was daydreaming and pure hysteria. So why tell it to this confessor? You would do better to dismiss all this as illusions. Look how many humiliations you have suffered because of them, and how many more are still awaiting you, and all the sisters know that you are a hysteric. "Jesus!" I called out with all the strength of my soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">177 +Renewal of vows. From the moment I woke up in the morning, my spirit was totally submerged in God, in that ocean of love. I felt that I had been completely immersed in Him. During Holy Mass, my love for Him reached a peak of intensity. After the renewal of vows and Holy Communion, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus, who said to me with great kindness, <b>My daughter, look at My merciful Heart.</b> As I fixed my gaze on the Most Sacred Heart, the same rays of light, as are represented in the image as blood and water, came forth from it, and I understood how great is the Lord's mercy. And again Jesus said to me with kindness, <b>My daughter, speak to priests about this inconceivable mercy of Mine. The flames of mercy are burning Me-clamoring to be spent; I want to keep pouring them out upon souls; souls just don't want to believe in My goodness. </b>Suddenly Jesus disappeared. But throughout that whole day my spirit remained immersed in God's tangible presence, despite the buzz and chatter that usually follow a retreat. It did not disturb me in the least. My spirit was in God, although externally I took part in the conversations and even went to visit Derdy.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#59" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[59]</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">178 Today we are beginning the third probation. All three of us met at Mother Margaret's, as the other sisters were having their probation in the novitiate. Mother Margaret began with a prayer, explained to us what the third probation consists of, and then spoke on how great is the grace of the perpetual vows. Suddenly I began to cry out loud. In an instant all God's graces appeared before the eyes of my soul, and I saw myself so wretched and ungrateful toward God. The sisters began to rebuke me, saying, "Why did she break out crying?" But Mother Margaret came to my defense, saying that she was not surprised.<br /><br />At the end of the hour, I went before the Blessed Sacrament and, like the greatest and most miserable of wretches, I begged for His mercy that He might heal and purify my poor soul. Then I heard these words,<b> My daughter, all your miseries have been consumed in the flame of My love, like a little twig thrown into a roaring fire. By humbling yourself in this way, you draw upon yourself and upon other souls an entire sea of My mercy. </b>I answered, "Jesus, mold my poor heart according to Your divine delight."</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">180 +During Advent, a great yearning for God arose in my soul. My spirit rushed toward God with all its might. During that time, the Lord gave me much light to know His attributes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The first attribute which the Lord gave me to know is His holiness. His holiness is so great that all the Powers and Virtues tremble before Him. The pure spirits veil their faces and lose themselves in unending adoration, and with one single word they express the highest form of adoration; that is-Holy... The holiness of God is poured out upon the Church of God and upon every living soul in it, but not in the same degree. There are souls who are completely penetrated by God, and there are those who are barely alive.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The second kind of knowledge which the Lord granted me concerns His justice. His justice is so great and penetrating that it reaches deep into the heart of things, and all things stand before Him in naked truth, and nothing can withstand Him.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The third attribute is love and mercy. And I understood that the greatest attribute is love and mercy. It unites the creature with the Creator. This immense love and abyss of mercy are made known in the Incarnation of the Word and in the Redemption [of humanity], and it is here that I saw this as the greatest of all God's attributes.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">186 +Today Jesus said to me,<b> I desire that you know more profoundly the love that burns in My Heart for souls, and you will understand this when you meditate upon My Passion. Call upon My mercy on behalf of sinners; I desire their salvation. When you say this prayer, with a contrite heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I will give him the grace of conversion. This is the prayer:</b><br /><br />187 <b>"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You."</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">195 O Jesus, today my soul is as though darkened by suffering. Not a single ray of light. The storm is raging, and Jesus is asleep. O my Master, I will not wake You; I will not interrupt Your sweet sleep. I believe that You fortify me without my knowing it.<br /><br />Throughout the long hours I adore You, O living Bread, amidst the great drought in my soul. O Jesus, pure Love, I do not need consolations; I am nourished by Your will, O Mighty One! Your will is the goal of my existence. It seems to me that the whole world serves me and depends on me. You, O Lord, understand my soul with all its aspirations.<br /><br />Jesus, when I myself cannot sing You the hymn of love, I admire the singing of the Seraphim, they who are so dearly loved by You. I desire to drown myself in You as they do. Nothing will stem such love, for no might has power over it. It is like lightning that illuminates the darkness, but does not remain in it. O my Master, shape my soul according to Your will and Your eternal designs!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">205 +The Resurrection. Today, during the [Mass of the] Resurrection, I saw the Lord Jesus in the midst of a great light. He approached me and said, <b>Peace be to you, My children, </b>and He lifted up His hand and gave His blessing. The wounds in His hands, feet and side were indelible and shining. When He looked at me with such kindness and love, my whole soul drowned itself in Him. And He said to me, <b>You have taken a great part in My Passion;</b> <b>therefore I now give you a great share in My joy and glory. </b>The whole time of the Resurrection [Mass] seemed like only a minute to me. A wondrous recollection filled my soul and lasted throughout the whole festal season. The kindness of Jesus is so great that I cannot express it.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">206 The next day, after Communion, I heard the voice saying,<b> My daughter, look into the abyss of My mercy and give praise and glory to this mercy of Mine. Do it in this way: Gather all sinners from the entire world and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. I want to give Myself to souls; I yearn for souls, My daughter. On the day of My feast, the Feast of Mercy, you will go through the whole world and bring fainting souls to the spring of My mercy. I shall heal and strengthen them.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">211 +Once again, a terrible darkness envelops my soul. It seems to me that I am falling prey to illusions. When I went to confession to obtain some light and peace, I did not find these at all. The confessor <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#66" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[66]</span></a> left me with even more doubts than I had before. He said to me, "I cannot discern what power is at work in you, Sister; perhaps it is God and perhaps it is the evil spirit." When I left the confessional, I started to think about his words. The longer I did so, the deeper my soul sank into darkness. "Jesus, what am I to do?" When Jesus approached me with kindness, I was frightened. "Are you really Jesus?" On the one hand, I am drawn by love and, on the other, by fear. What torture! I cannot describe it!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">223 O living Host, my one and only strength, fountain of love and mercy, embrace the whole world, fortify faint souls. Oh, blessed be the instant and the moment when Jesus left us His most merciful Heart!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">224 To suffer without complaining, to bring comfort to others and to drown my own sufferings in the most Sacred Heart of Jesus!<br /><br />I will spend all my free moments at the feet of [Our Lord in] the Blessed Sacrament. At the feet of Jesus, I will seek light, comfort and strength. I will show my gratitude unceasingly to God for His great mercy towards me, never forgetting the favors He has bestowed on me, especially the grace of a vocation. I will hide myself among the sisters like a little violet among lilies. I want to blossom for my Lord and Maker, to forget about myself, to empty myself totally for the sake of immortal souls-this is my delight.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">226 The rules that I most often fail to obey: sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell; sometimes I meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my very best to improve.<br /><br />I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my actions. I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must be mindful of God.<br /><br />Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[67]</span></a> I must report [even] small things to my superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in my spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I must keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty words that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great appreciation for even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become absorbed in the whirl of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak little with people, but a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay little attention as to who is for me and who is against me. I must not tell others about those things I have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking out loud to others during work. I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds of Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">240 Three requests on the day of my perpetual vows. Jesus, I know that today You will refuse me nothing.<br /><br />First request: Jesus, my most beloved Spouse, I beg You for the triumph of the Church, particularly in Russia and in Spain; for blessings on the Holy Father, Pius XI, and on all the clergy; for the grace of conversion for impenitent sinners. And I ask You for a special blessing and for light, O Jesus, for the priests before whom I will make my confessions throughout my lifetime.<br /><br />Second request :I beg Your blessings on our Congregation, and may it be filled with great zeal. Bless, O Jesus, our Mother General and our Mother Directress, all the novices and all the superiors. Bless my dearest parents. Bestow Your grace, O Jesus, on our wards; strengthen them so powerfully by Your grace so that those who leave our houses will no longer offend You by any sin. Jesus, I beg You for my homeland; protect it against the assaults of its enemies.<br /><br />Third request:Jesus, I plead with You for the souls that are most in need of prayer. I plead for the dying; be merciful to them. I also beg You, Jesus, to free all souls from purgatory.<br /><br />Jesus, I commend to You these particular persons: My confessors, persons recommended to my prayers, a certain person..., Father Andrasz, Father Czaputa, and the priest I met in Vilnius [Father Sopocko], who is to be my confessor, a certain soul... a certain priest, a certain religious<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#70" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[70]</span></a> to whom You know how much I owe, Jesus, and all the people who have been recommended to my prayer. Jesus, on this day You can do everything for those for whom I am pleading. For myself I ask, Lord, transform me completely into Yourself, maintain in me a holy zeal for Your glory, give me the grace and spiritual strength to do Your holy will in all things.<br /><br />Thank You, o my dearest Bridegroom, for the dignity You have conferred on me, and in particular for the royal coat-of-arms which will adorn me from this day on and which even the Angels do not possess; namely, the cross, the sword and the crown of thorns. But above all, O my Jesus, I thank You for Your Heart-it is all I need.<br /><br />Mother of God, Most Holy Mary, my Mother, You are my Mother in a special way now because Your beloved Son is my Bridegroom, and thus we are both Your children. For Your Son's sake, You have to love me. O Mary, my dearest Mother, guide my spiritual life in such a way that it will please Your Son.<br /><br />+Holy and Omnipotent God, at this moment of immense grace by which You are uniting me with Yourself forever, I, mere nothingness, with the utmost gratitude, cast myself at Your feet like a tiny, unknown flower and, each day, the fragrance of that flower of love will ascend to Your throne.<br /><br />In times of struggle and suffering, of darkness and storm, of yearning and sorrow, in times of difficult trials, in times when nobody will understand me, when I will even be condemned and scorned by everyone, I will remember the day of my perpetual vows, the day of God's incomprehensible grace.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">247 Jesus, Friend of a lonely heart, You are my haven, You are my peace. You are my salvation, You are my serenity in moments of struggle and amidst an ocean of doubts. You are the bright ray that lights up the path of my life. You are everything to a lonely soul. You understand the soul even though it remains silent. You know our weaknesses, and like a good physician, You comfort and heal, sparing us sufferings-expert that You are.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">248 The words of the Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of burning love." While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as such] for all eternity.<br /><br />249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a Mother to me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">267 Jesus told me that I please Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon the Passion of Jesus, I get a clear understanding of many things I could not comprehend before. I want to resemble You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint upon my heart and soul Your own humility. I love You, Jesus, to the point of madness, You who were crushed with suffering as described by the prophet [cf. Isaiah 53:2-9], as if he could not see the human form in You because of Your great suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus, that I love You to the point of madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has love done to You?...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">272 But previously, this priest had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there, the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets such things happen sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace not to falter.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">274 Jesus gave me the grace of knowing myself. In this divine light I see my principal fault; it is pride which takes the form of my closing up within myself and of a lack of simplicity in my relations with Mother Superior [Irene].<br /><br />The second light concerns speaking. I sometimes talk too much. A thing could be settled in one or two words, and as for me, I take too much time about it. But Jesus wants me to use that time to say some short indulgenced prayers for the souls in purgatory. And the Lord says that every word will be weighed on the day of judgment.<br /><br />The third light concerns our rules. I have not sufficiently avoided the occasions that lead to breaking the rules, especially that of silence. I will act as if the rule were written just for me; it should not affect me at all how anyone else might act, as long as I myself act as God wishes.<br /><br />Resolution. Whatever Jesus demands of me regarding external things, I will immediately go and tell my superiors. I shall strive for childlike openness and frankness in my relations with the superior.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">279 God made known to me what true love consists in and gave light to me about how, in practice, to give proof of it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying out God's will. To show God our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must spring from our love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you please Me most by suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter, do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering to be pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach yourself, not only from creatures, but also from yourself. My daughter, I want to delight in the love of your heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished, untarnished. The more you will come to love suffering, My daughter, the purer your love for Me will be.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">295 +At that moment Jesus asked me, <b>My child, how is your retreat going?</b> I answered, "But Jesus, You know how it is going." <b>Yes, I know, but I want to hear it from your own lips and from your heart.</b> "O my Master, when You are leading me, everything goes smoothly, and I ask You, Lord, to never leave my side." And Jesus said,<b> Yes, I will be with you always, if you always remain a little child and fear nothing. As I was your beginning here, so I will also be your end. Do not rely on creatures, even in the smallest things, because this displeases Me. I want to be alone in your soul. I will give light and strength to your soul, and you will learn from My representative that I am in you, and your uncertainty will vanish like mist before the rays of the sun.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">296 +O Supreme Good, I want to love You as no one on earth has ever loved You before! I want to adore You with every moment of my life and unite my will closely to Your holy will. My life is not drab or monotonous, but it is varied like a garden of fragrant flowers, so that I don't know which flower to pick first, the lily of suffering or the rose of love of neighbor or the violet of humility. I will not enumerate these treasures in which my every day abounds. It is a great thing to know how to make use of the present moment.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">297 +Jesus, Supreme Light, grant me the grace of knowing myself, and pierce my dark soul with Your light, and fill the abyss of my soul with Your own self, for You alone [...]</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant [Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment.<br /><br />+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br /><br />+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br /><br />My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest, for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">303 Great love can change small things into great ones, and it is only love which lends value to our actions. And the purer our love becomes, the less there will be within us for the flames of suffering to feed upon, and the suffering will cease to be a suffering for us; it will become a delight! By the grace of God, I have received such a disposition of heart that I am never so happy as when I suffer for Jesus, whom I love with every beat of my heart.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once when I was suffering greatly, I left my work and escaped to Jesus and asked Him to give me His strength. After a very short prayer I returned to my work filled with enthusiasm and joy. Then, one of the sisters [probably Sister Justine] said to me, "You must have many consolations today, Sister; you look so radiant. Surely, God is giving you no suffering, but only consolations." "You are greatly mistaken, Sister," I answered, "for it is precisely when I suffer much that my joy is greater; and when I suffer less, my joy also is less." However, that soul was letting me recognize that she does not understand what I was saying. I tried to explain to her that when we suffer much we have a great chance to show God that we love Him; but when we suffer little we have less occasion to show God our love; and when we do not suffer at all, our love is then neither great nor pure. By the grace of God, we can attain a point where suffering will become a delight to us, for love can work such things in pure souls.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">306 I asked the Lord to grant me the grace that my nature be immune and resist the influences that sometimes try to draw me away from the spirit of our rule and from the minor regulations. These minor transgressions are like little moths that try to destroy the spiritual life within us, and they surely will destroy it if the soul is aware of these minor transgressions and yet disregards them as small things. I can see nothing that is small in the religious life. Little matter if I am sometimes the object of vexation and jeers, as long as my spirit remains in harmony with the spirit of the rules, the vows and the religious statutes.<br /><br />O my Jesus, delight of my heart, You know my desires. I should like to hide from people's sight so as to be like one alive and yet not living. I want to live pure as a wild flower; I want my love always to be turned to You, just as a flower that is always turning to the sun. I want the fragrance and the freshness of the flower of my heart to be always preserved for You alone. I want to live beneath Your divine gaze, for You alone are enough for me. When I am with You, Jesus, I fear nothing, for nothing can do me harm.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">346 December 24, 1934. The Vigil of Christmas. During the morning Mass, I felt the closeness of God. Though I was hardly aware of it, my spirit was drowned in God. Suddenly, I heard these words:<b>You are My delightful dwelling place; My Spirit rests in you. </b>After these words, I felt the Lord looking into the depths of my heart; and seeing my misery, I humbled myself in spirit and admired the immense mercy of God, that the Most High Lord would approach such misery.<br /><br />During Holy Communion, joy filled my soul. I felt that I am closely united to the Godhead. His omnipotence enveloped my whole being. Throughout the whole day I felt the closeness of God in a special manner; and although my duties prevented me throughout the whole day from going to chapel even for a moment, there was not a moment when I was not united with God. I felt Him within me more distinctly than ever. Unceasingly greeting the Mother of God and entering into Her spirit, I begged Her to teach me true love of God. And then I heard these words:<i> I will share with you the secret of My happiness this night during Holy Mass.</i><br /><br />We had supper before six o'clock. Despite all the joy and the external noise accompanying the sharing of the wafer and the mutual exchange of good wishes, I did not for a moment lose the awareness of God's presence. After supper we hurried away to finish our work, and at nine I was able to go to the chapel for adoration. I was allowed to stay up and wait for the Midnight Mass. I was delighted to have free time from nine until midnight. From nine to ten o'clock I offered my adoration for my parents and my whole family. From ten to eleven, I offered it for the intention of my spiritual director, in the first place thanking God for granting me this great visible help here on earth, just as He had promised me, and I also asked God to grant him the necessary light so that he could get to know my soul and guide me according to God's good pleasure. And from eleven to twelve I prayed for the Holy Church and the clergy, for sinners, for the missions and for our houses. I offered the indulgences for the souls in purgatory.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">359 January 10, 1935. +Thursday. In the evening during benediction,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#85" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[85]</span></a> such thoughts as these began to distress me: Is not perhaps all this that I am saying about God's great mercy just a lie or an illusion...? And I wanted to think about this for a while, when I heard a strong and clear inner voice saying,<b> Everything that you say about My goodness is true; language has no adequate expression to extol My goodness. </b>These words were so filled with power and so clear that I would give my life in declaring they came from God. I can tell this by the profound peace that accompanied them at that time and that still remains with me. This peace gives me such great strength and power that all difficulties, adversities, sufferings, and death itself are as nothing. This light gave me a glimpse of the truth that all my efforts to bring souls to know the mercy of the Lord are very pleasing to God. And from this springs such great joy in my soul that I do not know whether it could be any greater in heaven. Oh, if souls would only be willing to listen, at least a little, to the voice of conscience and the voice that is, the inspirations-of the Holy Spirit! I say "at least a little," because once we open ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit, He himself will fulfill what is lacking in us.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">365 My spiritual director replaced it with an interior mortification; namely, throughout Holy Mass I was to meditate on why the Lord Jesus had submitted to being baptized. The meditation was no mortification for me, for thinking about God is a delight and not a mortification; but there was a mortification of the will in that I was not doing [simply] what I like, but what I was told to do, and it is in this that interior mortification consists. When I left the confessional and started to recite my penance, I heard these words: <b>I have granted the grace you asked for on behalf of that soul, but not because of the mortification you chose for yourself. Rather, it was because of your act of complete obedience to My representative that I granted this grace to that soul for whom you interceded and begged mercy. Know that when you mortify your own self-will, then Mine reigns within you.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">366 O my Jesus, be patient with me. I will be more careful in the future. I will rely, not upon myself, but upon Your grace and Your very great goodness to miserable me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">367 +On one occasion, Jesus gave me to know that when I pray for intentions which people are wont to entrust to me, He is always ready to grant His graces, but souls do not always want to accept them: <b>My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow My graces upon souls, but they do not want to accept them. You, at least, come to Me as often as possible and take these graces they do not want to accept. In this way you will console My Heart. Oh, how indifferent are souls to so much goodness, to so many proofs of love! My Heart drinks only of the ingratitude and forgetfulness of souls living in the world. They have time for everything, but they have no time to come to Me for graces.<br /><br />So I turn to you, you-chosen souls, will you also fail to understand the love of My Heart? Here, too, My Heart finds disappointment; I do not find complete surrender to My love. So many reservations, so much distrust, so much caution. To comfort you, let Me tell you that there are souls living in the world who love Me dearly. I dwell In their hearts with delight. But they are few. In convents too, there are souls that fill My Heart with joy. They bear My features; therefore the Heavenly Father looks upon them with special pleasure. They will be a marvel to Angels and men. Their number is very small. They are a defense for the world before the justice of the Heavenly Father and a means of obtaining mercy for the world. The love and sacrifice of these souls sustain the world in existence. The infidelity of a soul specially chosen by Me wounds My Heart most painfully. Such infidelities are swords which pierce My Heart.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">392 The Lord God grants His graces in two ways: by inspiration and by enlightenment. If we ask God for a grace, He will give it to us; but let us be willing to accept it. And in order to accept it, self-denial is needed. Love does not consist in words or feelings, but in deeds. It is an act of the will; it is a gift; that is to say, a giving. The reason, the will, the heart-these three faculties must be exercised during prayer. I will rise from the dead in Jesus, but first I must live in Him. If I do not separate myself from the Cross, then the Gospel will be revealed in me. Jesus in me makes up for all my deficiencies. His grace operates without ceasing. The Holy Trinity grants me Its life abundantly, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Three Divine Persons live in me. When God loves, He loves with all His Being, with all the power of His Being. If God has loved me in this way, how should I respond I, His spouse?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">410 O eternal and incomprehensible Love, I beg You for one grace: enlighten my mind with light from on high; help me to know and appreciate all things according to their value. I feel the greatest joy in my soul when I come to know the truth.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">439 Then came the moment to receive Holy Communion, and Jesus disappeared, and I saw a great brightness. Then I heard these words: <b>We give Our blessing,</b> and at that moment a bright ray issued from that light and pierced my heart; an extraordinary fire was enkindled in my soul-I thought I would die of joy and happiness. I felt the separation of my spirit from my body. I felt totally immersed in God, I felt I was snatched up by the Almighty, like a particle of dust, into unknown expanses.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">462 Now I understand well that what unites our soul most closely to God is self-denial; that is, joining our will to the will of God. This is what makes the soul truly free, contributes to profound recollection of the spirit, and makes all life's burdens light, and death sweet.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">495 Jesus, Eternal Light, enlighten my mind, strengthen my will, inflame my heart and be with me as You have promised, for without You I am nothing. You know, Jesus, how weak lam. l do not need to tell You this, for You yourself know perfectly well how wretched I am. It is in You that all my strength lies.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">499 Each battle valiantly fought brings me joy, peace, light, experience and courage for the future; honor and glory to God; and in the end, for me, a reward.<br />Today is the Feast of Christ the King.<br />[October 27, 1935]</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and change its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in You as one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You burn, O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of loving God. Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven by an intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple faithfulness of soul.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">511 When my intentions are not recognized, but rather condemned, I am not too much surprised, for I know that it is only God who scrutinizes my heart. Truth will not die; the wounded heart will regain peace in due time, and my spirit is strengthened through adversities. I do not always listen to what my heart tells me, but I keep asking God for light; and when I feel l have regained my equilibrium, then I say more.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">733 It sometimes happens, while I am listening to the meditation, that one word puts me in very close union with the Lord, and I no longer know what Father <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#144" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6666cc;">[144]</span></a> is saying. I know that I am close to the most merciful Heart of Jesus; my whole spirit is entirely plunged in Him, and in one moment I learn more than during long hours of intellectual inquiry and meditation. These are sudden lights which permit me to know things as God sees them, regarding matters of both the interior and the exterior world.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">813 + O merciful Jesus, stretched on the cross, be mindful of the hour of our death. O most merciful Heart of Jesus, opened with a lance, shelter me at the last moment of my life. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of unfathomable mercy for me at the hour of my death, O dying Jesus, Hostage of mercy, avert the Divine wrath at the hour of my death.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">825 + O bright and clear day on which all my dreams will be fulfilled; O day so eagerly desired, the last day of my life! I look forward with joy to the last stroke the Divine Artist will trace on my soul, which will give my soul a unique beauty that will distinguish me from the beauty of other souls. O great day, on which divine love will be confirmed in me. On that day, for the first time, I shall sing before heaven and earth the song of the Lord's fathomless mercy. This is my work and the mission which the Lord has destined for me from the beginning of the world. That the song of my soul may be pleasing to the Holy Trinity, do You, O Spirit of God, direct and form my soul yourself. I arm myself with patience and await Your coming, O merciful God, and as to the terrible pains and fear of death, at this moment more than at any other time, I trust in the abyss of Your mercy and am reminding You, O merciful Jesus, sweet Savior, of all the promises You have made to me.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">832 O merciful Jesus, how longingly You hurried to the Upper Room to consecrate the Host that I am to receive in my life. Jesus, You desired to dwell in my heart. Your living Blood unites with mine. Who can understand this close union? My heart encloses within itself the Almighty, the Infinite One. 0 Jesus, continue to grant me Your divine life. Let Your pure and noble Blood throb with all its might in my heart. I give You my whole being. Transform me into Yourself and make me capable of doing Your holy will in all things and of returning Your love. O my sweet Spouse, You know that my heart knows no one but You. You have opened up in my heart an insatiable depth of love for You. From the very first moment it knew You, my heart has loved You and has lost itself in You as its one and only object. May Your pure and omnipotent love be the driving force of all my actions. Who will ever conceive and understand the depth of mercy that has gushed forth from Your Heart?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">836 O most sweet Jesus, who have deigned to allow miserable me to gain a knowledge of Your unfathomable mercy; O most sweet Jesus, who have graciously demanded that I tell the whole world of Your incomprehensible mercy, this day I take into my hands the two rays that spring from Your merciful Heart; that is, the Blood and the Water; and I scatter them all over the globe so that each soul may receive Your mercy and, having received it, may glorify it for endless ages. O most sweet Jesus who, in Your incomprehensible kindness, have deigned to unite my wretched heart to Your most merciful Heart, it is with Your own Heart that I glorify God, our Father, as no soul has ever glorified Him before.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">853 In the evening, a great longing took possession of my soul. I took the pamphlet with the Image of the Merciful Jesus on it and pressed it to my heart, and the following words burst forth from my soul: "Jesus, Eternal Love, I live for You, I die for You, and I want to become united with You." Suddenly I saw the Lord in His inexpressible beauty. He looked at me graciously and said,<b> My daughter, I too came down from heaven out of love for you; I lived for you, I died for you, and I created the heavens for you. </b>And Jesus pressed me to His Heart and said to me, <b>Very soon now; be at peace, My daughter.</b>When I was alone, my soul was set afire with the desire to suffer until the moment when the Lord would say, "Enough." And even if I were to live for thousands of years, I see in the light of God that that is but one moment. Souls ...[unfinished thought].</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">854 December 29, [1936]. Today after Holy Communion, I heard a voice in my soul: <b>My daughter, stand ready, for I will come unexpectedly. </b>Jesus, You do not want to tell me the hour I am looking forward to with such longing?<b> My daughter, it is for your own good. You will learn it, but not now; keep watch. </b>O Jesus, do with me as You please. I know You are the merciful Savior and You will not change towards me at the hour of my death. If at this time you are showing me so much special love, and are condescending to unite Yourself with me is such an intimate way and with such great kindness, I expect even more at the hour of my death. You, my Lord-God, cannot change. You are always the same. Heaven can change, as well as everything that is created; but You, Lord, are ever the same and will endure forever. So come as You like and when You like. Father of infinite mercy, I, Your child, wait longingly for Your coming. O Jesus, You said in the Holy Gospel, "Out of your mouth do I judge you." Well, Jesus, I am always speaking of Your inconceivable mercy, so I trust that You will judge me according to Your unfathomable mercy.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">886 January 15, 1937. Sorrow will not establish itself in a heart which loves the will of God. My heart, longing for God, feels the whole misery of exile. I keep going forward bravely-though my feet become wounded-to my homeland and, on the way, I nourish myself on the will of God. It is my food. Help me, happy inhabitants of the heavenly homeland, so that your sister may not falter on the way. Although the desert is fearful, I walk with lifted head and eyes fixed on the sun; that is to say, on the merciful Heart of Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">893 January 22, [1937]. Today is Friday. My soul is in a sea of suffering. Sinners have taken everything away from me. But that is all right; I have given everything away for their sake that they might know that You are good and infinitely merciful. I shall be faithful to You, come rain or shine.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">906 + In difficult moments, I will fix my gaze upon the silent Heart of Jesus, stretched upon the Cross, and from the exploding flames of His merciful Heart, will flow down upon me power and strength to keep fighting.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">938 The soul should have prayed ardently and at greater length for a director and should have asked the Lord himself to choose a spiritual director for it. What begins in God will be godly, and what begins in a purely human manner will remain human. God is so merciful that, in order to help a soul He himself chooses the spiritual guide and will enlighten the soul concerning the one before whom it should uncover the most hidden depths of its soul just as it sees itself before the Lord Jesus himself. And when the soul considers and recognizes that God has been arranging all this, it should pray fervently for the confessor that he might have the divine light to know it well. And let it not change such a director except for a serious reason. Just as it had prayed fervently and at great length in order to learn God's will before choosing a director, so too should it pray fervently and at great length to discern whether it is truly God's will that he leave this director and choose another. If God's will is not absolutely clear, he should not make this change, for a person will not go far by himself, and Satan wants just this: to have the person who is aspiring for sanctity direct himself because then, without doubt, he will never attain it.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1065 + My Jesus, support me when difficult and stormy days come, days of testing, days of ordeal, when suffering and fatigue begin to oppress my body and my soul. Sustain me, Jesus, and give me strength to bear suffering. Set a guard upon my lips that they may address no word of complaint to creatures. Your most merciful Heart is all my hope. I have nothing for my defense but only Your mercy; in it lies all my trust.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1074 When I went for adoration, I heard these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down these words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow house]<b>. Tell the world about My mercy and My love.<br /><br />The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br /><br />My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace.<br /><br />Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1075 <b>Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1076 <b>Write this: Everything that exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more deeply than an infant in its mother's womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully.</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1122 God of great mercy, who deigned to send us Your only begotten Son as the greatest proof of Your fathomless love and mercy, You do not reject sinners; but in Your boundless mercy You have opened for them also Your treasures, treasures from which they can draw abundantly, not only justification, but also all the sanctity that a soul can attain. Father of great mercy, I desire that all hearts turn with confidence to Your infinite mercy. No one will be justified before You if he is not accompanied by Your unfathomable mercy. When You reveal the mystery of Your mercy to us, there will not be enough of eternity to properly thank You for it.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1138 May 31. My tormented soul finds aid nowhere but in You, O Living Host. I place all my trust in Your merciful heart. I am waiting patiently for Your word, Lord.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1155 The Lord gave me knowledge of His will under three aspects, so to speak, but it all comes down to one. [198]<br /><br />The first is that souls separated from the world will burn as an offering before God's throne and beg for mercy for the whole world... and by their entreaties they will obtain blessings for priests, and through their prayers prepare the world for the final coming of Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1156 The second is prayer joined to the act of mercy. In particular, they will defend the souls of children against the spirit of evil. Prayer and merciful deeds are all that will be required of these souls, and even the poorest persons can be admitted to their number. And in this egoistic world they will try to rouse up love, the mercy of Jesus.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1157 The third is prayer and deeds of mercy, without any obligation of taking vows. But by doing this, these persons will have a share in all the merits and privileges of the whole [congregation]. Everyone in the world can belong to this group.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1158 A member of this group ought to perform at least one act of mercy a day; at least one, but there can be many more, for such deeds can easily be carried out by anyone, even the very poorest. For there are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the merciful word, by forgiving and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no word, then pray-that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy. And when the Last Day comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we shall receive the eternal verdict.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1159 God's floodgates have been opened for us. Let us want to take advantage of them before the day of God's justice arrives. And that will be a dreadful day!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1177 Particular examen.<br /><br />Continuation of the same: to unite myself with the merciful Christ. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, I will entreat the heavenly Father for the whole world. A point of the rule: strict observance of silence.<br /><br />I must probe the depth of my being and thank God for everything, uniting myself with Jesus. With Him, in Him, and through Him, I give glory to God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1178 O Lord, my Love, I thank You for this day on which You have allowed me to draw a wealth of graces from the fountain of Your unfathomable mercy. O Jesus, not only today, but at every moment, I draw from Your unfathomable mercy everything that the soul and body could want.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1183 O Jesus, I want to live in the present moment, to live as if this were the last day of my life. I want to use every moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance for the benefit of my soul. I want to look upon everything, from the point of view that nothing happens without the will of God.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1184 On an earlier occasion.<br /><br />In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet and side, the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to me, <b>All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are doing for their salvation. </b>I answered, "Jesus, when I look at Your suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the salvation of souls." And the Lord said to me, <b>Know, My daughter, that your silent day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers many souls into heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds your strength, contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and judgment. Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things.</b> I understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-16, 18, 27, 30, 50, 67, 72, 75, 83-85, 95 )</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-98-99, 103, 109-110, 112, 115, 129)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-131, 140, 145, 147, 157, 161, 164, 166)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-173, 177-178, 180, 186-187, 195, 205)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-206, 211, 223-224, 226, 240, 247-249)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-267, 272, 274, 279, 295-297, 300-303)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-306, 346, 359, 365-367, 392, 410, 439)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-462, 495, 499, 507, 511)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-733, 813, 825, 832, 836, 853-854, 886)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-893, 906, 938)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1065, 1074-1076, 1122, 1138, 1155)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1156-1159, 1177-1178, 1183-1184)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-25631596930671915842020-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-06T09:14:50.365-08:00Resting in the Lord-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Resting in the Lord</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 8, 2020. </span></strong><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Father Alex Yeung, LC</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 6:30-34</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, I believe that You are present here. You know me through and through, and despite my weaknesses, sins and imperfections You love me. Lord, thank You for Your love. Today I give You my mind, my heart and my will. Mold me and use me as You wish.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mary, obtain for me the grace to understand and live the Christian meaning of rest.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. A Needed Rest: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus knows that his disciples need to rest after returning from a long stint of missionary work. There is a need to replenish energies — physical, mental and spiritual. It is within God’s will to put moments of physical rest into our daily programs. Jesus tells the apostles to get away together and with him. Physical rest, of course, is not laziness or dissipation. It is not a place to lose the spiritual tautness of our soul towards God and his things, or the readiness to do God’s will at all times.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Thinking About Others: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus teaches us that being ready to do God’s will in everything means also being always ready to serve others. How beautiful it is when families can relax together with each member not just selfishly thinking about myself, how much fun I can have, or making sure everyone obeys my whims! In a culture where “vacation” is synonymous with “loafing,” Jesus reminds us that for a Christian, relaxing and having fun are not incompatible with thinking about and serving others. Jesus’ compassionate heart was always active, and even with rest on his mind, he was moved to give himself to the people who needed to hear the Word of God. Is my heart like Christ’s? Am I aware of the physical and spiritual needs of my family and friends even on my “day off”?<br /><b><br />3. Thinking About God: </b>There is a deeper meaning to “rest”: turning all our activity to glorify God and expressing our loving dependence on him. He commanded us to set apart one day of the week to “rest” in him, to direct our hearts and minds to him, to offer him the fruits of our week’s work, and to receive his grace to begin another week. Sunday must be the highlight of a Christian’s week, not just because he finds respite from his work, but because he offers all his work –– and himself –– to God the Father during the communal celebration of Mass, the heart of Sunday. This God-centered focus is extended throughout the whole Sunday rest, where “daily concerns and tasks can find their proper perspective: the material things about which we worry give way to spiritual values; in a moment of encounter and less pressured exchange, we see the true face of the people with whom we live. Even the beauties of nature — too often marred by the desire to exploit, which turns against man himself — can be rediscovered and enjoyed to the full” (John Paul II, Dies Domini, 67).</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />Conversation with Christ:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord Jesus, help me to find my true rest in You. You are the source of all that is good. Help me to order all my work and material things towards spiritual values. Help me make Mass the heart of my Sunday. As well, help me use Sunday to see the true face of my family, friends, colleagues and clients: they are souls which You call me to love, serve, and bring closer to You.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will find some concrete way to prepare myself and my family for the celebration of Sunday Mass: reflecting on the Mass readings, organizing ourselves to arrive early to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, doing some service of charity like visiting the sick or elderly, etc.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will, to remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me that I was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely impossible for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I felt in my soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill it. I began to suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my utter powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to meditate in this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of what I had read.<br /><br />The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered the chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not profiting from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor that I frequented them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I could follow and my very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me that these were trials sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not only was I not offending God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a sign," he told me, "that God loves you very much and that He has great confidence in you, since He is sending you such trials." But these words brought me no comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at all.<br /><br />One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional, all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words: "Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15] It seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible thought for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other thoughts came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why mortify and annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to sacrifice and immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good is it - if I am already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God alone knew what was going on in my heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">248 The words of the Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of burning love." While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as such] for all eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">375 Particular interior practice; that is, the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own will.<br /><br />I. The denial of my reason. Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.<br /><br />II. The denial of my will. Doing the will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to me and which is contained in the rule of our order.<br /><br />III. The denial of my judgment. Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all orders given by those who represent God to me.<br /><br />IV. The denial of my tongue. I will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest respect for the rule which speaks about silence.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">376 My Jesus, I trust that Your grace will help me to carry out these resolutions. Although the above points are contained in the vow of obedience, I want to practice these things in a special way, because this is the essence of the religious life. Merciful Jesus, I beg You fervently to enlighten my mind so that I may come to know You better, You who are the Infinite Being, and that I may get to know myself better, who am nothingness itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">378 Once as I was talking with my spiritual director, I had an interior vision-quicker than lightning-of his soul in great suffering, in such agony that God touches very few souls with such fire. The suffering arises from this work. There will come a time when this work, which God is demanding so very much, will be as though utterly undone. And then God will act with great power, which will give evidence of its authenticity. It will be a new splendor for the Church, although it has been dormant in it from long ago. That God is infinitely merciful, no one can deny. He desires everyone to know this before He comes again as Judge. He wants souls to come to know Him first as King of Mercy. When this triumph comes, we shall already have entered the new life in which there is no suffering. But before this, your soul [of the spiritual director] will be surfeited with bitterness at the sight of the destruction of your efforts. However, this will only appear to be so, because what God has once decided upon, He does not change. But although this destruction will be such only in outward appearance, the suffering will be real. When will this happen? I do not know. How long will it last? I do not know.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#89" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[89]</span></a> But God has promised a great grace especially to you and to all those... <b>who will proclaim My great mercy. I shall protect them Myself at the hour of death, as My own glory. And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">379 During one of the adorations, Jesus promised me that: <b>With souls that have recourse to My mercy and with those that glorify and proclaim My great mercy to others, I will deal according to My infinite mercy at the hour of their death.<br /><br />My Heart is sorrowful, </b>Jesus said,<b> because even chosen souls do not understand the greatness of My mercy. Their relationship [with Me] is, in certain ways, imbued with mistrust. Oh, how much that wounds My Heart I Remember My Passion, and if you do not believe My words, at least believe My wounds.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">389 Love must be reciprocal. If Jesus tasted the fullness of bitterness for me, then I, His bride, will accept all bitterness as proof of my love for Him.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">391 Through Holy Baptism, we entered into union with other souls. Death tightens the bonds of love. I ought always to be of help to others. If I am a good religious, I will be useful, not only to the Order, but to the whole Country as well.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">392 The Lord God grants His graces in two ways: by inspiration and by enlightenment. If we ask God for a grace, He will give it to us; but let us be willing to accept it. And in order to accept it, self-denial is needed. Love does not consist in words or feelings, but in deeds. It is an act of the will; it is a gift; that is to say, a giving. The reason, the will, the heart-these three faculties must be exercised during prayer. I will rise from the dead in Jesus, but first I must live in Him. If I do not separate myself from the Cross, then the Gospel will be revealed in me. Jesus in me makes up for all my deficiencies. His grace operates without ceasing. The Holy Trinity grants me Its life abundantly, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Three Divine Persons live in me. When God loves, He loves with all His Being, with all the power of His Being. If God has loved me in this way, how should I respond I, His spouse?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">393 During one conference, Jesus said to me, <b>You are a sweet grape in a chosen cluster; I want others to have a share in the juice that is flowing within you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">441 Once, the image was being exhibited over the altar during the Corpus Christi procession [June 20, 1935]. When the priest exposed the Blessed Sacrament, and the choir began to sing, the rays from the image pierced the Sacred Host and spread out all over the world. Then I heard these words: <b>These rays of mercy will pass through you, just as they</b> <b>have passed through this Host, and they will go out through all the world. </b>At these words, profound joy invaded my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">525 O Holy Trinity, in whom is contained the inner life of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, eternal joy, inconceivable depth of love, poured out upon all creatures and constituting their happiness, honor and glory be to Your holy name forever and ever. Amen.<br /><br />When I consider Your greatness and beauty, O my God, I rejoice exceedingly that the Lord I serve is so great. With love and joy I carry out His will, and the more I come to know Him, the more I desire to love Him. I burn with the desire to love Him ever more and more.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">543 The duration of the postulancy. The postulancy will last one year. During this time, the candidate should examine whether she is attracted to this type of life and whether it is suitable to her. The directress should also diligently consider whether or not the person in question is suitable for this type of life. After a year, if the postulant shows evidence of a stable will and an earnest desire to serve God, she should be admitted to the novitiate.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">699 On one occasion, I heard these words:<b> My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#139" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[139]</span></a> be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">745 During Holy Mass, I was so enveloped in the great interior fire of God's love and the desire to save souls that I do not know how to express it. I feel I am all aflame. I shall fight all evil with the weapon of mercy. I am being burned up by the desire to save souls. I traverse the world's length and breadth and venture as far as its ultimate limits and its wildest lands to save souls. I do this through prayer and sacrifice. I want every soul to glorify the mercy of God, for each one experiences the effects of that mercy on himself. The Saints in heaven worship the mercy of the Lord. I want to worship it even now, here on earth, and to spread devotion to it in the way that God demands of me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">930 + O my Jesus, although I will go to You, and You will fill me with Yourself, and that will make my happiness complete, I will nevertheless not forget about humanity. I desire to draw aside the veils of heaven, so that the earth would have no doubts about The Divine Mercy. My repose is in proclaiming Your mercy. The soul gives the greatest glory to its Creator when it turns with trust to The Divine Mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">+ The Love of God is the flower - Mercy the fruit.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1000 In the terrible desert of life,<br />O my sweetest Jesus,<br />Protect souls from disaster,<br />For You are the Fountain of Mercy.<br /><br />Let the resplendence of Your rays,<br />O sweet Commander of our souls,<br />Let mercy change the world.<br />And you who have received this grace, serve Jesus.<br /><br />Steep is the great highway I must travel,<br />But I fear nothing,<br />For the pure fount of mercy is flowing for my sake,<br />And, with it, strength for the humble soul.<br /><br />I am exhausted and worn out,<br />But my conscience bears me witness<br />That I do all for the greater glory of the Lord,<br />The Lord who is my repose and my heritage.<br /><br />[End of Notebook Two of the Diary.]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">962 + I often see a certain person dear to God. The Lord has great love for him, not only because he is striving to spread the veneration of God's mercy, but also because of the love he has for the Lord God, although he does not always feel this love in his own heart and is almost always in Gethsemane. However, this person is always pleasing to God, and his great patience will overcome all difficulties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1074 When I went for adoration, I heard these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down these words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow house]<b>. Tell the world about My mercy and My love.<br /><br />The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br /><br />My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace.<br /><br />Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1075 <b>Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1076 <b>Write this: Everything that exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more deeply than an infant in its mother's womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1083 + That beautiful soul who is spreading this work of divine mercy throughout the world is, by his deep humility, very pleasing to God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1104 Today there was a beautiful teaching [by Father Plaza on the goodness and mercy of God. During this conference my soul experienced the flames of God's love, and I understood that God's word is a living word.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1256 [August] 30. Reverend Father Sopocko left this morning. When I was steeped in a prayer of thanksgiving for the great grace that I had received from God; namely, that of seeing Father, I became united in a special way with the Lord who said to me, <b>He is a priest after My own Heart; his efforts are pleasing to Me. You see, My daughter, that My will must be done and that which I had promised you, I shall do. Through him I spread comfort to suffering and careworn souls. Through him it pleased Me to proclaim the worship of My mercy. And through this work of mercy more souls will come close to Me than otherwise would have, even if he had kept giving absolution day and night for the rest of his life, because by so doing, he would have labored only for as long as he lived; whereas, thanks to this work of mercy, he will be laboring till the end of the world.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1286 + Thank You, O God, for all the graces<br />Which unceasingly You lavish upon me,<br />Graces which enlighten me with the brilliance of the sun,<br />For by them You show me the sure way.<br /><br />Thank You, 0 Lord, for creating me,<br />For calling me into being from nothingness,<br />For imprinting Your divinity on my soul,<br />The work of sheer merciful love.<br /><br />Thank You, O God, for Holy Baptism<br />Which engrafted me into Your family,<br />A gift great beyond all thought or expression<br />Which transforms my soul.<br /><br />Thank You, O Lord, for Holy Confession,<br />For that inexhaustible spring of great mercy,<br />For that inconceivable fountain of graces<br />In which sin-tainted souls become purified.<br /><br />Thank You, O Jesus, for Holy Communion<br />In which You give us Yourself.<br />I feel Your Heart beating within my breast<br />As You cause Your divine life to unfold within me.<br /><br />Thank You, O Holy Spirit, for the Sacrament of Confirmation,<br />Which dubs me Your knight<br />And gives strength to my soul at each moment,<br />Protecting me from evil.<br /><br />Thank You, O God, for the grace of a vocation.<br />For being called to serve You alone,<br />Leading me to make You my sole love,<br />An unequal honor for my soul.<br /><br />Thank You, O Lord, for perpetual vows,<br />For that union of pure love,<br />For having deigned to unite Your pure heart with mine<br />And uniting my heart to Yours in the purest of bonds.<br /><br />Thank You, O Lord, for the Sacrament of Anointing<br />Which, in my final moments, will give me strength;<br />My help in battle, my guide to salvation,<br />Fortifying my soul till we rejoice forever.<br /><br />Thank You, O God, for all the inspirations<br />That Your goodness lavishes upon me,<br />For the interior lights given my soul,<br />Which the heart senses, but words cannot express.<br /><br />Thank You, O Holy Trinity, for the vastness of the graces<br />Which You have lavished on me unceasingly through life.<br />My gratitude will intensify as the eternal dawn rises,<br />When, for the first time, I sing to Your glory.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1300 When I looked at this image, I was pierced with such a lively love for God that, for a moment, I did not know where I was. When we had finished our business, we went to the Church of the Most Holy Virgin Mary. We attended Holy Mass, during which the Lord gave me to know what a great number of souls would attain salvation through this work. Then I entered into an intimate conversation with the Lord, thanking Him for having condescended to grant me the grace of seeing how the veneration of His unfathomable mercy is spreading. I immersed myself in a profound prayer of thanksgiving. Oh, how great is God's generosity! Blessed be the Lord, who is faithful in His promises...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1520 Today the Lord said to me, <b>I have opened My Heart as a living fountain of mercy. Let all souls draw life from it. Let them approach this sea of mercy with great trust. Sinners will attain justification, and the just will be confirmed in good. Whoever places his trust in My mercy will be filled with My divine peace at the hour of death.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1652 Adore, my soul, the mercy of the Lord,<br />O my heart, rejoice wholly in Him,<br />Because for this you have been chosen by Him,<br />To spread the glory of His mercy.<br /><br />His goodness no one has fathomed, no one can measure,<br />His compassion is untold.<br />Every soul that approaches Him experiences this.<br />He will shield her and clasp her to His merciful bosom.<br /><br />Happy the soul that has trusted in Your goodness<br />And has abandoned herself completely to Your mercy.<br />Her soul is filled with the peace of love.<br />You defend her everywhere as Your own child.<br /><br />O soul, whoever you may be in this world,<br />Even if your sins were as black as night,<br />Do not fear God, weak child that you are,<br />For great is the power of God's mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1710 May 26, [1938-Feast of the Ascension]. Today I accompanied the Lord Jesus as He ascended into heaven. It was about noon. I was overcome by a great longing for God. It is a strange thing, the more I felt God's presence, the more ardently I desired Him. Then I saw myself in the midst of a huge crowd of disciples and apostles, together with the Mother of God. Jesus was telling them to... <b>Go out into the whole world and teach in My name.</b> He stretched out His hands and blessed them and disappeared in a cloud. I saw the longing of Our Lady. Her soul yearned for Jesus with the whole force of Her love. But She was so peaceful and so united to the will of God that there was not a stir in Her heart but for what God wanted.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1711 When I was left alone with the Blessed Virgin, She instructed me concerning the interior life. She said, <i>The soul's true greatness is in loving God and in humbling oneself in His presence, completely forgetting oneself and believing oneself to be nothing; because the Lord is great, but He is well pleased only with the humble; He always opposes the proud.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-77, 248, 375-376, 378-379, 389, 391)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-392-393, 441)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-525, 543, 699, 745, 930, 962, 1000)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1074-1076, 1083, 1104)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1256, 1286, 1300)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1520)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1652, 1710-1711 )</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-12648779086410627252020-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-06T09:14:40.118-08:00Grace’s Last Stand and Ultimate Victory-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Grace’s Last Stand and Ultimate Victory</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 7, 2020. </span></strong><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 6:14-29</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">King Herod heard about it, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him." Others were saying, "He is Elijah"; still others, "He is a prophet like any of the prophets." But when Herod learned of it, he said, "It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up." Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother´s wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias´s own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore (many things) to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king´s presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Lord, I believe in You and all that You taught as it has been passed down to us through Your Church. I hope in You, knowing that You will never send me out of Your presence. Only by sin could I cut myself away from Your loving hands. Although I am weak, I trust that You will keep me close. Lord, I love You and long for my love for You to grow, for You deserve so much better than my measly offering. Yet I know, too, that You are pleased with my desire for You.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grant me, O Lord, an honest and sincere heart. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. <b>“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” </b>The verdict of conscience always makes itself known. Herod’s guilt regarding John the Baptist’s murder is projected into the present as a haunting memory. Those who have radically rejected God, though they might possess great power or wealth, great intelligence or ability, are ultimately the most insecure people on earth. When true goodness appears in their life, it presents itself as a threat. It condemns them and alienates them from themselves. All this is but a reflection of their state of soul before God. Such is the power of man’s conscience: it imposes its painful sentence long before the person ever reaches the ultimate tribunal of justice. Like Christ, we can only remain silent before the Herods of the world, praying that they break their resistance to grace.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. <b>“He was very much perplexed yet he liked to listen to him…”</b> “Fear the grace of God that passes never to return.” In the lives of all persons, even the wicked, enough goodness is given them to be saved, enough such that God can offer them the truth of salvation within the scope of their freedom. Such graces last for only a time, not forever. These moments cannot be treated as moments that temporarily pacify our conscience, only to permit us to continue in our sin and resistance to living a holy life. Herod feared John, knew he was a holy man and felt the attraction of his words, but he did nothing to respond to it. You cannot play around with God and win. Herod loses and attacked what he knew he should love. This tragedy must teach us to be sincere and never imprison the voice of God in our soul, but to let it reign in our life. We must use our freedom to respond to God’s voice, breaking the chains of human respect or fear of sacrifice that bind us to darkness. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. <b>He Was Beheaded in Prison: </b>The last honor Christ could offer a faithful apostle, who has stood firm in the truth against the twisted provocations of evil around him, is––in some sense––a “full” participation in his Paschal Mystery. What began as testimony by proclaiming conversion, John now concludes with testimony to the victorious hope the blessed possess in Christ. This is never clearer than in a martyr’s death as intimated in this passage from the Book of Wisdom:<br /><br />For though in the sight of men they were punished,<br /><br />their hope is full of immortality.<br /><br />Having been disciplined a little,<br /><br />they will receive great good,<br /><br />because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;<br /><br />like gold in the furnace he tried them,<br /><br />and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them (Wisdom 3:4-6).<br /><br />May we accept today the hard road of fidelity so as to be “disciplined a little” and be found worthy of the hope that is “full of immortality.” </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Let me experience, dear Jesus, the glory of Your martyrs through many small acts of fidelity—to my conscience, to my mission and to the service to souls. Heroic and filled with hope, may I accept a sentence of love and not fear any path you set before me today. May I be like one who has died and yet lives the blossom of a holy life that will never end. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I will work to be sincere in all I do, and use the sacrament of confession as a place of constant conversion and openness to God’s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">23 Toward the end of the first year of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul. I felt no consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear began to sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but great misery. I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not dare to raise my eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and begged for mercy. My soul was in this state for almost six months. Our beloved Mother Directress [Mary Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank">[14]</a>] encouraged me in these difficult moments. But this suffering became greater and greater.<br /><br />The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was offending God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank">[15]</a>] did not let me omit one single Holy Communion. God was working very strangely in my soul. I did not understand anything at all of what my confessor was telling me. The simple truths of the faith became incomprehensible to me. My soul was in anguish, unable to find comfort anywhere.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered, "I am Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire in purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory, but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in purgatory or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied, "Jesus, I want to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on earth, even if it were until the end of the world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of the two] <b>is enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings, because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I am with you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">55 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1933. Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior inspirations, but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize that these interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they are for the good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to follow them; and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation with your confessor.<br /><br /><u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the evil spirit.<br /><br /><u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor specifically to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it would be better to even ignore them.<br /><br />But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the other, as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God. Humility, humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all is purely and simply God's grace.<br /><br />You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br /><br />Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the Lord, paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God suffice you; He alone."<br /><br />Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told me: "Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages: `She spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br /><br />Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of others."<br /><br />On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then, generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br /><br />Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God push your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of the interior life."<br /><br />Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress [Mary Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity and humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like a little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility, content with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others fear, you will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility. Remember this, Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains down into the valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble souls."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">62 O life so dull and monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a seal for eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">91 O my Jesus, You alone know what persecutions I suffer, and this only because I am being faithful to You and following Your orders. You are my strength; sustain me that I may always carry out what You ask of me. Of myself I can do nothing, but when You sustain me, all difficulties are nothing for me. O my Lord, I can see very well that from the time when my soul first received the capacity to know You, my life has been a continual struggle which has become increasingly intense.<br /><br />Every morning during meditation, I prepare myself for the whole day's struggle. Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory; and so it is. I fear the day when I do not receive Holy Communion. This Bread of t lie Strong gives me all the strength I need to carry on my mission and the courage to do whatever the Lord asks of me. The courage and strength that are in me are not of me, but of Him who lives in me - it is the Eucharist.<br /><br />O my Jesus, the misunderstandings are so great; sometimes, were it not for the Eucharist, I would not have the courage to go any further along the way You have marked out for me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">92 Humiliation is my daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in everything that is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which, at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame my heart with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and the Terror of the Soul.<br /><br />In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness - that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in vain; it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did before it received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive within it, and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the knowledge of God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him.<br /><br />But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it is; the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up alarmed and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror, but it begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord. These lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is crystallized, the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has responded faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it with His consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At certain moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and greatly rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree of perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep within it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems difficult for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into God and taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not take account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in fact, this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add here, however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if it has a well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">97 Faith staggers under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the complete abandonment of the soul by God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair<br /><br />98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br /><br />At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br /><br />The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br /><br />If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">102 After some time, one of the sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was frightened and went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy obedience ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned immediately, and I got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the state of my soul and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying, "Do not be distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in virtue of obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that God is calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you very close to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so soon. Be faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to have a high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of these words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set free from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">106 Though these are frightening things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will never test us beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may never send us such sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the Lord to let a soul pass through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but, insofar as this depends on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God. God will do a soul no harm, because He is Love itself, and in this unfathomable love has called it into being. However, when I was so tormented, I myself did not understand this.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">107 O my God, I have come to know that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this profound awareness into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with earth, though I in no way neglect my duties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">111 When, in the midst of these interior torments, I tried to accuse myself in confession of the smallest trifles, the priest was surprised that I had not committed graver faults, and he said to me, "If you are as faithful as this to God during these sufferings, this in itself is evidence to me that God is sustaining you, Sister, with a special grace, and it is a good thing that you do not understand this." It is a strange thing, nevertheless, that confessors could neither understand me nor set my mind at peace concerning these matters, until I met Father Andrasz and, later on, Father Sopocko.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing are the hymns flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a soul, especially when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing for Him. Great is its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through the jungle of life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the ground.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him. It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general. The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the senses. God fills it with His light.<br /><br />The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of the spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union. Here, the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more profound. In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of illusion. Both for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a greater part. There are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely spiritual state. The senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most closely united to God; it is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete and perfect, not sporadic as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in this. But I want to say more about those moments of trial; at those times the confessor must have patience with such a soul. But the soul must have even greater patience with itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new courage to suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">132 I must again mention that there are some confessors who seem to be true spiritual fathers, but only as long as things go well. When the soul finds itself in greater need, they become perplexed, and either cannot or will not understand the soul. They try to get rid of the person as soon as possible. But if the soul is humble, it will always profit in some little way or other. God himself will sometimes cast a shaft of light into the depths of the soul, because of its humility and faith. The confessor will sometimes say something he had never intended to say, without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the soul believe that such words are the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed we ought to believe that every word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I have referred to above is something that comes directly from God. And the soul perceives that the priest is not master of himself, that he is saying things that he would rather not say. This is how God rewards faith.<br /><br />I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and respected priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at Plock], to whom I sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe and opposed to these matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion he replied to me, "Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of you, you should not oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just this way. Be at peace; what God has started, He will finish. But I say this to you: faithfulness to God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well in mind what I have told you today." I was delighted, and I thought that perhaps this priest had understood me. But it so turned out that I never went to confession to him again.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">136 And the Lord gave me to know that the whole mystery depended on me, on my free consent to the sacrifice given with full use of my faculties. In this free and conscious act lies the whole power and value before His Majesty. Even if none of these things for which I offered myself would ever happen to me, before the Lord everything was as though it had already been consummated.<br /><br />At that moment, I realized I was entering into communion with the incomprehensible Majesty. I felt that God was waiting for my word, for my consent. Then my spirit immersed itself in the Lord, and I said, "Do with me as You please. I subject myself to Your will. As of today, Your holy will shall be my nourishment, and I will be faithful to Your commands with the help of Your grace. Do with me as You please. I beg You, O Lord, be with me at every moment of my life."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">138 A great mystery has been accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in my soul. When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was awaiting me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled closely to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready for that for which I had offered myself.<br /><br />Suffering seemed to spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself was surprised. For others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't worth paying any attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed; each word was analyzed, each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get ready, Sister, to receive a small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I feel sorry for you." But as for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of my soul and had been ready for it for a long time. When she saw my courage, she was surprised. I see now that a soul cannot do much of itself, but with God it can do all things. Behold what God's grace can do. Few are the souls that are always watchful for divine graces, and even fewer of such souls who follow those inspirations faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">139 Still, a soul which is faithful to God cannot confirm its own inspirations; it must submit them to the control of a very wise and learned priest; and until it is quite certain, it should remain distrustful. It should not, on its own initiative alone, put its trust in these inspirations and all other higher graces, because it can thus expose itself to great losses.<br /><br />Even though a soul may immediately distinguish between false inspirations and those of God, it should nevertheless be careful, because many things are uncertain. God is pleased and rejoices when a soul distrusts Him for His own sake; because it loves Him, it is prudent and itself asks and searches for help to make certain that it is really God who is acting within it. And once a well-instructed confessor has confirmed this, the soul should be at peace and give itself up to God, according to His directions; that is, according to the directions of the confessor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least expected them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br /><br />When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br /><br />+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me, about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is infrequent.<br /><br />+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties, but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br /><br />There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br /><br />In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall. O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">148 +A noble and delicate soul, even the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees God in everything, finds Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the most hidden things. It finds all things important, it highly appreciates all things, it thanks God for all things, it draws profit for the soul from all things, and it gives all glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not confused when the time of ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best of Fathers and makes little of human opinion. It follows faithfully the faintest breath of the Holy Spirit; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its mother. Where other souls come to a standstill and fear, this soul passes on without fear or difficulty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">149 When the Lord himself wants to be close to a soul and to lead it, He will remove everything that is external. When I fell ill and was taken to the infirmary, I suffered much unpleasantness because of this. There were two of us sick in the infirmary. Sisters would come to see Sister N., but no one came to visit me. It is true that there was only one infirmary, but each one had her own cell. The winter nights were long, and Sister N. had the light and the radio headphones, while I could not even prepare my meditation for lack of a light.<br /><br />When nearly two weeks had passed in this way, I complained to the Lord one evening that I was suffering so much and that I could not even prepare my meditation because there was no light. And the Lord said that He would come every evening and give me the points for the next day's meditation. These points always concerned His sorrowful Passion. He would say, <b>Consider My sufferings before Pilate. </b>And thus, point by point, I meditated upon His sorrowful Passion for one week. From that moment, a great joy entered my soul, and I no longer wanted either the visitors or the light; Jesus sufficed me for everything. The superiors were indeed very solicitous for the sick, but the Lord ordained that I should feel forsaken. This best of masters withdraws every created thing in order that He himself might act. Many a time, I have experienced such sufferings and persecutions that Mother M. [probably Mother Margaret] herself said to me, "Sister, along your path, sufferings just spring up out of the ground. I look upon you, Sister, as one crucified. But I can see that Jesus has a hand in this. Be faithful to the Lord."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">150 + I want to write down a dream that I had about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I was still a novice at the time and was going through some difficulties which I did not know how to overcome. They were interior difficulties connected with exterior ones. I made novenas to various saints, but the situation grew more and more difficult. The sufferings it caused me were so great that I did not know how to go on living, but suddenly the thought occurred to me that I should pray to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I started a novena to this Saint, because before entering the convent I had had a great devotion to her. Lately I had somewhat neglected this devotion, but in my need I began again to pray with great fervor.<br /><br />On the fifth day of the novena, I dreamed of Saint Therese, but it was as if she were still living on earth. She hid from me the fact that she was a saint and began to comfort me, saying that I should not be worried about this matter, but should trust more in God. She said, "I suffered greatly, too," but I did not quite believe her and said, "It seems to me that you have not suffered at all." But Saint Therese answered me in a convincing manner that she had suffered very much indeed and said to me, "Sister, know that in three days the difficulty will come to a happy conclusion." When I was not very willing to believe her, she revealed to me that she was a saint. At that moment, a great joy filled my soul, and I said to her, "You are a saint?" "Yes," she answered, "I am a saint. Trust that this matter will be resolved in three days:" And I said, "Dear sweet Therese, tell me, shall I go to heaven?" And she answered, "Yes, you will go to heaven, Sister." "And will I be a saint?" To which she replied, "Yes, you will be a saint." "But, little Therese, shall I be a saint as you are, raised to the altar?" And she answered, "Yes, you will be a saint just as I am, but you must trust in the Lord Jesus." I then asked her if my mother and father would go to heaven, will [unfinished sentence] And she replied that they would. I further asked, "And will my brothers and sisters go to heaven?" She told me to pray hard for them, but gave me no definite answer. I understood that they were in need of much prayer.<br /><br />This was a dream. And as the proverb goes, dreams are phantoms; God is faith. Nevertheless, three days later the difficulty was solved very easily, just as she had said. And everything in this affair turned out exactly as she said it would. It was a dream, but it had its significance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">159 +O Blessed Host, in golden chalice enclosed for me,<br />That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br /><br />O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul,<br />O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br /><br />O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />Though Your beauty be veiled<br />And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />Strong faith tears away that veil.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">170 The first day of the retreat. I tried to be the first in the chapel in the morning; before the meditation I had a bit of time for prayer to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady. I earnestly begged the Mother of God to obtain for me the grace of fidelity to these inner inspirations and of faithfully carrying out God's will, whatever it might be. I began this retreat with a very special kind of courage.<br /><br />171 Struggle to keep silence. As usual, sisters from various houses came to the retreat. One of the sisters whom I had not seen for a long time, came to my cell and said she had something to tell me. I did not answer her, and she saw that I did not want to break silence. She said to me, "I didn't know you were such an eccentric, sister," and she went away. I was well aware that she had no other business with me than to satisfy her own curious self-love. O God, preserve me in faithfulness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 174 At that moment the priest came in and began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he were in a hurry. After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing that none of the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an instant was in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of telling the father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my dealings with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have just described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and said, "Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so kindly. Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your communing with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that you are on the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces; you are not free to shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your superiors about these interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you clearly to do so, and even then you should first consult with your confessor. But if the Lord Jesus demands something external, in this case, after consulting your confessor, you should carry out what He asks of you, even if this costs you greatly. On the other hand, you must tell your confessor everything. There is absolutely no other course for you to take, Sister. Pray that you may find a spiritual director, or else you will waste these great gifts of God. I repeat once again, be at peace; you are following the right path. Take no heed of anything else, but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone says about you. It is with just such miserable souls that the Lord Jesus communes in this intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the Lord Jesus will unite Himself with you." 175 176 177</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">189 On one occasion, Jesus gave me to know how pleasing to Him is the soul that faithfully keeps the rule. A soul will receive a greater reward for observing the rule than for penances and great mortifications. The latter will be rewarded also if they are undertaken over and above the rule, but they will not surpass the rule.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">204 A short conversation with Mother Directress [Margaret]. When I asked her about some particulars concerning progress in the spiritual life, this holy Mother answered everything with great clarity. She said to me, "if you continue cooperating with God's grace in this way, Sister, you will be only one step away from close union with God. You understand what I mean by this. This means that your characteristic trait should be faithfulness to the grace of the Lord. God does not lead all souls along such a path." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">210 I fervently beg the Lord to strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not be guided by human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything drags man towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher regions and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest one.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 226 The rules that I most often fail to obey: sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell; sometimes I meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my very best to improve.<br /><br />I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my actions. I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to do and act at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must be mindful of God.<br /><br />Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank">[67]</a> I must report [even] small things to my superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in my spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I must keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty words that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great appreciation for even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become absorbed in the whirl of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak little with people, but a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay little attention as to who is for me and who is against me. I must not tell others about those things I have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking out loud to others during work. I must maintain peace and equanimity during times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds of Jesus.<br /><br />227 +In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing is as constant as suffering-it always faithfully keeps the soul company. O Jesus, I will let no one surpass me in loving You!<br /><br />+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">230 Jesus, living Host, You are my Mother, You are my all! It is with simplicity and love, with faith and trust that I will always come to You, O Jesus! I will share everything with You, as a child with its loving mother, my joys and sorrows-in a word, everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">234 When I finished this confession, my spirit was immersed in God, and I prayed for three hours, but it seemed to me like only a few minutes. Since then, I have placed no obstacles in the way of grace working in my soul. Jesus knew why I had been afraid to commune intimately with Him and was not at all offended. From the moment the priest assured me that what I had experienced was not an illusion, but the grace of God, I have tried to be faithful to God in everything. I can see now that there are few such priests who understand the full depth of God's work in the soul. Since then, my wings have been set free for flight, and I yearn to soar into the very fire of the sun. My flight will not come to an end until I rest in Him forever. When we fly very high, all the vapors, mists and clouds are beneath our feet, and our whole carnal being is necessarily subject to the spirit.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">248 The words of the Bishop [Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank">[73]</a>], spoken at the ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign of heavenly light and of burning love." While giving the ring: "I betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the eternal covenant you are making with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the bride of Christ and, if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as such] for all eternity.<br /><br />249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a Mother to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">257 Tomorrow I am to leave for Vilnius. Today, I went to confession to Father Andrasz, this priest who is so filled with the spirit of God, who untied my wings so that I could soar to the highest summits. He reassured me in everything and told me to believe in Divine Providence. "Have confidence and walk ahead with courage." An extraordinary, divine power came over me after that confession. Father stressed that I must be faithful to God's grace and said, "No harm will come to you if, in the future, you continue to keep this same simplicity and obedience. Have confidence in God; you are on the right path and in good hands, in God's hands."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">263 +The week for confession came and, to my great joy, I saw the priest I had known before coming to Vilnius. [That is to say,] I had known him by seeing him in a vision. At that moment, I heard these words in my soul: <b>This is My faithful servant; he will help you to fulfill My will here on earth. </b>Yet, I did not open myself to him as the Lord wished. And for some time I struggled against grace. During each confession, God's grace penetrated me in a very special way, yet I did not reveal my soul before him, and I had the intention of not going to confession to that priest. After this decision, a terrible anxiety entered my soul. God reproached me severely. When I did lay bare my soul completely to this priest, Jesus poured an ocean of graces into it. Now I understand what it means to be faithful to a particular grace. That one grace draws down a whole series of others.<br /><br />264 +O my Jesus, keep me near to You! See how weak I am! I cannot go a step forward by myself; so You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother by a helpless child-and even more so.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">272 But previously, this priest had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there, the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets such things happen sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace not to falter.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord. Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">291 On a certain occasion, I saw a person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send me the greatest torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt the terrible pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long time, but that person remained in the Lord's grace. 0 my Jesus, how very easy it is to become holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees this little bit of good will in the soul, He hurries to give himself to the soul, and nothing can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls-absolutely nothing. Jesus is anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from God, it can very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature here on earth. God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone. Indeed He gives more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit-that is the shortest route.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">292 +When a soul loves God sincerely, it ought not fear anything in the spiritual life. Let it subject itself to the action of grace, and let it not impose any restraints on itself in communing with the Lord.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant [Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment.<br /><br />+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br /><br />+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.<br /><br />My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest, for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">328 O purest Love, rule in all Your plenitude in my heart and help me to do Your holy will most faithfully!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">331 Oh, how great a grace it is to have a spiritual director! One makes more rapid progress in virtue, sees the will of God more clearly, fulfills it more faithfully, and follows a road that is sure and free of dangers. The director knows how to avoid the rocks against which the soul could be shattered. The Lord gave me this grace rather late, to be sure, but I rejoice in it greatly, seeing how God inclines His will to my director's wishes. I will mention just one incident out of a thousand that have happened to me. As I usually do, I asked the Lord Jesus one evening to give me the points for next day's meditation. I received the answer: Meditate on the Prophet Jonah and his mission. I thanked the Lord, but began to think within myself of how different that subject was from the others. But with all my soul I strove to meditate about it, and I recognized myself in the person of the prophet, in the sense that often I, too, try to make excuses to the Lord, claiming that someone else would do His holy will better [than I could], and not understanding that God can do all things and that His omnipotence will be all the more manifest if the tool is poorer. God made this clear to me in the following way. That afternoon, there was confession for the community. When I presented to the director of my soul the fear that seized me because of this mission for which God was using me, clumsy tool that I was, my spiritual father answered that, willing or not, we must carry out the will of God, and he gave me the Prophet Jonah as an example. After the confession, I wondered how the confessor knew that God had told me to meditate about Jonah; surely I myself had not told him. Then I heard these words:<b>When the priest acts in my place, he does not act of himself, but I act through him. His wishes are Mine. </b>I can see how Jesus defends His representatives. He himself enters into their actions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">333 I now see clearly how God acts through the confessor and how faithfully He keeps His promises. Two weeks ago, my confessor told me to reflect upon this spiritual childhood. It was somewhat difficult at first, but my confessor, disregarding my difficulties, told me to continue to reflect upon spiritual childhood. "In practice, this spiritual childhood," [he said,] "should manifest itself in this way: a child does not worry about the past or the future, but makes use of the present moment. I want to emphasize that spiritual childlikeness in you, Sister, and I place great stress upon it." I can see how God bows down to my confessor's wishes; He does not show himself to me at this time as a Teacher in the fullness of His strength and human adulthood, but as a little Child. The God who is beyond all understanding stoops to me under the appearance of a little Child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">352 At the chapter, Mother [Borgia] stressed a life of faith and fidelity in small things. Half way through the chapter, I heard these words:<b> I desire that you would all have more faith at the present time. How great is My joy at the faithfulness of My spouse in the smallest things.</b> Then I looked at the crucifix and saw that Jesus' head was turned towards the refectory, and His lips were moving.<br /><br />When I told Mother Superior about it, she answered, "You see, Sister, how Jesus demands that our life be a life of faith."<br /><br />353 When Mother left for the chapel and I stayed to set the room in order, I heard these words: <b>Tell all the sisters that I demand that they live in the spirit of faith towards the superiors at this present time.</b> I begged my confessor to release me from this duty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">424 In the evening, I just about got into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep quickly, I was awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up. The child seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well, as children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The child was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to me, <b>Look at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the stars and the moon shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this moon and these stars? </b>When I said yes, he spoke these words to me, <b>These stars are the souls of faithful Christians, and the moon is the souls of religious. Do you see how great the difference is between the light of the moon and the light of the stars? Such is the difference in heaven between the soul of a religious and the soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And he went on to say that, <b>True greatness is in loving God and in humility.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">449 I prepared for this feast with greater zeal than in previous years. On the morning of the feast itself, I experienced an inner struggle at the thought that I must leave this Congregation which enjoys such special protection from Mary. This struggle lasted through the meditation and through the first Mass as well. During the second Mass, I turned to our Holy Mother, telling Her that it was difficult for me to separate myself from this Congregation... "which is under Your special protection, O Mary." Then I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably beautiful. She came down from the altar to my kneeler, held me close to herself and said to me, <i>I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable mercy of God. Most pleasing to Me is that soul which faithfully carries out the will of God.</i> She gave me to understand that I had faithfully fulfilled the will of God and had thus found favor in His eyes. <i>Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and in this way you will be victorious.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">481 Almost every feast of the Church gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace. That is why I prepare myself for each feast and unite myself closely with the spirit of the Church. What a joy it is to be a faithful child of the Church! Oh, how much I love Holy Church and all those who live in it! I look upon them as living members of Christ, who is their Head. I burn with love with those who love; I suffer with those who suffer, I am consumed with sorrow at the sight of those whoa are cold and ungrateful; and I then try to have such a love for God that it will make amends for those who do not love Him, those who feed their Savior with ingratitude at its worst.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">497 O Eternal Truth, Word Incarnate, who most faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am becoming a martyr of Your inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because I have no will of my own, though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit in everything to the will of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus, it cannot be helped, but I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">500 During Holy Mass I prayed fervently that Jesus might become King of all hearts and that divine grace might shine in every soul. Then I saw Jesus as He is depicted in the image, and He said to me,<b> My daughter, you give Me the greatest glory by faithfully fulfilling My desires.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">506 "Do nothing without the consent of the superiors. One must think this matter over thoroughly and pray much. One must be very careful about these things because, in your present situation, Sister, the will of God is certain and clear, for you are in fact bound to this Congregation by vows, and perpetual vows at that; so there should be no doubt. What you are experiencing interiorly, Sister, are only the glimmerings of a project. God can make some alterations, but such things are very rare. Don't be in a hurry, Sister, until you have received more precise knowledge. The works of God proceed slowly, but if they are of Him, you will surely recognize them clearly. If they are not, they will disappear; and you, by being obedient, will not go astray. Speak frankly about everything to your confessor and obey him blindly.<br /><br />"For the present, Sister, there is nothing more for you to do than accept the suffering until the time when everything will become clear; that is, all things will be resolved. You are well disposed as regards these matters, and so continue in this simplicity and spirit of obedience; this is a good sign. If you continue in this attitude, God will not allow you to fall into error. Still, as much as is possible, keep far away from these things, but if despite that they still come your way, receive them calmly and do not fear anything. You are in the good hands of a very good God. In all that you have told me, I do not see any illusion or anything contrary to faith. These are things which are good in themselves, and it would indeed be good if there were a group of souls pleading with God for the world, as we all are in need of prayer. You have a good director; stay with him and be at peace. Be faithful to God's will and carry it out. As to your duties, always do what you are told to do and as you are told to do it, no matter how humiliating or toilsome it might be. Always choose the last place, and then they themselves will say to you, `Go up higher.' In spirit and in your demeanor, consider yourself the least in the whole house and in the entire Congregation. In everything and at all times, be most faithful to God."<br /><br />507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and change its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in You as one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You burn, O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of loving God. Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven by an intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple faithfulness of soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">544 The novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank">[109]</a> is to last one year, without any interruption. At this time the novice should be taught about the virtues relating to the vows and about the importance of the vows. The directress should do her utmost to provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices in the practice of humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows easily and experiences the great joys that God pours out upon the faithful soul. The novices should not be burdened with duties that entail responsibilities, so that they may be free to devote themselves to their own perfection. They are obliged to observe the rules and statutes strictly, as are the postulants.<br /><br />545 After a year of novitiate, if the novice proves faithful, she may be admitted to make her profession for one year. This is to be repeated for three years. She may then be given duties of responsibility. However, she will still belong to the novitiate, and once a week she must attend conferences together with the novices, and she will spend the last six months entirely in the novitiate in order to prepare well for her solemn profession. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#110" target="_blank">[110]</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Relationship of Sisters with the Superior.<br /><br />567 All the sisters should respect the superior as the Lord Jesus himself, as I mentioned when speaking about the vow of obedience. They should behave toward her with childlike trust, and should never murmur or find fault with her commands, as this is very displeasing to God. Let each be guided by a spirit of faith in her relationship to superiors; let her ask with simplicity for all that she needs. God forbid that it ever happen or be repeated that any of the sisters would be a cause of sorrow or tears to the superior. Let each one know that as the fourth commandment obliges a child to honor its parents, in like manner is the religious bound to respect her superior. Only a bad religious would take the liberty of judging her superior. Let the sisters be sincere with the superior, telling her about everything and about their needs with childlike simplicity.<br /><br />The sisters will address the superior thus: "With your leave, Sister Superior." They shall never kiss her hand, but whenever they meet her in the corridor or enter her cell, they should say, "Praised be Jesus Christ," bowing their heads slightly.<br /><br />They shall address each other as "Sister," adding the proper name. Their relationship toward the superior should be marked by a spirit of faith and not by sentimentality or flattery, as these are unworthy of a religious and would degrade her very much. A religious should be as free as a queen, and will be such only when she lives in the spirit of faith. We should obey and respect the superior, not because she is good, holy or prudent, but solely because she represents God, and by obeying her we are obeying God himself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">635 March 25. In the morning, during meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I saw the immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension to His creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how pleasing to God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His grace! I gave the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the world about His great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him who will come, not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible is that day! Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The angels tremble before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is still the time for [granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be answering for a great number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the end. I sympathize with you.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">637 Confession. As I was preparing for confession, I said to Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament, "Jesus, I beg You to speak to me through the mouth of this priest. And this will be a sign to me, because he does not know at all that You want me to establish that Congregation of Mercy. Let him say something to me about this mercy."<br /><br />When I approached the confessional and started my confession, the priest interrupted me and started telling me about the great mercy of God, and he spoke more forcefully about it than I had ever heard anyone speak before. And he asked me, "Do you know that the mercy of the Lord is greater than all His works, that it is the crown of His works?" And I listened attentively to these words which the Lord was speaking through the mouth of the priest. Although I believe that it is always God who speaks through the lips of the priest in the confessional, I experienced it in a special way on that occasion.<br /><br />Although I did not reveal anything of the divine life which is in my soul and only accused myself of my offenses, the priest himself told me very much of what was in my soul and put me under obligation to be faithful to the inspirations of God. He said to me, "You are going through life with the Mother of God, who faithfully responded to every divine inspiration." O my Jesus, who can ever comprehend Your goodness?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">650 O my Jesus, my Master and Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of my life. I expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in the face of Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I am fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do with me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough for me.<br /><br />O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire nothing but Your glory.<br /><br />O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the light of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite myself with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the place of my feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">666 I understood that all striving for perfection and all sanctity consist in doing God's will. Perfect fulfillment of God's will is maturity in sanctity; there is no room for doubt here. To receive God's light and recognize what God wants of us and yet not do it is a great offense against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves to be completely forsaken by God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light, but did not do God's will. An extraordinary peace entered my soul when I reflected on the fact that, despite great difficulties, I had always faithfully followed God's will as I knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to put Your will into practice as I have come to know it, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">667 July 14. I received a letter at three o'clock [from Father Sopocko <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#135" target="_blank">[135]</a>]. O Jesus, You alone know what I suffer, but I will keep silent and will not say anything about it to any creature, because I know that no one will comfort me. You are everything to me, O God, and Your holy will is my nourishment. I am living now on what I will live on in eternity.<br /><br />I have great reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel; he had no example to follow in doing the will of God, and yet he fulfilled God's will faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">678 The essence of the virtues is the will of God. He who does the will of God faithfully, practices all the virtues. In all the events and circumstances of my life, I adore and bless the holy will of God. The holy will of God is the object of my love. In the most secret depths of my soul, I live according to His will. I act exteriorly according to what I recognize inwardly as the will of God. Sweeter to me are the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all manner of adversities by divine will than popularity, praise and esteem by my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">683 + Once, when I was praying fervently to the Jesuit Saints, I suddenly saw my Guardian Angel, who led me before the throne of God. I passed through great hosts of saints, and I recognized many of them, whom I knew from their pictures. I saw many Jesuits, who asked me from what congregation I was. When I answered they asked, "Who is your spiritual director?" I answered that it was Father A.... When they wanted to say more, my Guardian Angel beckoned me to be silent, and I came before the throne of God. I saw a great and inaccessible light, and I saw a place destined for me, close to God. But what it was like I do not know, because a cloud covered it. However, my Guardian Angel said to me, "Here is your throne, for your faithfulness in fulfilling the will of God."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">724 On the eve of the retreat, I started to pray that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little health so that I could take part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill that I thought perhaps it might be my last. However, as soon as I had started praying I felt a strange dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of supplication and began to thank the Lord for everything He sends me, submitting myself completely to His holy will. Then I felt profound peace of soul. + Faithful submission to the will of God, always and everywhere, in all events and circumstances of life, gives great glory to God. Such submission to the will of God carries more weight with Him than long fasts, mortifications and the most severe penances. Oh, how great is the reward for one act of loving submission to the will of God! As I write, my soul is enraptured at the thought of how much God loves it and of the peace that my soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">734 I see that Jesus himself is acting in my soul during this retreat. And as for me, I try only to be faithful to His grace. I have submitted my soul completely to the influence of God. This Mighty Ruler of Heaven has taken entire possession of my soul. I feel that I am being lifted up above earth and heaven into the inner life of God, where I come to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but always in the unity of majesty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">742 <b>My daughter, if I demand through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it.<br /><br />I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. </b>O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in everything, because You see how very little I am, and so I depend solely on Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1420 When I steeped myself in prayer, I was transported in spirit to the chapel, where I saw the Lord Jesus, exposed in the monstrance. In place of the monstrance, I saw the glorious face of the Lord, and He said to me, <b>What you see in reality, these souls see through faith. Oh, how pleasing to Me is their great faith! You see, although there appears to be no trace of life in Me, in reality it is present in its fullness in each and every Host. But for Me to be able to act upon a soul, the soul must have faith. O how pleasing to Me is living faith!</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 36, 55, 62, 91-92, 95, 97-98, 102)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-106-107, 111, 114-115, 129, 132, 136)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-138-139, 145, 149-150, 159, 170-171)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-189, 210, 226-227, 230, 234, 248-249)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-257, 263-264, 272, , 278, 291-292)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-300-302, 328, 331, 333, 352-353, 424)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-449, 481, 497, 500)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-544-545, 567, 635, 637, 650, 666-668)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-683, 724, 734, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1420)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-26381347246749595262020-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-05T07:09:28.560-08:00Two by Two-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<div align="center">
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Two by Two</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 6, 2020</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Father Alex Yeung, LC</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 6:7-13</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick -- no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." So they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introductory Prayer: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Father, I come before You today hungry for all the graces You desire for me in this meditation. I believe in Your goodness. I wish to become more like Your son, Jesus Christ, every day. I want to live a life of self-giving love like Christ. Thank You for Your grace.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christ Jesus, grant me a spirit of teamwork in spreading your Gospel.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. Where Two or Three Are Gathered…: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christ sent out his apostles in pairs. The fact that the Gospel mentions this detail shows that it is not just an accident. There are some passages in Matthew’s Gospel that can shed some light on this desire of Christ. First, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). The apostles are first and foremost called to witness to Christ by their example. They are to foster communion and charity among themselves, so that others, seeing how they interact with each other, will be led to exclaim, “See how they love one another!” The apostle-teams exhibited oneness of heart and soul, sharing in common what they were able to procure: lodging, success, failure. With such an attitude, Christ promises that he would be there in their midst.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Another Witness: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“If you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses” (Matthew 18:16). The word of one person, who has witnessed a miraculous event alone, is often taken as no more than the word of a crazy man. However, if more than one person confesses to having witnessed the event, there is much stronger proof. The apostles went about witnessing to the things that Jesus was doing and the signs he was working: healing the sick, casting out demons, etc. It is wonderful to team up with fellow Christians in the workplace or in the family, in order to witness to the work of Christ in our lives.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. Apostolic Efficacy: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus makes it clear: with regard to the mission, another apostle is much more important than other material tools. Jesus teaches us here the principle of teamwork. An apostolic “colleague” helps us to be vigilant against dangers to our health and well-being (physical and spiritual). Prayer can be in community; Jesus assures that “if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Working in a team also helps to improve apostolic efficacy: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each enriches the other with the exchange of knowledge, personal and lived experiences, and views on the situation. Each complements the other, contributing their God-given gifts, abilities and qualities. “Two heads are better than one.”</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversation with Christ: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You sent Your apostles out in twos, Lord Jesus, to teach me about the importance of teamwork. Help me not presume that I am alone in the mission. When I try to do everything myself, sometimes it may be out of subtle pride. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the gift of apostolic colleagues. Increase in my heart true fraternal charity for those who work alongside me in building up Your kingdom, so that the world may believe.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will make it a point to involve an apostolic colleague in my effort to help some friend or family member encounter Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20pt;">Excerpts from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">49 When I told this to my confessor,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#29" target="_blank">[29]</a> I received this for a reply: "That refers to your soul." He told me, "Certainly, paint God's image in your soul." When I came out of the confessional, I again heard words such as these: <b>My image already is in your soul. I desire that there be a Feast of Mercy. I want this image, which you will paint with a brush, to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />50 <b>+ I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of mercy are burning Me - clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon these souls.</b><br /><br />Jesus complained to me in these words,<b> Distrust on the part of souls is tearing at My insides. The distrust of a chosen soul causes Me even greater pain; despite My inexhaustible love for them they do not trust Me. Even My death is not enough for them. Woe to the soul that abuses these</b> [gifts].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">341 November 5, 1934. One morning, when it was my duty to open the gate to let out our people who deliver baked goods, I entered the little chapel to visit Jesus for a minute and to renew the intentions of the day. Today, Jesus, I offer You all my sufferings, mortifications and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, so that he may approve the Feast of Mercy. But, Jesus, I have one more word to say to You: I am very surprised that You bid me to talk about this Feast of Mercy, for they tell me that there is already such a feast<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#81" target="_blank">[81]</a> and so why should I talk about it? And Jesus said to me, <strong>And who knows anything about this feast? No one! Even those who should be proclaiming My mercy and teaching people about it often do not know about it themselves. That is why I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it. Make a novena for the Holy Father's intention. It should consist of thirty-three acts; that is, repetition that many times of the short prayer-which I have taught you-to The Divine Mercy.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">375 Particular interior practice; that is, the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I. The denial of my reason. Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">II. The denial of my will. Doing the will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to me and which is contained in the rule of our order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">III. The denial of my judgment. Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all orders given by those who represent God to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">IV. The denial of my tongue. I will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest respect for the rule which speaks about silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">378 Once as I was talking with my spiritual director, I had an interior vision-quicker than lightning-of his soul in great suffering, in such agony that God touches very few souls with such fire. The suffering arises from this work. There will come a time when this work, which God is demanding so very much, will be as though utterly undone. And then God will act with great power, which will give evidence of its authenticity. It will be a new splendor for the Church, although it has been dormant in it from long ago. That God is infinitely merciful, no one can deny. He desires everyone to know this before He comes again as Judge. He wants souls to come to know Him first as King of Mercy. When this triumph comes, we shall already have entered the new life in which there is no suffering. But before this, your soul [of the spiritual director] will be surfeited with bitterness at the sight of the destruction of your efforts. However, this will only appear to be so, because what God has once decided upon, He does not change. But although this destruction will be such only in outward appearance, the suffering will be real. When will this happen? I do not know. How long will it last? I do not know.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#89" target="_blank">[89]</a> But God has promised a great grace especially to you and to all those... <b>who will proclaim My great mercy. I shall protect them Myself at the hour of death, as My own glory. And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">379 During one of the adorations, Jesus promised me that: <strong>With souls that have recourse to My mercy and with those that glorify and proclaim My great mercy to others, I will deal according to My infinite mercy at the hour of their death.</strong><b><br /><br /><strong>My Heart is sorrowful, </strong></b>Jesus said,<strong> because even chosen souls do not understand the greatness of My mercy. Their relationship [with Me] is, in certain ways, imbued with mistrust. Oh, how much that wounds My Heart 1 Remember My Passion, and if you do not believe My words, at least believe My wounds.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">491 When I entered the chapel, once again the majesty of God overwhelmed me. I felt that I was immersed in God, totally immersed in Him and penetrated by Him, being aware of how much the heavenly Father loves us. Oh, what great happiness fills my heart from knowing God and the divine life! It is my desire to share this happiness with all people. I cannot keep this happiness locked in my own heart alone, for His flames burn me and cause my bosom and my entrails to burst asunder. I desire to go throughout the whole world and speak to souls about the great mercy of God. Priests, help me in this; use the strongest words [at your disposal] to proclaim His mercy, for every word falls short of how merciful He really is.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">930 + O my Jesus, although I will go to You, and You will fill me with Yourself, and that will make my happiness complete, I will nevertheless not forget about humanity. I desire to draw aside the veils of heaven, so that the earth would have no doubts about The Divine Mercy. My repose is in proclaiming Your mercy. The soul gives the greatest glory to its Creator when it turns with trust to The Divine Mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1074 When I went for adoration, I heard these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down these words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow house]<b>. Tell the world about My mercy and My love.<br /><br />The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br /><br />My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace.<br /><br />Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.</b><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1075 <b>Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1104 Today there was a beautiful teaching [by Father Plaza on the goodness and mercy of God. During this conference my soul experienced the flames of God's love, and I understood that God's word is a living word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1142 June 4. Today is the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. During Holy Mass, I was given the knowledge of the Heart of Jesus and of the nature of the fire of love with which He burns for us and of how He is an Ocean of Mercy. Then I heard a voice: <b>Apostle of My mercy, proclaim to the whole world My unfathomable mercy. Do not be discouraged by the difficulties you encounter in proclaiming My mercy. These difficulties that affect you so painfully are needed for your sanctification and as evidence that this work is Mine. My daughter, be diligent in writing down every sentence I tell you concerning My mercy, because this is meant for a great number of souls who will profit from it.</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1160 When once I asked the Lord Jesus how He could tolerate so many sins and crimes and not punish them, the Lord answered me, <strong>I have eternity for punishing </strong>[these]<strong>, and so I am prolonging the time of mercy for the sake of </strong>[sinners]<strong>. But woe to them if they do not recognize this time of My visitation. My daughter, secretary of My mercy, your duty is not only to write about and proclaim My mercy, but also to beg for this grace for them, so that they too may glorify My mercy.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1256 [August] 30. Reverend Father Sopocko left this morning. When I was steeped in a prayer of thanksgiving for the great grace that I had received from God; namely, that of seeing Father, I became united in a special way with the Lord who said to me,<b> He is a priest after My own Heart; his efforts are pleasing to Me. You see, My daughter, that My will must be done and that which I had promised you, I shall do. Through him I spread comfort to suffering and careworn souls. Through him it pleased Me to proclaim the worship of My mercy. And through this work of mercy more souls will come close to Me than otherwise would have, even if he had kept giving absolution day and night for the rest of his life, because by so doing, he would have labored only for as long as he lived; whereas, thanks to this work of mercy, he will be laboring till the end of the world.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1298 O God, show me Your mercy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to the compassion of the Heart of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hear my sighs and entreaties,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And the tears of a contrite heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">O Omnipotent, ever-merciful God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Your compassion is never exhausted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Although my misery is as vast as the sea,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have complete trust in the mercy of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">O Eternal Trinity, yet ever-gracious God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Your compassion is without measure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And so I trust in the sea of Your mercy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And sense You, Lord, though a veil holds me aloof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">May the omnipotence of Your mercy, O Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be glorified all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">May its veneration never cease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Proclaim, my soul, God's mercy with fervor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1463 + The Lord also gave me to know that many bishops were considering the question of this Feast, as well as a certain lay person. Some were enthusiastic about this work of God, while others regarded it with disbelief; but in spite of everything, the result was great glory for the work of God. Mother Irene and Mother Mary Joseph were giving some kind of a report to these dignitaries, but they were being questioned, not so much about the work, as about myself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">227 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As regards the work itself, there was no doubt, since the glory of God was already being proclaimed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1501 + Now that I have difficulty sleeping at night, because my suffering won't allow it, I visit all the churches and chapels and, if only for a brief moment, I make an act of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. When I return to my chapel, I then pray for certain priests who proclaim and glorify The Divine Mercy. I also pray for the intentions of the Holy Father and to obtain mercy for sinners-such are my nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1519 + Today before Holy Communion, the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, today talk openly to the Superior </b>[Mother Irene] <b>about My mercy because, of all the superiors, she has taken the greatest part in proclaiming My mercy. </b>And in fact, Mother Superior<b> </b>came this afternoon, and we talked about this Work of God. Mother told me that the images<b> </b>had not come out too well and were not selling very well. "But," she said, "I have taken a<b> </b>good quantity myself and am distributing them wherever I can and do the best I can to<b> </b>spread the Work of Mercy." When she had gone, the Lord gave me to know how pleasing<b> </b>this soul was to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1521 The Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, do not tire of proclaiming My mercy. In this way you will refresh this Heart of Mine, which burns with a flame of pity for sinners. Tell My priests that hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words when they speak about My unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My Heart. To priests who proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power; I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1540 January 28, 1938. Today the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, write down these words: All those souls who will glorify My mercy and spread its worship, encouraging others to trust in My mercy, will not experience terror at the hour of death. My mercy will shield them in that final battle...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1548 January 30, 1938. One-day retreat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Lord gave me to know, during meditation, that as long as my heart beats in my breast, I must always strive to spread the Kingdom of God on earth. I am to fight for the glory of my Creator. I know that I will give God the glory He expects of me if I try faithfully to cooperate with God's grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1680 Low Sunday. Today, I again offered myself to the Lord as a holocaust for sinners. My Jesus, if the end of my life is already approaching, I beg You most humbly, accept my death in union with You as a holocaust which I offer You today, while I still have full possession of my faculties and a fully conscious will, and this for a threefold purpose:<br /><br />Firstly: that the work of Your mercy may spread throughout the whole world and that the Feast of The Divine Mercy may be solemnly promulgated and celebrated.<br /><br />Secondly: that sinners, especially dying sinners, may have recourse to Your mercy and experience the unspeakable effects of this mercy.<br /><br />Thirdly: that all the work of Your mercy may be realized according to Your wishes, and for a certain person who is in charge of this work...<br /><br />Accept, most merciful Jesus, this, my inadequate sacrifice, which I offer to You today before heaven and earth. May Your Most Sacred Heart, so full of mercy, complete what is lacking in my offering, and offer it to Your Father for the conversion of sinners. I thirst after souls, O Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1688 Today, the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter, look into My Merciful Heart and reflect its compassion in your own heart and in your deeds, so that you, who proclaim My mercy to the world, may yourself be aflame with it.</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1749 + God's Infinite Goodness in Adorning the Whole World with Beauty<br />in Order to Make Man's Stay on Earth Pleasant.<br /><br />O God, how generously Your mercy is spread everywhere, and You have done all this for man. Oh, how much You must love him, since Your love is so active on his behalf. O my Creator and Lord, I see on all sides the trace of Your hand and the seal of Your mercy, which embraces all created things. O my most compassionate Creator, I want to give You worship on behalf of all creatures and all inanimate creation; I call on the whole universe to glorify Your mercy. Oh, how great is Your goodness, O God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-49-50, 301, 341, 375, 378-379, 491)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-783, 930)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1074-1075, 1104, 1142, 1156)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1298)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1463, 1501, 1519, 1521, 1540, 1548)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1680, 1688, 1692, 1749)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-67088893317607024222020-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-04T06:16:05.180-08:00Made for God-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Made for God </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 5, 2020. Memorial
</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">of Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 6:1-6</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He departed from there and came to his
native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he
began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They
said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been
given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the
carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and
Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at
him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in
his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." So he was
not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick
people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. He
went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Lord, You said that blest are they who
find no stumbling block in You. I want to be a blest person, so that You may
find in me no obstacle to the holiness You want for me. I believe in You, but
I long for a greater faith to see and respond to the signs of Your hand
moving in my world. I love You, Lord, and wish to lead my brothers and
sisters to You through my testimony, through my being truly convinced that
You are the life of men.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, grant me the gift of total surrender
to your will for me in all things.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. “Where did this man get all this? What
mighty deeds are wrought by his hands.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How beautiful it is to contemplate the
humble and meek Christ! He now manifests, to the shock and awe of the
worldly-minded, the signs of his true origin and the nature of his true
mission. The power of God, the power of the supernatural, now intervenes
in what is merely natural through the mere “carpenter’s son.” The “signs of
credibility” that Christ enacts through his mighty words and deeds powerfully
point to his divine origins and invite his contemporaries to faith. It
is an invitation to leave behind them the superficial category of Jesus as
just a nice neighbor (which means they can live the same as before) and
receive the gift of Christ as Redeemer (which means change and conversion).
Are there signs in my life that the Lord is looking to change me, to change
my behavior in some way so I might live more by faith and charity? How
much longer will I resist before I will am won over by his goodness?<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. “And they took offense at him.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is a sacrifice to give God his place in
the ordinary flow of our day. To do so, we need to sacrifice our sense of
self-sufficiency, by which we are inclined to be the prime mover of
everything in our world. We need to sacrifice our vanity, which desists from
efforts to adore God since they bring little or no applause from those around
us. We need to sacrifice the comfort of our naturalism, our horizontal view
of things. Ultimately this sacrifice is a work of love responding to a divine
invitation to share in God’s life––love, because he is asking and wants to
see us giving. Let us move our hearts to embrace this sacrifice joyfully, for
the sake of love. It helps to see that in this passage there are no neutral
states. Those who reject the invitation to love are turned to love’s
opposite––hate, specifically the hatred of the supernatural. It is a tragedy
at work in our culture in many places, giving rise to the forces of
anti-evangelization. Let us pray and be vigilant that it may never become our
tragedy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. “He was not able to perform any mighty deed
there.” </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our Lord makes
himself vulnerable to us, to our willingness to believe. He comes only to
make us happy and to elevate our lives to be more beautiful, deeper in
meaning and richer in fruits. He wants to bring into our life his power to
work miracles and to move mountains of fear and burdens that we encounter. He
comes to be ointment for our wounds and consolation for our weary hearts. The
only thing he needs to make us happy, then, is our faith, our unconditional
and active faith. Without it (since he respects our freedom), we cripple his
capacity to act in our life as Savior and Lord. How sad it is to see how
easily we refuse such a selfless and beautiful gift. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, teach me to receive You with a heart
ready to leave my rationalistic way of acting and choosing. Help me to know
how to read Your invitations with supernatural faith and to follow them in
true obedience, where true love proves itself. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will be very obedient to the lights I
receive today from the Holy Spirit, acting on them with promptness and
generosity. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6 I am to write </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#3" target="_blank"><span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FIL-PH; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">[3]</span></a></span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> down the encounters of
my soul with You, O God, at the moments of Your special visitations. I am to
write about You, O Incomprehensible in mercy towards my poor soul. Your holy
will is the life of my soul. I have received this order through him who is
for me Your representative here on earth, who interprets Your holy Will to
me. Jesus, You see how difficult it is for me to write, how unable I am to
put down clearly what I experience in my soul. O God, can a pen write down
that for which many a time there are no words? But You give the order to
write, O God; that is enough for me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">18 However, after three weeks I
became aware that there is so very little time here for prayer, and of many
other things which spoke to my soul in favor of entering a religious
community of a stricter observance. This thought took a firm hold of my soul,
but the will of God was not in it. Still, the thought, or rather the
temptation, was growing stronger and stronger to the point where I decided
one day to announce my departure to Mother Superior and definitely to leave
[the convent]. But God arranged the circumstances in such a way that I could
not get to the Mother Superior [Michael]. I stepped into the little chapel <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#7" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[7]</span></a> before going to bed, and I asked Jesus for
light in this matter. But I received nothing in my soul except a strange
unrest which I did not understand. But, in spite of everything, I made up my
mind to approach Mother Superior the next morning right afte rMass and tell
her of my decision.<br />
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19 I came to my cell. The sisters were already in bed - the lights were out.
I entered the cell full of anguish and discontent; I did not know what to do
with myself. I threw myself headlong on the ground and began to pray fervently
that I might come to know the will of God. There is silence everywhere as in
the tabernacle. All the sisters are resting like white hosts enclosed in
Jesus’ chalice. It is only from my cell that God can hear the moaning of a
soul. I did not know that one was not allowed to pray in the cell after nine
without permission. <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#8" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[8]</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation
is my daily food. I understand that the bride must herself share in
everything that is the groom's; and so His cloak of mockery must cover me,
too. At those times when I suffer much, I try to remain silent, as I do not
trust my tongue which, at such moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while
its duty is to help me praise God for all the blessings and gifts which He
has given me. When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to
deign to heal my tongue so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by
it. I want my tongue to praise God without cease. Great are the faults
committed by the tongue. The soul will not attain sanctity if it does not
keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord,
inflame my heart with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst
the storms, the sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do
all. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper
Knowledge of God and the Terror of the Soul. <br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in
vain; it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did
before it received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive
within it, and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the
knowledge of God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him. <br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it
is; the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up
alarmed and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror,
but it begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord.
These lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is
crystallized, the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has
responded faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it
with His consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At
certain moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and
greatly rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree
of perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep
within it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems
difficult for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into
God and taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not
take account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in
fact, this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should add
here, however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace if
it has a well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul which is particularly
loved by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such
as God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of
God's presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it
must fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's
vigilance is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place
to coldness and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual
exercises; it cannot pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which
it had just begun to pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no
satisfaction. God has hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation
in creatures, nor can any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The
soul craves passionately for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense
God's justice; it seems to it that it has lost all the gifts that God had
given it; its mind is dimmed, and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment
begins. The soul tries to explain its state to the confessor, but it is not
understood and is assailed by an even greater unrest. Satan begins his work.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith
staggers under the impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to
cling to God by an act of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even
further: hope and love are put to the test. These temptations are terrible.
God supports the soul in secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this,
but otherwise it would be impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well
how much He can allow to befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in
respect to revealed truths and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan
says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why speak about all
this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it seems to the soul
that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does not want to see.
It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a terrible thing at
times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The soul carries the
whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to find, if it is
at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can collapse under
the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these trials are
heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not already
been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet tasted the
divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for us are
impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future designs
and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is not
yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the complete
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of
Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though
it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon
God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely
abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but
one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries
to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as
this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds
itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a
precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and
tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which
it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring
it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend
it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for
her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to
darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love
so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does
not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And
this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give
it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner.
From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will
comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst
of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will
you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our
power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows
him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of
your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the
rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by
God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve
to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The
ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It
shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has
accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no
words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">106 Though these
are frightening things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will
never test us beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may
never send us such sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the
Lord to let a soul pass through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but,
insofar as this depends on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God.
God will do a soul no harm, because He is Love itself, and in this
unfathomable love has called it into being. However, when I was so tormented,
I myself did not understand this.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">107 O my God, I
have come to know that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this
profound awareness into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with
earth, though I in no way neglect my duties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of these tribulations, it
is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows better without need
of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given moment and what to
forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very faithful to God. It
recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him. It discovers God
very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general. The soul has
been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the soul to a
life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and purified
the soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with himself.
The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the Lord. It
speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the senses. God
fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of
the spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union.
Here, the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more
profound. In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of
illusion. Both for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a
greater part. There are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely
spiritual state. The senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most
closely united to God; it is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete
and perfect, not sporadic as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in
this. But I want to say more about those moments of trial; at those times the
confessor must have patience with such a soul. But the soul must have even
greater patience with itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">140 Pure love is capable of great deeds, and it is not
broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains strong in the midst of great
difficulties, so too it perseveres in the toilsome and drab life of each day.
It knows that only one thing is needed to please God: to do even the smallest
things out of great love-love, and always love.<br />
<br />
Pure love never errs. Its light is strangely plentiful. It will not do
anything that might displease God. It is ingenious at doing what is more
pleasing to God, and no one will equal it. It is happy when it can empty
itself and burn like a pure offering. The more it gives of itself, the
happier it is. But also, no one can sense dangers from afar as can love; it
knows how to unmask and also knows with whom it has to deal.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">200 O Jesus, how deeply it hurts the soul when it is
always trying to be sincere and they accuse it of hypocrisy and behave with
mistrust toward it. O Jesus, You also suffered like this to make satisfaction
to Your Father.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">497 O Eternal Truth, Word Incarnate, who most
faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am becoming a martyr of Your
inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because I have no will of my own,
though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit in everything to the will
of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow Your will insofar as You will
permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus, it cannot be
helped, but I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with
which You speak to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">580 On a certain occasion, the Lord said to me,<b> I am
more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of chosen souls than by the
sins of those living in the world.</b> It made me very sad that chosen souls
make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told me, <b>These little imperfections are not
all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart: what I suffer from chosen
souls. Ingratitude in return for so many graces is My Heart's constant food,
on the part of [such] a chosen soul. Their love is lukewarm, and My Heart
cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them. Others distrust My
goodness and have no desire to experience that sweet intimacy in their own
hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the distance, and do not find Me. This
distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. If My death has not convinced you
of My love, what will? Often a soul wounds Me mortally, and then no one can
comfort Me. They use My graces to offend Me. There are souls who despise My
graces as well as all the proofs of My love. They do not wish to hear My
call, but proceed into the abyss of hell. The loss of these souls plunges Me
into deadly sorrow. God though I am, I cannot help such a soul because it
scorns Me; having a free will, it can spurn Me or love Me. You, who are the
dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world about My goodness, and thus you
will comfort My Heart.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">654 Now I understand that confession is only the confessing
of one's sins, and spiritual guidance is a different thing altogether. But
this is not what I want to speak about. I want to tell about a strange thing
that happened to me for the first time. When the confessor started talking to
me, I did not understand a single word. Then I saw Jesus Crucified and He
said to me, <b>It is in My Passion that you must seek light and strength.</b>
After the confession, I meditated on Jesus' terrible Passion, and I
understood that what I was suffering was nothing compared to the Savior's
Passion, and that even the smallest imperfection was the cause of this
terrible suffering. Then my soul was filled with very great contrition, and
only then I sensed that I was in the sea of the unfathomable mercy of God.
Oh, how few words I have to express what I am experiencing! I feel I am like
a drop of dew engulfed in the depths of the bottomless ocean of divine mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">666 I understood that all striving for perfection and all
sanctity consist in doing God's will. Perfect fulfillment of God's will is
maturity in sanctity; there is no room for doubt here. To receive God's light
and recognize what God wants of us and yet not do it is a great offense
against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves to be completely forsaken by
God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light, but did not do God's will. An
extraordinary peace entered my soul when I reflected on the fact that,
despite great difficulties, I had always faithfully followed God's will as I
knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to put Your will into practice as I have
come to know it, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">678 The
essence of the virtues is the will of God. He who does the will of God
faithfully, practices all the virtues. In all the events and circumstances of
my life, I adore and bless the holy will of God. The holy will of God is the
object of my love. In the most secret depths of my soul, I live according to
His will. I act exteriorly according to what I recognize inwardly as the will
of God. Sweeter to me are the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all
manner of adversities by divine will than popularity, praise and esteem by my
own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">724 On the eve of the retreat, I started to pray
that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little health so that I could take
part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill that I thought perhaps it
might be my last. However, as soon as I had started praying I felt a strange
dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of supplication and began to thank
the Lord for everything He sends me, submitting myself completely to His holy
will. Then I felt profound peace of soul. + Faithful submission to the will
of God, always and everywhere, in all events and circumstances of life, gives
great glory to God. Such submission to the will of God carries more weight
with Him than long fasts, mortifications and the most severe penances. Oh,
how great is the reward for one act of loving submission to the will of God!
As I write, my soul is enraptured at the thought of how much God loves it and
of the peace that my soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">954 Today after Holy Communion,
the Lord told me, My daughter,<b> My delight is to unite myself with you. It
is when you submit yourself to My will that you give Me the greatest glory
and draw down upon yourself a sea of blessings. I would not take such special
delight in you if you were not living by my will.</b> O my sweet Guest, I am
prepared for all sacrifices for Your sake, but You know that I am weakness
itself. Nevertheless, with You I can do all things. O my Jesus, I beseech
You, be with me at each instant.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1165 <b>Know this, My daughter: if you strive for
perfection you will sanctify many souls; and if you do not strive for
sanctity, by the same token, many souls will remain imperfect. Know that
their perfection will depend on your perfection, and the greater part of the
responsibility for these souls will fall on you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1180 June [July] 15, 1937. Once, I
learned that I was to be transferred to another house. My knowledge of this
was purely interior. At the same time, I heard a voice in my soul:<b> Do not
be afraid, My daughter; it is My will that you should remain here. Human
plans will be thwarted, since they must conform to My will.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1181 When I was close to the Lord, He said to me, <b>Why
are you afraid to begin the work which I have commanded you to carry out? </b>I
answered, "Why do You leave me on my own at such times, Jesus, and why
do I not feel Your presence?" <b>My daughter, even though you do not
perceive Me in the most secret depths of your heart, you still cannot say
that I am not there. I only remove from you the awareness of My presence, and
that should not be an obstacle to the carrying out of My will. I do this to
achieve My unfathomable ends, which you will know of later on.<br />
<br />
My daughter, know without doubt, and once and for all, that only mortal sin
drives Me out of a soul, and nothing else.</b><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1182 + Today the Lord said to me, <b>My daughter,
My pleasure and delight, nothing will stop Me from granting you graces. Your
misery does not hinder My mercy. My daughter, write that the greater the misery
of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy; [urge] all souls to trust in
the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all. On the
cross, the fountain of My mercy was opened wide by the lance for all souls-no
one have I excluded!</b><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1183 O Jesus, I want to live in the present
moment, to live as if this were the last day of my life. I want to use every
moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance
for the benefit of my soul. I want to look upon everything, from the point of
view that nothing happens without the will of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1184 On an earlier occasion.<br />
<br />
In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet and
side, the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to me, <b>All
this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are
doing for their salvation. </b>I answered, "Jesus, when I look at Your
suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the salvation of
souls." And the Lord said to me, <b>Know, My daughter, that your silent
day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers many souls into
heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds your strength,
contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and judgment.
Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things.</b> I
understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1199 [July] 29. I am to leave for Rabka today. I
went into the chapel and asked the Lord Jesus for a safe journey. But within
my soul there was silence and darkness. I felt I was all alone and had no one
[to turn to]. I asked Jesus to be with me. Then I felt a tiny ray of light in
my soul as a sign that Jesus was with me but, after this grace, the darkness
and shadows in my soul increased. Then I said, "Your will be done, for
everything is possible to You." When I was on the train and gazed
through the window at the beautiful countryside and the mountains, the
torments of my soul grew even greater. As the sisters welcomed me and began
to surround me with their warmth, my sufferings redoubled. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1200 I would have like to hide and rest for a
while in solitude, in a word, to be alone. At such moments, no creature is
capable of giving me comfort, and even if I had wanted to say something about
myself, I would have experienced new anguish. Therefore, I have kept silent
at such moments and submitted myself, in silence, to the will of God-and that
has given me relief. I demand nothing from creatures and communicate with
them only in so far as is necessary. I will not take them into my confidence
unless this is for the greater glory of God. My communing is with the angels
[cf. Mt. 18:10; Ex. 23:20].</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1202 I could not even go to Holy Mass or receive
Holy Communion today but, amidst the sufferings of body and soul, I kept on
repeating, "May the Lord's will be done. I know that Your bounty is
without limit." Then 1 heard an angel who sang out my whole life history
and everything it comprised. I was surprised, but also strengthened.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1204 A retreat of suffering. O Jesus, in these
days of suffering, I am not capable of any kind of prayer. The oppression of
my body and soul has increased. O my Jesus, You do see that Your child is on
the decline. I am not forcing myself further, but simply submitting my will
to the will of Jesus. O Jesus, You are always Jesus to me. <br />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1205 When I went to confession, I did not even
know how to confess. However, the priest [probably Father Casimir Ratkiewicz </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#205"><span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FIL-PH; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">[205]</span></a></span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">] recognized the
condition of my soul at once and said to me, "Despite everything, you
are on the way to salvation; you are on the right path, but God may leave
your soul in this darkness and obscurity until death, and the former light
may never return. But in all things abandon yourself to the will of
God."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1207 August 10. Today I am returning to Cracow, in
the company of one of the sisters. My soul is shrouded in suffering. I am
continually uniting myself to Him by an act of the will. He is my power and
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1208 May You be blessed, O God, for everything You
send me. Nothing under the sun happens without Your will. I cannot penetrate
Your secrets with regard to myself, but I press my lips to the chalice You
offer me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1237 O Jesus, what darkness is enveloping me and
what nothingness is penetrating me. But, my Jesus, do not leave me alone;
grant me the grace of faithfulness. Although I cannot penetrate the mystery
of God's visitation, it is in my power to say: Your will be done.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1239 O living Host, O hidden Jesus. You see the
condition of my soul. Of myself, I am unable to utter Your Holy Name. I
cannot bring forth from my heart the fire of love but, kneeling at Your feet,
I cast upon the Tabernacle the gaze of my soul, a gaze of faithfulness. As
for You, You are ever the same, while within my soul a change takes place. I
trust that the time will come when You will unveil Your countenance, and Your
child will again see Your sweet face. I am astonished, Jesus, that You can hide
yourself from me for so long and that You can restrain the enormous love You
have for me. In the dwelling of my heart, I am listening and waiting for Your
coming, O only Treasure of my heart!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1241 + 0 my Jesus, when someone is unkind and
unpleasant toward us, it is difficult enough to bear this kind of suffering.
But this is very little in comparison to a suffering which I cannot bear;
namely, that which I experience when someone exhibits kindness towards me and
then lays snares at my feet at every step I take. What great will power is
necessary to love such a soul for God's sake. Many a time one has to be
heroic in loving such a soul as God demands. If contact with that person were
infrequent, it would be easier to endure, but when one lives in close contact
with the person and experiences this at each step, this demands a very great
effort.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1243 "These times of dryness and stark
awareness of one's wretchedness, which God has permitted, allow the soul to
know how little it can do by itself. They will teach you how much you should
appreciate God's graces. Secondly, faithfulness in all exercises and duties,
faithfulness in everything, just as in times of joy. Thirdly, as regards the
matters in question, be absolutely obedient to the Archbishop [Jalbrzykowski]
although, from time to time, the matter can be brought to his attention, but
peacefully. Sometimes, a little bitter truth is necessary." <br />
<br />
At the end of the conversation, I asked the priest to allow me to commune
with Jesus as I had done formerly. He answered, "I cannot give orders to
the Lord Jesus, but if He himself draws you to himself you may follow the
attraction. However, always remember to show Him great reverence, for the
Lord is great indeed. If you are truly seeking God's will in all this and desire
to fulfill it, you can be at peace; the Lord will not allow any sort of
error. As to the mortifications and sufferings, you will give me an account
next time of how you carry them out. Place yourself in the hands of the Most
Holy Mother."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1244 August 15, 1937. During meditation, God's
presence pervaded me keenly, and I was aware of the Virgin Mary's joy at the
moment of Her Assumption. Towards the end of the ceremony carried out in
honor of the Mother of God, I saw the Virgin Mary, and She said to me, Oh,
how very pleased I am with the homage of your love! And at that moment She
covered all the sisters of our Congregation with Her mantle. With Her right
hand, She clasped Mother General Michael to herself, and with Her left hand
She did so to me, while all the sisters were at Her feet, covered with Her
mantle. Then the Mother of God said, <i>Everyone who perseveres zealously
till death in My Congregation will be spared the fire of purgatory, and I
desire that each one distinguish herself by the following virtues: humility
and meekness; chastity and love of God and neighbor; compassion and mercy</i>.
After these words, the whole Congregation disappeared from my sight, and I
remained alone with the Most Holy Mother who instructed me about the will of
God and how to apply it to my life, submitting completely to His most holy
decrees. It is impossible for one to please God without obeying His holy
will. <i>My daughter, I strongly recommend that you faithfully fulfill all
God's wishes, for that is most pleasing in His holy eyes. I very much desire
that you distinguish yourself in this faithfulness in accomplishing God's
will. Put the will of God before all sacrifices and holocausts.</i> While the
heavenly Mother was talking to me, a deep understanding of this will of God
was entering my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1255 "As concerns yourself, Sister, it is
good that you are remaining in a state of holy indifference in everything
that pertains to the will of God, and that you are better maintaining a state
of equilibrium. Please do your best to keep this equanimity. Now, as regards
all these matters, you are to depend exclusively on Father Andrasz; I am in
complete agreement with him. Do nothing on your own, Sister, but in all
matters take counsel from your spiritual director. I beg you to keep your levelheadedness
and as great a calm as possible.One more thing-I am having printed the
chaplet which is to be on the back of the image, as well as the invocations
that resemble a litany; these too will be placed on the back. Another large
image has also been printed, and with it a few pages which contain the Novena
to The Divine Mercy. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#208"><span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FIL-PH; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">[208]</span></a></span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Pray, Sister, that this
be approved."<br />
<br />
1256 [August] 30. Reverend Father Sopocko left this morning. When I was
steeped in a prayer of thanksgiving for the great grace that I had received
from God; namely, that of seeing Father, I became united in a special way
with the Lord who said to me,<b> He is a priest after My own Heart; his
efforts are pleasing to Me. You see, My daughter, that My will must be done
and that which I had promised you, I shall do. Through him I spread comfort
to suffering and careworn souls. Through him it pleased Me to proclaim the
worship of My mercy. And through this work of mercy more souls will come
close to Me than otherwise would have, even if he had kept giving absolution
day and night for the rest of his life, because by so doing, he would have
labored only for as long as he lived; whereas, thanks to this work of mercy, he
will be laboring till the end of the world.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1262 September 3. First Friday of the month.
During Holy Mass, I became united with God. Jesus gave me to know that even
the smallest thing does not happen on earth without His will. After having
seen this, my soul entered into an unusual repose; I found myself completely
at peace as to the work in its full extent. God can deal with me as He
pleases, and I will bless Him for everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1264 Act of total abandonment to the will of God,
which is for me, love and mercy itself. <br />
<br />
Act of Oblation <br />
<br />
Jesus-Host, whom I have this very moment received into my heart, through this
union with You I offer myself to the heavenly Father as a sacrificial host,
abandoning myself totally and completely to the most merciful and holy will
of my God. From today onward, Your will, Lord, is my food. Take my whole
being; dispose of me as You please. Whatever Your fatherly hand gives me, I
will accept with submission, peace and joy. I fear nothing, no matter in what
direction You lead me; helped by Your grace I will carry out everything You
demand of me. I no longer fear any of Your inspirations nor do I probe
anxiously to see where they will lead me. Lead me, O God, along whatever
roads You please; I have placed all my trust in Your will which is, for me,
love and mercy itself.<br />
<br />
Bid me to stay in this convent, I will stay; bid me to undertake the work, I
will undertake it; leave me in uncertainty about the work until I die, be
blessed; give me death when, humanly speaking, my life seems particularly
necessary, be blessed. Should You take me in my youth, be blessed; should You
let me live to a ripe old age, be blessed. Should You give me health and
strength, be blessed; should You confine me to a bed of pain for my whole
life, be blessed. Should you give only failures and disappointments in life,
be blessed. Should You allow my purest intentions to be condemned, be
blessed. Should You enlighten my mind, be blessed. Should You leave me in
darkness and all kinds of torments, be blessed.<br />
<br />
From this moment on, I live in the deepest peace, because the Lord himself is
carrying me in the hollow of His hand. He, Lord of unfathomable mercy, knows
that I desire Him alone in all things, always and everywhere.<br />
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1265 Prayer. O Jesus, stretched out upon the cross, I implore You, give me
the grace of doing faithfully the most holy will of Your Father, in all
things, always and everywhere. And when this will of God will seem to me very
harsh and difficult to fulfill, it is then I beg You, Jesus, may power and
strength flow upon me from Your wounds, and may my lips keep repeating,
"Your will be done, O Lord." O Savior of the world, Lover of man's
salvation, who in such terrible torment and pain forget Yourself to think
only of the salvation of souls, O most compassionate Jesus, grant me the
grace to forget myself that I may live totally for souls, helping You in the
work of salvation, according to the most holy will of Your Father....<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1266 August 5, [1937]. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#209"><span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FIL-PH; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">[209]</span></a></span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The Lord let me know how
much our dear Mother Superior [Irene] is defending me against... not only by
prayer but also by deed. Thank You, Jesus, for this grace. It will not go
unrequited in my heart; when I am with Jesus, I do not forget about her.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1267 September 6, 1937. Today, I begin a new
assignment. I go from the garden to the desert of the gate. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#210"><span lang="FIL-PH" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FIL-PH; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">[210]</span></a></span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I went in to talk to the
Lord for a while. I asked Him for a blessing and for graces to faithfully
carry out the duties entrusted to me. I heard these words: <b>My daughter, I
am always with you. I have given you the opportunity to practice deeds of
mercy which you will perform according to obedience. You will give Me much
pleasure if, each evening, you will speak to Me especially about this task.</b>
I felt that Jesus had given me a new grace in relation to my new duties; but,
despite this, I have locked myself deeper in His Heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1268 Today I felt more ill, but Jesus has given me
many more opportunities on this day to practice virtue. It so happened that I
was busier than usual, and the sister in charge of the kitchen made it clear
to me how irritated she was that I had come late for dinner, although it was
quite impossible for me to have come sooner. At any rate, I felt so unwell
that I had to ask Mother Superior to allow me to lie down. I went to ask
Sister N. to take my place, and again I got a scolding: "What is this,
Sister, you're so exhausted that you're going back to bed again! Confound you
with all this lying in bed!" I put up with all that, but that wasn't the
end. I still had to ask the sister who was in charge of the sick to bring me
my meal. When I told her this, she burst out of the chapel into the corridor
after me to give me a piece of her mind: "Why on earth are you going to
bed, Sister, etc...... I asked her not to bother bringing me anything. I am
writing all this very briefly because it is not my intention to write about
such things, and I am doing so merely to dissuade souls from treating others
in this way, for this is displeasing to the Lord. In a suffering soul we
should see Jesus Crucified, and not a loafer or burden on the community. A
soul who suffers with submission to the will of God draws down more blessings
on the whole convent than all the working sisters. Poor indeed is a convent
where there are no sick sisters. God often grants many and great graces out
of regard for the souls who are suffering, and He withholds many punishments
solely because of the suffering souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1293 It so happened that I fell again into a certain
error, in spite of a sincere resolution not to do so-even though the lapse
was a minor imperfection and rather involuntary-and at this I felt such acute
pain in my soul that I interrupted my work and went to the chapel for a
while. Falling at the feet of Jesus, with love and a great deal of pain, I
apologized to the Lord, all the more ashamed because of the fact that in my
conversation with Him after Holy Communion this very morning I had promised
to be faithful to Him. Then I heard these words:<b> If it hadn't been for
this small imperfection, you wouldn't have come to Me. Know that as often as
you come to Me, humbling yourself and asking My forgiveness, I pour out a
superabundance of graces on your soul, and your imperfection vanishes before
My eyes, and I see only your love and your humility. You lose nothing but
gain much...</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1566 When I was apologizing to the Lord Jesus for a
certain action of mine which, a little later, turned out to be imperfect,
Jesus put me at ease with these words:<b> My daughter, I reward you for the
purity of your intention which you had at the time when you acted. My Heart
rejoiced that you had My love under consideration at the time you acted, and
that in so distinct a way; and even now you still derive benefit from this;
that is, from the humiliation. Yes, My child, I want you to always have such
great purity of intention in the very least things you undertake.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1584 O inconceivable goodness of God, which shields us at
every step, may Your mercy be praised without cease. That You became a
brother to humans, not to angels, is a miracle of the unfathomable mystery of
Your mercy. All our trust is in You, our first-born Brother, Jesus Christ,
true God and true Man. My heart flutters with joy to see how good God is to
us wretched and ungrateful people. And as a proof of His love, He gives us
the incomprehensible gift of Himself in the person of His Son. Throughout all
eternity we shall never exhaust that mystery of love. O mankind, why do you
think so little about God being truly among us? O Lamb of God, I do not know
what to admire in You first: Your gentleness, Your hidden life, the emptying
of Yourself for the sake of man, or the constant miracle of Your mercy, which
transforms souls and raises them up to eternal life. Although You are hidden
in this way, Your omnipotence is more manifest here than in the creation of
man. Though the omnipotence of Your mercy is at work in the justification of
the sinner, yet Your action is gentle and hidden.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-6, 18, 19, 92, 94-98, 106-107)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-115, 140, 200, 497)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-580, 654, 666, 678, 724, 954)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1165, 1180-1184, 1199-1200)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1204-1205, 1207-1208)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1237, 1239, 1241, 1243-1244)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1255-1256, 1262, 1293)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1566, 1584)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-38759739747747223382020-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-03T08:07:59.887-08:00Touched by Faith-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Touched by Faith </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 4, 2020. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 5:21-43</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When Jesus had crossed again (in the boat)
to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to
the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing
him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My
daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that
she may get well and live." He went off with him, and a large crowd
followed him and pressed upon him. There was a woman afflicted with
hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many
doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew
worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and
touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall
be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body
that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had
gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has
touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how
the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ´Who touched me?´" And
he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had
happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus
and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has
saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he
was still speaking, people from the synagogue official´s house arrived and
said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"
Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue
official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow
anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of
James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught
sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in
and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead
but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took
along the child´s father and mother and those who were with him and entered
the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to
her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you,
arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked
around. (At that) they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no
one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, who should I turn to first but You?
You have given me another day. This gift calls me to come to You first, to
hear You first. My faith tells me there can be nothing better than to follow
Your plan; my hope is to bring You into my life and to other people; my love
wants to be fuller and better — it wants to be like Yours, Lord. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Grant me the grace of deeper trust and faith
in all moments of hardship.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">. <b>“…afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.”</b>
When problems are prolonged, or reach fever-pitch levels, we can get
the mistaken impression that God has lost interest. Somehow he seems no
longer moved by our misery. All the signs say he has forgotten us,
abandoned us and left us hanging. <br />
<br />
But God is only seemingly absent. He is creating a new set of circumstances
wherein we can experience him at a wholly new level. The long, hard and
persevering fight to walk in hope enables God to bring about greater fruits
of holiness in us.<br />
<br />
In the woman with the hemorrhage and in Jairus, father of a dying daughter,
we must contemplate a mature and vibrant faith, observing how it conquers
pessimism and transcends the cold calculations and superficial tones of their
peers. Truly this is the first miracle we see that Jesus has worked for
them, and the most important one.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b>“And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out.”</b>
The dismal voices of his “friends” come to the father. Though they have seen
the miracle of the woman with the hemorrhage, they coldly say, “Your daughter
is dead. Be realistic. It is no use to go on.” True, in the name of realism,
we can dismiss hope and cooperation with Christ’s action in our life. We can
ridicule Christ whenever he wants to work in mystery and outside our human
limits. We can be tempted to abandon trust in God in the name of reaffirming
control over our world. “Let’s be realistic,” we say. “It will never work.”
These phrases veil a weak faith, a poor faith, a sterile or
compartmentalized faith that works only when everything makes sense to us,
when everything is easy. Where there is this lack of faith, Christ
cannot work. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. <b>“If I but touch his clothes, I shall
be cured.”</b> Many say they are near Christ, yet few are acknowledged by
Christ as close to him. Many were brushing against him that day, many were
verbally praising him, many were serving him, but only one touched him and
got his full attention. Why? Only one made an act of unconditional faith.
What is the secret? How can we <i>really</i> get his attention, truly speak
to his heart? None are closer than those who <i>trust</i> him, who humbly
depend on him, and who wish to live from him. The woman’s unconditional faith
was open to whatever would happen, whatever would be Christ’s response.
Those who suffer and support themselves patiently with faith and prayer
experience new levels of union with Christ.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Lord let me use hardships to build newer levels of trust and
intimacy with You. Open my heart to seek You on Your terms. <br />
<br />
<br />
I do not
ask you for happiness or sorrow,<br />
<br />
Health or
sickness,<br />
<br />
Riches or
poverty,<br />
<br />
Freedom or
slavery,<br />
<br />
Goods or
evils;<br />
<br />
For goods
are misfortunes if you do not come with them,<br />
<br />
And
misfortunes are goods if they arrive with you.<br />
<br />
For goods
without you, what good would they be?<br />
<br />
And
misfortunes with you, are they not the best goods? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I will acknowledge the presence of Christ
in all the difficulties of today. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #960000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">23 Toward the end of the first
year of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul. I felt
no consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear
began to sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but
great misery. I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not
dare to raise my eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and
begged for mercy. My soul was in this state for almost six months. Our
beloved Mother Directress [Mary Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[14]</span></a>] encouraged me in these difficult moments.
But this suffering became greater and greater. <br />
<br />
The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I
was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was
reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing
to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was
offending God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[15]</span></a>] did not let me omit one single Holy
Communion. God was working very strangely in my soul. I did not understand
anything at all of what my confessor was telling me. The simple truths of the
faith became incomprehensible to me. My soul was in anguish, unable to find
comfort anywhere.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">36 Once I was summoned to the
judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as
we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except
for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the
complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is
displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will
have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before
the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, <b>Who are you?</b> I answered, "I
am Your servant, Lord." <b>You are guilty of one day of fire in
purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory,
but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in
purgatory or for a short while on earth?</b> I replied, "Jesus, I want
to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on
earth, even if it were until the end of the world." Jesus said, <b>One </b>[of
the two] <b>is enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer
much, but not for long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a
faithful servant of Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My
bosom, on My heart, and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings,
because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know
that you will have much, much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you; I
am with you.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">55 </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1933. Spiritual Counsel Given Me by Father Andrasz, S.J.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: You must not turn away from these interior inspirations,
but always tell everything to your confessor. If you recognize that these
interior inspirations refer to your own self; that is to say, they are for
the good of your soul or for the good of other souls, l urge you to follow
them; and you must not neglect them, but always do so in consultation with
your confessor.<br />
<br />
<u>Second</u>: If these inspirations are not in accord with the faith or the
spirit of the Church, they must be rejected immediately as coming from the
evil spirit.<br />
<br />
<u>Third</u>: If these inspirations do not refer to souls, in general, nor
specifically to their good, you should not take them too seriously, and it
would be better to even ignore them.<br />
<br />
But you should not make this decision by yourself, either one way or the
other, as you can easily be led astray despite these great favors from God.
Humility, humility, and ever humility, as we can do nothing of ourselves; all
is purely and simply God's grace.<br />
<br />
You say to me that God demands great trust from souls; well then, you be the
first to show this trust. And one more word-accept all this with serenity.<br />
<br />
Words of one of the confessors: "Sister, God is preparing many special
graces for you, but try to make your life as clear as crystal before the
Lord, paying no attention to what anyone else thinks about you. Let God
suffice you; He alone."<br />
<br />
Toward the end of my novitiate, a confessor [perhaps Father Theodore] told
me: "Go through life doing good, so that I could write on its pages:
`She spent her life doing good.' May God bring this about in you."<br />
<br />
Another time the confessor said to me, "Comport yourself before God like
the widow in the Gospel; although the coin she dropped into the box was of
little value, it counted far more before God than all the big offerings of
others."<br />
<br />
On another occasion the instruction I received was this: " Act in such a
way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow
happiness about you because you have received much from God; give, then,
generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled
with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment.
Keep well in mind the words I am telling you right now."<br />
<br />
Still another time he gave me the following recommendation: "Let God
push your boat out into the deep waters, toward the unfathomable depths of
the interior life."<br />
<br />
Here are a few words from a conversation I had with the Mother Directress
[Mary Joseph] toward the end of my novitiate: "Sister, let simplicity
and humility be the characteristic traits of your soul. Go through life like
a little child, always trusting, always full of simplicity and humility,
content with everything, happy in every circumstance. There, where others
fear, you will pass calmly along, thanks to this simplicity and humility.
Remember this, Sister, for your whole life: as waters flow from the mountains
down into the valleys, so, too, do God's graces flow only into humble
souls." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">62 O life so dull and monotonous,
how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of
faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The
grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may
be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to
return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a
seal for eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">91 O my Jesus, You alone know what
persecutions I suffer, and this only because I am being faithful to You and
following Your orders. You are my strength; sustain me that I may always
carry out what You ask of me. Of myself I can do nothing, but when You
sustain me, all difficulties are nothing for me. O my Lord, I can see very
well that from the time when my soul first received the capacity to know You,
my life has been a continual struggle which has become increasingly intense. <br />
<br />
Every morning during meditation, I prepare myself for the whole day's
struggle. Holy Communion assures me that I will win the victory; and so it
is. I fear the day when I do not receive Holy Communion. This Bread of t lie
Strong gives me all the strength I need to carry on my mission and the
courage to do whatever the Lord asks of me. The courage and strength that are
in me are not of me, but of Him who lives in me - it is the Eucharist.<br />
<br />
O my Jesus, the misunderstandings are so great; sometimes, were it not for
the Eucharist, I would not have the courage to go any further along the way
You have marked out for me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">92 Humiliation is my daily food. I
understand that the bride must herself share in everything that is the groom's;
and so His cloak of mockery must cover me, too. At those times when I suffer
much, I try to remain silent, as I do not trust my tongue which, at such
moments, is inclined to talk for itself, while its duty is to help me praise
God for all the blessings and gifts which He has given me. When I receive
Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so
that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it. I want my tongue to
praise God without cease. Great are the faults committed by the tongue. The
soul will not attain sanctity if it does not keep watch over its tongue.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame my heart
with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the
sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and
the Terror of the Soul. <br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in
vain; it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did
before it received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive
within it, and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the
knowledge of God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him. <br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it
is; the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up
alarmed and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror,
but it begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord.
These lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is
crystallized, the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has
responded faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it
with His consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At
certain moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and
greatly rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree
of perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep
within it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems
difficult for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into
God and taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not
take account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in
fact, this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should
add here, however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace
if it has a well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers under the
impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act
of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are
put to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in
secret, so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be
impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound
in its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God.
It sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear.
And, oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an
experienced confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one
should make every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed
confessor, for the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very
edge of the precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not
send them to a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy
with Him and which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this
God has His own plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a
soul in this way for His future designs and great works. He wants to try it
as pure gold is tried. But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is
still the trial of trials, the complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete
Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though
it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon
God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely
abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but
one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries
to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as
this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds
itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a
precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and
tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which
it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring
it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend
it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for
her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to
darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love
so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does
not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And
this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give
it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner.
From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will
comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst
of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will
you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our
power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows
him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of
your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the
rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by
God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve
to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The
ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It
shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has
accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no
words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">102 After some time, one of the
sisters came into the cell and found me almost dead. She was frightened and
went to find the Directress of Novices who, in the name of holy obedience
ordered me to get up from the ground. My strength returned immediately, and I
got up, trembling. The Directress recognized immediately the state of my soul
and spoke to me about the inscrutable mercy of God, saying, "Do not be
distressed about anything, Sister. I command this of you in virtue of
obedience." Then she said to me, "I see now, Sister, that God is
calling you to a high degree of holiness; the Lord wants to draw you very
close to Himself since He has allowed these things to happen to you so soon.
Be faithful to God, Sister, because this is a sign that He wants you to have
a high place in heaven." However, I did not understand anything of these
words. When I went into the chapel, I felt as though my soul had been set
free from everything, as though I had just come forth from the hand of God. I
perceived the inviolability of my soul; I felt that I was a tiny child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">106 Though these are frightening
things, the soul should not be too fearful, because God will never test us
beyond what we are able to bear. On the other hand, He may never send us such
sufferings, but I write this because, if it pleases the Lord to let a soul
pass through such sufferings, it should not be afraid but, insofar as this
depends on the soul itself, it should remain faithful to God. God will do a
soul no harm, because He is Love itself, and in this unfathomable love has
called it into being. However, when I was so tormented, I myself did not
understand this.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">107 O my God, I have come to know
that I am not of this earth; You, O Lord, have poured this profound awareness
into my soul. My communion is more with heaven than with earth, though I in
no way neglect my duties.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">111 When, in the midst of these
interior torments, I tried to accuse myself in confession of the smallest
trifles, the priest was surprised that I had not committed graver faults, and
he said to me, "If you are as faithful as this to God during these
sufferings, this in itself is evidence to me that God is sustaining you,
Sister, with a special grace, and it is a good thing that you do not understand
this." It is a strange thing, nevertheless, that confessors could
neither understand me nor set my mind at peace concerning these matters,
until I met Father Andrasz and, later on, Father Sopocko.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">114 +Oh, how pleasing are the
hymns flowing from a suffering soul! All heaven delights in such a soul,
especially when it is tested by God. It mournfully sings out its longing for
Him. Great is its beauty, because it comes from God. The soul walks through
the jungle of life, wounded by God's love. With one foot only it touches the
ground.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of
these tribulations, it is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It
knows better without need of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a
given moment and what to forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is
very faithful to God. It recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices
in Him. It discovers God very quickly in other souls and in its environment
in general. The soul has been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit,
introduces the soul to a life which is purely spiritual. God himself has
first prepared and purified the soul; that is, He has made it capable of
close communion with himself. The soul, in a state of loving repose, communes
spiritually with the Lord. It speaks to God without the need of expressing
itself through the senses. God fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of
the spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union.
Here, the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more
profound. In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of
illusion. Both for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a
greater part. There are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely
spiritual state. The senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most
closely united to God; it is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete
and perfect, not sporadic as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in
this. But I want to say more about those moments of trial; at those times the
confessor must have patience with such a soul. But the soul must have even
greater patience with itself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage
of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for
your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere
when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again
I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear
began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a
voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light
illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such
sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new
courage to suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">132 I must again mention that
there are some confessors who seem to be true spiritual fathers, but only as
long as things go well. When the soul finds itself in greater need, they
become perplexed, and either cannot or will not understand the soul. They try
to get rid of the person as soon as possible. But if the soul is humble, it
will always profit in some little way or other. God himself will sometimes
cast a shaft of light into the depths of the soul, because of its humility
and faith. The confessor will sometimes say something he had never intended
to say, without even realizing it himself. Oh, let the soul believe that such
words are the words of the Lord himself! Though indeed we ought to believe
that every word spoken in the confessional is God's, what I have referred to
above is something that comes directly from God. And the soul perceives that
the priest is not master of himself, that he is saying things that he would
rather not say. This is how God rewards faith.<br />
<br />
I have experienced this many times myself. A certain very learned and
respected priest [probably Father Wilkowski, the sisters' confessor at
Plock], to whom I sometimes happened to go to confession, was always severe
and opposed to these matters [which I brought up to him]. But on one occasion
he replied to me, "Bear in mind, Sister, that if God is asking this of
you, you should not oppose Him. God sometimes wants to be praised in just
this way. Be at peace; what God has started, He will finish. But I say this
to you: faithfulness to God and humility. And once again: humility. Bear well
in mind what I have told you today." I was delighted, and I thought that
perhaps this priest had understood me. But it so turned out that I never went
to confession to him again.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">136 And the Lord gave me to know
that the whole mystery depended on me, on my free consent to the sacrifice
given with full use of my faculties. In this free and conscious act lies the
whole power and value before His Majesty. Even if none of these things for
which I offered myself would ever happen to me, before the Lord everything
was as though it had already been consummated.<br />
<br />
At that moment, I realized I was entering into communion with the
incomprehensible Majesty. I felt that God was waiting for my word, for my
consent. Then my spirit immersed itself in the Lord, and I said, "Do
with me as You please. I subject myself to Your will. As of today, Your holy
will shall be my nourishment, and I will be faithful to Your commands with
the help of Your grace. Do with me as You please. I beg You, O Lord, be with
me at every moment of my life."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">138 A great mystery has been
accomplished between God and me. Courage and strength have remained in my
soul. When the time of adoration came to an end, I came out and calmly faced
everything I had feared so much before. When I came out into the corridor, a
great suffering and humiliation, at the hands of a certain person, was
awaiting me. I accepted it with submission to a higher will and snuggled
closely to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, letting Him know that I was ready
for that for which I had offered myself.<br />
<br />
Suffering seemed to spring out of the ground. Even Mother Margaret herself
was surprised. For others, many things passed unnoticed, for indeed it wasn't
worth paying any attention to them; but in my case, nothing passed unnoticed;
each word was analyzed, each step watched. One sister said to me, "Get
ready, Sister, to receive a small cross at the hands of Mother Superior. I
feel sorry for you." But as for me, I rejoiced at this in the depths of
my soul and had been ready for it for a long time. When she saw my courage,
she was surprised. I see now that a soul cannot do much of itself, but with
God it can do all things. Behold what God's grace can do. Few are the souls
that are always watchful for divine graces, and even fewer of such souls who
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">139 Still, a soul which is
faithful to God cannot confirm its own inspirations; it must submit them to
the control of a very wise and learned priest; and until it is quite certain,
it should remain distrustful. It should not, on its own initiative alone, put
its trust in these inspirations and all other higher graces, because it can
thus expose itself to great losses.<br />
<br />
Even though a soul may immediately distinguish between false inspirations and
those of God, it should nevertheless be careful, because many things are
uncertain. God is pleased and rejoices when a soul distrusts Him for His own
sake; because it loves Him, it is prudent and itself asks and searches for
help to make certain that it is really God who is acting within it. And once
a well-instructed confessor has confirmed this, the soul should be at peace
and give itself up to God, according to His directions; that is, according to
the directions of the confessor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is
for having wasted so many graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued
me with his graces. I most often experienced God's graces when I least
expected them. From the moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been
more faithful to grace. Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my
soul, I have learned what guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus
warned me of the least fault and stressed that He himself judges the matter
that I present to my confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any
transgressions against the confessor touch Me myself.</b><br />
<br />
When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and
peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for
combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br />
<br />
+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has
more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in
fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a
Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave
me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I
did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything
and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It
has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to
what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director
[Father Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things
of me, about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the
confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is
infrequent.<br />
<br />
+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many
inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these
inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes
it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul
recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It
knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties,
but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to
which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily
bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a
warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the
cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side
the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing
blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on
itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are
experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br />
<br />
There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it
must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for
cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By
this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br />
<br />
In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time
of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has
no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of
preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and
again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted
soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall.
O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But
for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">148 +A noble and delicate soul,
even the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees God in
everything, finds Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the most
hidden things. It finds all things important, it highly appreciates all
things, it thanks God for all things, it draws profit for the soul from all
things, and it gives all glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not
confused when the time of ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best
of Fathers and makes little of human opinion. It follows faithfully the
faintest breath of the Holy Spirit; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and
holds onto Him like a child to its mother. Where other souls come to a
standstill and fear, this soul passes on without fear or difficulty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">149 When the Lord himself wants to
be close to a soul and to lead it, He will remove everything that is
external. When I fell ill and was taken to the infirmary, I suffered much
unpleasantness because of this. There were two of us sick in the infirmary.
Sisters would come to see Sister N., but no one came to visit me. It is true that
there was only one infirmary, but each one had her own cell. The winter
nights were long, and Sister N. had the light and the radio headphones, while
I could not even prepare my meditation for lack of a light.<br />
<br />
When nearly two weeks had passed in this way, I complained to the Lord one
evening that I was suffering so much and that I could not even prepare my
meditation because there was no light. And the Lord said that He would come
every evening and give me the points for the next day's meditation. These
points always concerned His sorrowful Passion. He would say, <b>Consider My
sufferings before Pilate. </b>And thus, point by point, I meditated upon His
sorrowful Passion for one week. From that moment, a great joy entered my
soul, and I no longer wanted either the visitors or the light; Jesus sufficed
me for everything. The superiors were indeed very solicitous for the sick,
but the Lord ordained that I should feel forsaken. This best of masters
withdraws every created thing in order that He himself might act. Many a
time, I have experienced such sufferings and persecutions that Mother M.
[probably Mother Margaret] herself said to me, "Sister, along your path,
sufferings just spring up out of the ground. I look upon you, Sister, as one
crucified. But I can see that Jesus has a hand in this. Be faithful to the
Lord."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">150 + I want to write down a dream
that I had about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I was still a novice at
the time and was going through some difficulties which I did not know how to
overcome. They were interior difficulties connected with exterior ones. I
made novenas to various saints, but the situation grew more and more
difficult. The sufferings it caused me were so great that I did not know how
to go on living, but suddenly the thought occurred to me that I should pray
to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. I started a novena to this Saint,
because before entering the convent I had had a great devotion to her. Lately
I had somewhat neglected this devotion, but in my need I began again to pray
with great fervor.<br />
<br />
On the fifth day of the novena, I dreamed of Saint Therese, but it was as if
she were still living on earth. She hid from me the fact that she was a saint
and began to comfort me, saying that I should not be worried about this
matter, but should trust more in God. She said, "I suffered greatly,
too," but I did not quite believe her and said, "It seems to me
that you have not suffered at all." But Saint Therese answered me in a
convincing manner that she had suffered very much indeed and said to me,
"Sister, know that in three days the difficulty will come to a happy
conclusion." When I was not very willing to believe her, she revealed to
me that she was a saint. At that moment, a great joy filled my soul, and I
said to her, "You are a saint?" "Yes," she answered,
"I am a saint. Trust that this matter will be resolved in three
days:" And I said, "Dear sweet Therese, tell me, shall I go to
heaven?" And she answered, "Yes, you will go to heaven, Sister."
"And will I be a saint?" To which she replied, "Yes, you will
be a saint." "But, little Therese, shall I be a saint as you are,
raised to the altar?" And she answered, "Yes, you will be a saint
just as I am, but you must trust in the Lord Jesus." I then asked her if
my mother and father would go to heaven, will [unfinished sentence] And she
replied that they would. I further asked, "And will my brothers and
sisters go to heaven?" She told me to pray hard for them, but gave me no
definite answer. I understood that they were in need of much prayer. <br />
<br />
This was a dream. And as the proverb goes, dreams are phantoms; God is faith.
Nevertheless, three days later the difficulty was solved very easily, just as
she had said. And everything in this affair turned out exactly as she said it
would. It was a dream, but it had its significance.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">159 +O Blessed Host, in golden
chalice enclosed for me, <br />
That through the vast wilderness of exile<br />
I may pass-pure, immaculate, undefiled;<br />
Oh, grant that through the power of Your love this might come to be.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul, <br />
O Thou my heart's purest love!<br />
With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.<br />
Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.<br />
<br />
O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,<br />
Though Your beauty be veiled<br />
And captured in a crumb of bread,<br />
Strong faith tears away that veil.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">170 The first day of the retreat.
I tried to be the first in the chapel in the morning; before the meditation I
had a bit of time for prayer to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady. I earnestly
begged the Mother of God to obtain for me the grace of fidelity to these
inner inspirations and of faithfully carrying out God's will, whatever it
might be. I began this retreat with a very special kind of courage. <br />
<br />
171 Struggle to keep silence. As usual, sisters from various houses came to
the retreat. One of the sisters whom I had not seen for a long time, came to
my cell and said she had something to tell me. I did not answer her, and she
saw that I did not want to break silence. She said to me, "I didn't know
you were such an eccentric, sister," and she went away. I was well aware
that she had no other business with me than to satisfy her own curious
self-love. O God, preserve me in faithfulness.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">174 At that moment the priest came in and
began the conference. He spoke for a short time, as if he were in a hurry.
After the conference, he went over to the confessional. Seeing that none of
the sisters were going there, I sprang from my kneeler, and in an instant was
in the confessional. There was no time to deliberate. Instead of telling the
father about the doubts that had been sown in me in respect to my dealings
with the Lord Jesus, I began to speak about these temptations I have just
described above. The confessor immediately understood my situation and said,
"Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because He treats you so kindly.
Well, Sister, be completely at peace. Jesus is your Master, and your
communing with Him is neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know
that you are on the right path. Please try to be faithful to these graces;
you are not free to shun them. You do not need at all, Sister, to tell your
superiors about these interior graces, unless the Lord Jesus instructs you
clearly to do so, and even then you should first consult with your confessor.
But if the Lord Jesus demands something external, in this case, after
consulting your confessor, you should carry out what He asks of you, even if
this costs you greatly. On the other hand, you must tell your confessor
everything. There is absolutely no other course for you to take, Sister. Pray
that you may find a spiritual director, or else you will waste these great
gifts of God. I repeat once again, be at peace; you are following the right
path. Take no heed of anything else, but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus,
no matter what anyone says about you. It is with just such miserable souls
that the Lord Jesus communes in this intimate way. And the more you humble
yourself, the more the Lord Jesus will unite Himself with you." 175 176
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">189 On one occasion, Jesus gave me
to know how pleasing to Him is the soul that faithfully keeps the rule. A
soul will receive a greater reward for observing the rule than for penances
and great mortifications. The latter will be rewarded also if they are
undertaken over and above the rule, but they will not surpass the rule.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">204 A short conversation with
Mother Directress [Margaret]. When I asked her about some particulars
concerning progress in the spiritual life, this holy Mother answered
everything with great clarity. She said to me, "if you continue
cooperating with God's grace in this way, Sister, you will be only one step
away from close union with God. You understand what I mean by this. This
means that your characteristic trait should be faithfulness to the grace of
the Lord. God does not lead all souls along such a path."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">210 I fervently beg the Lord to
strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not be guided
by human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything drags
man towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher
regions and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest
one.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>226 The rules that I most often fail to
obey: sometimes I break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell;
sometimes I meddle in other people's affairs. I will do my very best to
improve.<br />
<br />
I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at
least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear
such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the
evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my
actions. I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to
do and act at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must
be mindful of God.<br />
<br />
Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[67]</span></a> I must report [even] small things to my
superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in
my spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I
must keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty
words that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great
appreciation for even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become
absorbed in the whirl of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak
little with people, but a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay
little attention as to who is for me and who is against me. I must not tell
others about those things I have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking
out loud to others during work. I must maintain peace and equanimity during
times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of
Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds
of Jesus. <br />
<br />
227 +In the midst of trials I will try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing
is as constant as suffering-it always faithfully keeps the soul company. O
Jesus, I will let no one surpass me in loving You!<br />
<br />
+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">230 Jesus, living Host, You are my
Mother, You are my all! It is with simplicity and love, with faith and trust
that I will always come to You, O Jesus! I will share everything with You, as
a child with its loving mother, my joys and sorrows-in a word, everything. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">234 When I finished this
confession, my spirit was immersed in God, and I prayed for three hours, but
it seemed to me like only a few minutes. Since then, I have placed no
obstacles in the way of grace working in my soul. Jesus knew why I had been
afraid to commune intimately with Him and was not at all offended. From the
moment the priest assured me that what I had experienced was not an illusion,
but the grace of God, I have tried to be faithful to God in everything. I can
see now that there are few such priests who understand the full depth of
God's work in the soul. Since then, my wings have been set free for flight,
and I yearn to soar into the very fire of the sun. My flight will not come to
an end until I rest in Him forever. When we fly very high, all the vapors,
mists and clouds are beneath our feet, and our whole carnal being is
necessarily subject to the spirit.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">248 The words of the Bishop
[Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the
ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign
of heavenly light and of burning love." While giving the ring: "I
betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you
unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the eternal covenant you are making
with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and
the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the bride of Christ and,
if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as such] for all eternity. <br />
<br />
249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a
Mother to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">257 Tomorrow I am to leave for
Vilnius. Today, I went to confession to Father Andrasz, this priest who is so
filled with the spirit of God, who untied my wings so that I could soar to
the highest summits. He reassured me in everything and told me to believe in
Divine Providence. "Have confidence and walk ahead with courage."
An extraordinary, divine power came over me after that confession. Father
stressed that I must be faithful to God's grace and said, "No harm will
come to you if, in the future, you continue to keep this same simplicity and
obedience. Have confidence in God; you are on the right path and in good
hands, in God's hands." </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">263 +The week for confession came
and, to my great joy, I saw the priest I had known before coming to Vilnius.
[That is to say,] I had known him by seeing him in a vision. At that moment,
I heard these words in my soul: <b>This is My faithful servant; he will help
you to fulfill My will here on earth. </b>Yet, I did not open myself to him
as the Lord wished. And for some time I struggled against grace. During each
confession, God's grace penetrated me in a very special way, yet I did not
reveal my soul before him, and I had the intention of not going to confession
to that priest. After this decision, a terrible anxiety entered my soul. God
reproached me severely. When I did lay bare my soul completely to this
priest, Jesus poured an ocean of graces into it. Now I understand what it
means to be faithful to a particular grace. That one grace draws down a whole
series of others. <br />
<br />
264 +O my Jesus, keep me near to You! See how weak I am! I cannot go a step
forward by myself; so You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother
by a helpless child-and even more so.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously, this priest
had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these
things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast
of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me
and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at
eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father
had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was
there, the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that
priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home
emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole
hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might
obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left,
and he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet,
while previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner
inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets
such things happen sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still,
it requires much grace not to falter.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">278 At the feet of the Lord.
Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You
forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You
carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O
mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not
returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond
all understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because
I cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy
the Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart.
They admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven
given us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away
the veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have
drawn me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O
Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">291 On a certain occasion, I saw a
person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send me the greatest
torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt the terrible
pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long time, but
that person remained in the Lord's grace. 0 my Jesus, how very easy it is to
become holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees this
little bit of good will in the soul, He hurries to give himself to the soul,
and nothing can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls-absolutely nothing.
Jesus is anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from
God, it can very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature
here on earth. God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone.
Indeed He gives more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the
inspirations of the Holy Spirit-that is the shortest route. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">292 +When a soul loves God
sincerely, it ought not fear anything in the spiritual life. Let it subject itself
to the action of grace, and let it not impose any restraints on itself in
communing with the Lord.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant
[Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great
mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted
complete remission of sins and punishment.<br />
<br />
+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br />
<br />
+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am
Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My
Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My
Goodness.<br />
<br />
My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the
greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all
the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest,
for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned
in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to
savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely
consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and
for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a
preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself
and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">328 O purest Love, rule in all
Your plenitude in my heart and help me to do Your holy will most faithfully!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">331 Oh, how great a grace it is to
have a spiritual director! One makes more rapid progress in virtue, sees the
will of God more clearly, fulfills it more faithfully, and follows a road
that is sure and free of dangers. The director knows how to avoid the rocks
against which the soul could be shattered. The Lord gave me this grace rather
late, to be sure, but I rejoice in it greatly, seeing how God inclines His
will to my director's wishes. I will mention just one incident out of a
thousand that have happened to me. As I usually do, I asked the Lord Jesus
one evening to give me the points for next day's meditation. I received the
answer: Meditate on the Prophet Jonah and his mission. I thanked the Lord,
but began to think within myself of how different that subject was from the
others. But with all my soul I strove to meditate about it, and I recognized
myself in the person of the prophet, in the sense that often I, too, try to
make excuses to the Lord, claiming that someone else would do His holy will
better [than I could], and not understanding that God can do all things and
that His omnipotence will be all the more manifest if the tool is poorer. God
made this clear to me in the following way. That afternoon, there was
confession for the community. When I presented to the director of my soul the
fear that seized me because of this mission for which God was using me,
clumsy tool that I was, my spiritual father answered that, willing or not, we
must carry out the will of God, and he gave me the Prophet Jonah as an
example. After the confession, I wondered how the confessor knew that God had
told me to meditate about Jonah; surely I myself had not told him. Then I
heard these words:<b>When the priest acts in my place, he does not act of
himself, but I act through him. His wishes are Mine. </b>I can see how Jesus
defends His representatives. He himself enters into their actions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">333 I now see clearly how God acts
through the confessor and how faithfully He keeps His promises. Two weeks
ago, my confessor told me to reflect upon this spiritual childhood. It was
somewhat difficult at first, but my confessor, disregarding my difficulties,
told me to continue to reflect upon spiritual childhood. "In practice,
this spiritual childhood," [he said,] "should manifest itself in this
way: a child does not worry about the past or the future, but makes use of
the present moment. I want to emphasize that spiritual childlikeness in you,
Sister, and I place great stress upon it." I can see how God bows down
to my confessor's wishes; He does not show himself to me at this time as a
Teacher in the fullness of His strength and human adulthood, but as a little
Child. The God who is beyond all understanding stoops to me under the
appearance of a little Child.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">352 At the chapter, Mother [Borgia]
stressed a life of faith and fidelity in small things. Half way through the
chapter, I heard these words:<b> I desire that you would all have more faith
at the present time. How great is My joy at the faithfulness of My spouse in
the smallest things.</b> Then I looked at the crucifix and saw that Jesus'
head was turned towards the refectory, and His lips were moving.<br />
<br />
When I told Mother Superior about it, she answered, "You see, Sister,
how Jesus demands that our life be a life of faith." <br />
<br />
353 When Mother left for the chapel and I stayed to set the room in order, I
heard these words: <b>Tell all the sisters that I demand that they live in
the spirit of faith towards the superiors at this present time.</b> I begged
my confessor to release me from this duty. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">424 In the evening, I just about
got into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep quickly, I
was awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up. The child
seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well, as children
of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly The child was
beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to me, <b>Look
at the sky.</b> And when I looked at the sky I saw the stars and the moon
shining. Then the child asked me, <b>Do you see this moon and these stars? </b>When
I said yes, he spoke these words to me, <b>These stars are the souls of
faithful Christians, and the moon is the souls of religious. Do you see how
great the difference is between the light of the moon and the light of the
stars? Such is the difference in heaven between the soul of a religious and
the soul of a faithful Christian.</b> And he went on to say that, <b>True
greatness is in loving God and in humility.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">449 I prepared for this feast with
greater zeal than in previous years. On the morning of the feast itself, I
experienced an inner struggle at the thought that I must leave this
Congregation which enjoys such special protection from Mary. This struggle
lasted through the meditation and through the first Mass as well. During the
second Mass, I turned to our Holy Mother, telling Her that it was difficult
for me to separate myself from this Congregation... "which is under Your
special protection, O Mary." Then I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably
beautiful. She came down from the altar to my kneeler, held me close to
herself and said to me, <i>I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable
mercy of God. Most pleasing to Me is that soul which faithfully carries out
the will of God.</i> She gave me to understand that I had faithfully
fulfilled the will of God and had thus found favor in His eyes. <i>Be
courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the
Passion of My Son, and in this way you will be victorious.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">481 Almost every feast of the
Church gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace. That is why I
prepare myself for each feast and unite myself closely with the spirit of the
Church. What a joy it is to be a faithful child of the Church! Oh, how much I
love Holy Church and all those who live in it! I look upon them as living
members of Christ, who is their Head. I burn with love with those who love; I
suffer with those who suffer, I am consumed with sorrow at the sight of those
whoa are cold and ungrateful; and I then try to have such a love for God that
it will make amends for those who do not love Him, those who feed their
Savior with ingratitude at its worst.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">497 O Eternal Truth, Word
Incarnate, who most faithfully fulfilled Your Father's will, today I am
becoming a martyr of Your inspirations, since I cannot carry them out because
I have no will of my own, though interiorly I see Your will clearly. I submit
in everything to the will of my superiors and my confessor. I will follow
Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative.
O my Jesus, it cannot be helped, but I give priority to the voice of the
Church over the voice with which You speak to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">500 During Holy Mass I prayed
fervently that Jesus might become King of all hearts and that divine grace
might shine in every soul. Then I saw Jesus as He is depicted in the image,
and He said to me,<b> My daughter, you give Me the greatest glory by
faithfully fulfilling My desires.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">506 "Do nothing without the
consent of the superiors. One must think this matter over thoroughly and pray
much. One must be very careful about these things because, in your present
situation, Sister, the will of God is certain and clear, for you are in fact
bound to this Congregation by vows, and perpetual vows at that; so there
should be no doubt. What you are experiencing interiorly, Sister, are only
the glimmerings of a project. God can make some alterations, but such things
are very rare. Don't be in a hurry, Sister, until you have received more
precise knowledge. The works of God proceed slowly, but if they are of Him,
you will surely recognize them clearly. If they are not, they will disappear;
and you, by being obedient, will not go astray. Speak frankly about
everything to your confessor and obey him blindly. <br />
<br />
"For the present, Sister, there is nothing more for you to do than
accept the suffering until the time when everything will become clear; that
is, all things will be resolved. You are well disposed as regards these
matters, and so continue in this simplicity and spirit of obedience; this is
a good sign. If you continue in this attitude, God will not allow you to fall
into error. Still, as much as is possible, keep far away from these things,
but if despite that they still come your way, receive them calmly and do not
fear anything. You are in the good hands of a very good God. In all that you
have told me, I do not see any illusion or anything contrary to faith. These
are things which are good in themselves, and it would indeed be good if there
were a group of souls pleading with God for the world, as we all are in need
of prayer. You have a good director; stay with him and be at peace. Be
faithful to God's will and carry it out. As to your duties, always do what
you are told to do and as you are told to do it, no matter how humiliating or
toilsome it might be. Always choose the last place, and then they themselves
will say to you, `Go up higher.' In spirit and in your demeanor, consider
yourself the least in the whole house and in the entire Congregation. In
everything and at all times, be most faithful to God." <br />
<br />
507 I desire, O my Jesus, to suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in
all the circumstances of my life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to
disappear in You, O Jesus, I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You
pursue me with Your love, O Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun
and change its darkness into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living
in You as one small spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with
which You burn, O inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than
that of loving God. Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those
in heaven by an intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and
often quite incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through
simple faithfulness of soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">544 The novitiate <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#109" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[109]</span></a> is to last one year, without any
interruption. At this time the novice should be taught about the virtues
relating to the vows and about the importance of the vows. The directress
should do her utmost to provide a solid formation. Let her train the novices
in the practice of humility, because only a humble heart keeps the vows
easily and experiences the great joys that God pours out upon the faithful
soul. The novices should not be burdened with duties that entail
responsibilities, so that they may be free to devote themselves to their own
perfection. They are obliged to observe the rules and statutes strictly, as
are the postulants. <br />
<br />
545 After a year of novitiate, if the novice proves faithful, she may be
admitted to make her profession for one year. This is to be repeated for
three years. She may then be given duties of responsibility. However, she
will still belong to the novitiate, and once a week she must attend
conferences together with the novices, and she will spend the last six months
entirely in the novitiate in order to prepare well for her solemn profession.
<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes#110" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[110]</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Relationship of Sisters with the
Superior. <br />
<br />
567 All the sisters should respect the superior as the Lord Jesus himself, as
I mentioned when speaking about the vow of obedience. They should behave
toward her with childlike trust, and should never murmur or find fault with
her commands, as this is very displeasing to God. Let each be guided by a
spirit of faith in her relationship to superiors; let her ask with simplicity
for all that she needs. God forbid that it ever happen or be repeated that
any of the sisters would be a cause of sorrow or tears to the superior. Let
each one know that as the fourth commandment obliges a child to honor its
parents, in like manner is the religious bound to respect her superior. Only
a bad religious would take the liberty of judging her superior. Let the
sisters be sincere with the superior, telling her about everything and about
their needs with childlike simplicity. <br />
<br />
The sisters will address the superior thus: "With your leave, Sister
Superior." They shall never kiss her hand, but whenever they meet her in
the corridor or enter her cell, they should say, "Praised be Jesus
Christ," bowing their heads slightly. <br />
<br />
They shall address each other as "Sister," adding the proper name.
Their relationship toward the superior should be marked by a spirit of faith
and not by sentimentality or flattery, as these are unworthy of a religious
and would degrade her very much. A religious should be as free as a queen,
and will be such only when she lives in the spirit of faith. We should obey
and respect the superior, not because she is good, holy or prudent, but
solely because she represents God, and by obeying her we are obeying God
himself.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">635 March 25. In the morning,
during meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I saw the
immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension to His
creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, <i>Oh, how pleasing
to God is the soul that follows faithfully the inspirations of His grace! I
gave the Savior to the world; as for you, you have to speak to the world
about His great mercy and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him who
will come, not as a merciful Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible is
that day! Determined is the day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The
angels tremble before it. Speak to souls about this great mercy while it is
still the time for [granting] mercy. If you keep silent now, you will be
answering for a great number of souls on that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be
faithful to the end. I sympathize with you.</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">637 Confession. As I was preparing
for confession, I said to Jesus, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament,
"Jesus, I beg You to speak to me through the mouth of this priest. And
this will be a sign to me, because he does not know at all that You want me
to establish that Congregation of Mercy. Let him say something to me about
this mercy."<br />
<br />
When I approached the confessional and started my confession, the priest
interrupted me and started telling me about the great mercy of God, and he
spoke more forcefully about it than I had ever heard anyone speak before. And
he asked me, "Do you know that the mercy of the Lord is greater than all
His works, that it is the crown of His works?" And I listened
attentively to these words which the Lord was speaking through the mouth of
the priest. Although I believe that it is always God who speaks through the
lips of the priest in the confessional, I experienced it in a special way on
that occasion.<br />
<br />
Although I did not reveal anything of the divine life which is in my soul and
only accused myself of my offenses, the priest himself told me very much of
what was in my soul and put me under obligation to be faithful to the
inspirations of God. He said to me, "You are going through life with the
Mother of God, who faithfully responded to every divine inspiration." O
my Jesus, who can ever comprehend Your goodness?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">650 O my Jesus, my Master and
Director, strengthen and enlighten me in these difficult moments of my life.
I expect no help from people; all my hope is in You. I feel alone in the face
of Your demands, O Lord. Despite the fears and qualms of my nature, I am
fulfilling Your holy will and desire to fulfill it as faithfully as possible
throughout my life and in my death. Jesus, with You I can do all things. Do
with me as You please; only give me Your merciful Heart and that is enough
for me.<br />
<br />
O Jesus my Lord, help me. Let what You have planned before all ages happen to
me. I am ready at each beckoning of Your holy will. Enlighten my mind that I
may know Your will. O God, You who pervade my soul, You know that I desire
nothing but Your glory.<br />
<br />
O Divine Will, You are the delight of my heart, the food of my soul, the
light of my intellect, the omnipotent strength of my will; for when I unite
myself with Your will, O Lord, Your power works through me and takes the
place of my feeble will. Each day, I seek to carry out God's wishes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">666 I understood that all striving
for perfection and all sanctity consist in doing God's will. Perfect
fulfillment of God's will is maturity in sanctity; there is no room for doubt
here. To receive God's light and recognize what God wants of us and yet not
do it is a great offense against the majesty of God. Such a soul deserves to
be completely forsaken by God. It resembles Lucifer, who had great light, but
did not do God's will. An extraordinary peace entered my soul when I
reflected on the fact that, despite great difficulties, I had always
faithfully followed God's will as I knew it. O Jesus, grant me the grace to
put Your will into practice as I have come to know it, O God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">667 July 14. I received a letter
at three o'clock [from Father Sopocko <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#135" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[135]</span></a>]. O Jesus, You alone know what I suffer,
but I will keep silent and will not say anything about it to any creature,
because I know that no one will comfort me. You are everything to me, O God,
and Your holy will is my nourishment. I am living now on what I will live on
in eternity.<br />
<br />
I have great reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel; he had no example to
follow in doing the will of God, and yet he fulfilled God's will faithfully.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">678 The essence of the virtues is
the will of God. He who does the will of God faithfully, practices all the
virtues. In all the events and circumstances of my life, I adore and bless
the holy will of God. The holy will of God is the object of my love. In the
most secret depths of my soul, I live according to His will. I act exteriorly
according to what I recognize inwardly as the will of God. Sweeter to me are
the torments, sufferings, persecutions and all manner of adversities by
divine will than popularity, praise and esteem by my own will.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">683 + Once, when I was praying
fervently to the Jesuit Saints, I suddenly saw my Guardian Angel, who led me
before the throne of God. I passed through great hosts of saints, and I
recognized many of them, whom I knew from their pictures. I saw many Jesuits,
who asked me from what congregation I was. When I answered they asked,
"Who is your spiritual director?" I answered that it was Father
A.... When they wanted to say more, my Guardian Angel beckoned me to be
silent, and I came before the throne of God. I saw a great and inaccessible
light, and I saw a place destined for me, close to God. But what it was like
I do not know, because a cloud covered it. However, my Guardian Angel said to
me, "Here is your throne, for your faithfulness in fulfilling the will
of God."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">724 On the eve of the retreat, I
started to pray that the Lord Jesus might give me just a little health so
that I could take part in the retreat, because I was feeling so ill that I
thought perhaps it might be my last. However, as soon as I had started
praying I felt a strange dissatisfaction. I interrupted the prayer of
supplication and began to thank the Lord for everything He sends me,
submitting myself completely to His holy will. Then I felt profound peace of
soul. + Faithful submission to the will of God, always and everywhere, in all
events and circumstances of life, gives great glory to God. Such submission
to the will of God carries more weight with Him than long fasts,
mortifications and the most severe penances. Oh, how great is the reward for
one act of loving submission to the will of God! As I write, my soul is
enraptured at the thought of how much God loves it and of the peace that my
soul already enjoys, here on earth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">734 I see that Jesus himself is
acting in my soul during this retreat. And as for me, I try only to be
faithful to His grace. I have submitted my soul completely to the influence
of God. This Mighty Ruler of Heaven has taken entire possession of my soul. I
feel that I am being lifted up above earth and heaven into the inner life of
God, where I come to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but always
in the unity of majesty.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">742 <b>My daughter, if I demand
through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to
distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy. I demand from you deeds
of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to
your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to
excuse or absolve yourself from it.<br />
<br />
I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the
first-by deed, the second-by word, the third-by prayer. In these three
degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof
of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My
mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there
must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the worship of My mercy through the
solemn celebration of the Feast and through the veneration of the image which
is painted. By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is
to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith
is of no avail without works. </b>O my Jesus, You yourself must help me in
everything, because You see how very little I am, and so I depend solely on
Your goodness, O God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1420 When I steeped myself in
prayer, I was transported in spirit to the chapel, where I saw the Lord
Jesus, exposed in the monstrance. In place of the monstrance, I saw the
glorious face of the Lord, and He said to me, <b>What you see in reality,
these souls see through faith. Oh, how pleasing to Me is their great faith!
You see, although there appears to be no trace of life in Me, in reality it
is present in its fullness in each and every Host. But for Me to be able to
act upon a soul, the soul must have faith. O how pleasing to Me is living
faith!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 36, 55, 62, 91-92, 95, 97-98, 102)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-106-107, 111, 114-115, 129, 132, 136)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-138-139, 145, 149-150, 159, 170-171)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-189, 210, 226-227, 230, 234, 248-249)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-257, 263-264, 272, , 278, 291-292)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-300-302, 328, 331, 333, 352-353, 424)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-449, 481, 497, 500)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-544-545, 567, 635, 637, 650, 666-668)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-683, 724, 734, 742)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1420)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-79390500812568518682020-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-02T05:01:35.539-08:00A Madman for Christ-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljTVpRD5QiY/XjbGoUbMGoI/AAAAAAAAYco/gf-Vbprwuxod1XidGRlaTSxmjwUFwOGngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/13OrdinarioB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1000" height="385" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljTVpRD5QiY/XjbGoUbMGoI/AAAAAAAAYco/gf-Vbprwuxod1XidGRlaTSxmjwUFwOGngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/13OrdinarioB1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">A Madman for Christ </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 3, 2020. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Father Alex Yeung, LC<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 5:1-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the
Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had
an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no
one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had
frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been
pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to
subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always
crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a
distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud
voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I
adjure you by God, do not torment me!" (He had been saying to him,
"Unclean spirit, come out of the man!") He asked him, "What is
your name?" He replied, "Legion is my name. There are many of
us." And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that
territory. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And
they pleaded with him, "Send us into the swine. Let us enter them."
And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The
herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they
were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town
and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened.
As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed
by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized
with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had
happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to
leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been
possessed pleaded to remain with him. But he would not permit him but told him
instead, "Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord
in his pity has done for you." Then the man went off and began to
proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory
Prayer:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Father in
heaven, my heart is hungry for Your word. I believe that You want to speak a
word of hope to me today. How good it would be if I were to see myself and my
future as You do, but at least I do trust in You. I wish to take up Your
challenge to be holy, whatever the cost, and I am confident that You will
accompany me closely and help me with Your grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord Jesus, help me
to abandon myself to your healing power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.
A Hopeless Situation? </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The man possessed by a legion of demons seemed to the people
around—and perhaps to himself—a hopeless case. Living there alone amidst the
tombs, he could not help but harm himself, gashing himself against stones.
Nobody could help him by restraining him. In our lives with God, some
seemingly unsolvable situation may exist, perhaps some sinful state we got
ourselves into, but from which we cannot seem to extract ourselves. Or we
experience that we are always falling into the same sins, the same biting
impatience, the same laziness, the same sensuality. Friends and family seek
to help us, but we don’t have the will to change. Instead of rectifying the
situation, we just make a pact with a kind of <i>modus vivendi</i>, saying to
ourselves, “We can only live as best as we can.” But the result is that that
one demon has multiplied in me and become a legion of demons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.
Jesus Has Power: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus encounters the possessed man. The scene is intriguing:
the man runs to prostrate himself before Christ, while at the same time the
demons show fear and beg Jesus not to be harsh with them. How consoling to
know that no situation can escape Christ’s power to straighten it out. It is
also consoling to know that Jesus wants to free us from the power of the
devil, from any sinful state in which we find ourselves. We can always turn
to Christ to ask to be healed because no one is ever so sinful or so
possessed to be totally repugnant to God’s love. Certainly, we may fear that
Christ’s medicine may hurt, but we need to trust that the spiritual
“treatment” is worth it. The treatment may be an honest and thorough
confession, a brutally sincere self-examination, or the breaking-up of an
unhealthy relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.
Transformation into a Witness: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Imagine the cured man, still with the scars of his gashes, but
now in his full senses. What an amazing sight! It brings us to our knees in
thanks to Christ for his power and mercy. Of course, the cured man is
overwhelmed by the transformation. He gives no thought to going back to
“ordinary” life. His thankfulness makes him want to accompany Jesus, his
friend and savior. However, Jesus gives him a mission, sending him to his
family and friends to tell the story of how Jesus cured him. Wherever the
cured man goes, he will proclaim the marvels the Lord has done in him. When
we experience absolution from our sins in confession, does our thanksgiving
cause us to proclaim the power and love of Christ to our family and friends?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord Jesus, You have
set me free and kept me from so many vices and demons, addictions and
grudges, materialism and indifference. You have given me the grace to know
You and choose You. I want to thank You for Your power and mercy towards me.
I resolve to be a witness to Your great love among my family and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will witness to
some healing that the Lord has worked in my life with a friend or family
member. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">23 Toward the end of the first
year of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow over my soul. I felt
no consolation in prayer; I had to make a great effort to meditate; fear
began to sweep over me. Going deeper into myself, I could find nothing but
great misery. I could also clearly see the great holiness of God. I did not
dare to raise my eyes to Him, but reduced myself to dust under His feet and
begged for mercy. My soul was in this state for almost six months. Our
beloved Mother Directress [Mary Joseph <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#14" target="_blank">[14]</a>]
encouraged me in these difficult moments. But this suffering became greater
and greater. <br />
<br />
The second year of the novitiate was approaching. Whenever I recalled that I
was to make my vows, my soul shuddered. I did not understand what I was
reading; I could not meditate; it seemed to me that my prayer was displeasing
to God. It seemed to me that by approaching the Holy Sacraments I was
offending God even more. But despite this, my confessor [Father Theodore <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#15" target="_blank">[15]</a>]
did not let me omit one single Holy Communion. God was working very strangely
in my soul. I did not understand anything at all of what my confessor was
telling me. The simple truths of the faith became incomprehensible to me. My
soul was in anguish, unable to find comfort anywhere.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">25 During the night, the Mother of
God visited me, holding the Infant Jesus in Her arms. My soul was filled with
joy, and I said, "Mary, my Mother, do You know how terribly I
suffer?" And the Mother of God answered me, <i>I know how much you
suffer, but do not be afraid. I share with you your suffering, and I shall
always do so.</i> She smiled warmly and disappeared. At once, strength and a
great courage sprang up anew in my soul; but that lasted only one day. It
seemed as though hell had conspired against me. A terrible hatred began to
break out in my soul, a hatred for all that is holy and divine. It seemed to
me that these spiritual torments would be my lot for the rest of my life. I
turned to the Blessed Sacrament and said to Jesus, "Jesus, my Spouse, do
You not see that my soul is dying because of its longing for You? How can You
hide Yourself from a heart that loves You so sincerely? Forgive me, Jesus;
may Your holy will be done in me. I will suffer silently like a dove, without
complaining. I will not allow my heart even one single cry of sorrowful
complaint."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness and Temptations <br />
<br />
77 My mind became dimmed in a strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When
people spoke to me about God, my heart was like a rock. I could not draw from
it a single sentiment of love for Him. When I tried, by an act of the will,
to remain close to Him, I experienced great torments, and it seemed to me
that I was only provoking God to an even greater anger. It was absolutely
impossible for me to meditate as I had been accustomed to do in the past. I
felt in my soul a great void, and there was nothing with which I could fill
it. I began to suffer from a great hunger and yearning for God, but I saw my
utter powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence by sentence, and to
meditate in this way, but this also was of no avail. I understood nothing of
what I had read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered
the chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an
aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not
profiting from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor
that I frequented them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I
could follow and my very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me
that these were trials sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not
only was I not offending God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a
sign," he told me, "that God loves you very much and that He has
great confidence in you, since He is sending you such trials." But these
words brought me no comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at
all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15]
It seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible
thought for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other
thoughts came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why
mortify and annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to
sacrifice and immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good
is it - if I am already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God
alone knew what was going on in my heart. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">78 Once when I was being crushed
by these dreadful sufferings, I went into the chapel and said from the bottom
of my soul, "Do what You will with me, O Jesus; I will adore You in
everything. May Your will be done in me, O my Lord and my God, and I will
praise Your infinite mercy." Through this act of submission, these
terrible torments left me. Suddenly I saw Jesus, who said to me,<b> I am
always in your heart. </b>An inconceivable joy entered my soul, and a great
love of God set my heart aflame. I see that God never tries us beyond what we
are able to suffer. Oh, I fear nothing; if God sends such great suffering to
a soul, He upholds it with an even greater grace, although we are not aware
of it. One act of trust at such moments gives greater glory to God than whole
hours passed in prayer filled with consolations. Now I see that if God wants
to keep a soul in darkness, no book, no confessor can bring it light. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">79 O Mary, my Mother and my Lady,
I offer You my soul, my body, my life and my death, and all that will Follow
it. I place everything in Your hands. O my Mother, cover my soul with Your
virginal mantle and grant me the grace of purity of heart, soul and body.
Defend me with Your power against all enemies, and especially against those
who hide their malice behind the mask of virtue. O lovely lily! You are for
me a mirror, O my Mother! <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">80 O Jesus, Divine Prisoner of
Love, when I consider Your love and how You emptied Yourself for me, my
senses fail me. You hide Your inconceivable majesty and lower Yourself to
miserable me. O King of Glory, though You hide Your beauty, yet the eye of my
soul rends the veil. I see the angelic choirs giving You honor without cease,
and all the heavenly Powers praising You without cease, and without cease
they are saying: Holy, Holy, Holy.<br />
<br />
Oh, who will comprehend Your love and Your unfathomable mercy toward us! O
Prisoner of Love, I lock up my poor heart in this tabernacle, that it may
adore You without cease night and day. I know of no obstacle in this
adoration, and even though I be physically distant, my heart is always with
You. Nothing can put a stop to my love for You. No obstacles exist for me. O
my Jesus, I will console You for all the ingratitude, the blasphemies, the
coldness, the hatred of the wicked, the sacrileges. O Jesus, I want to burn
as 'a pure offering and to be consumed before the throne of Your hiddenness.
I plead with You unceasingly for poor dying sinners. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">81 O Holy Trinity, One and
Indivisible God, may You be blessed for this great gift and testament of
mercy. My Jesus, to atone for blasphemers I will keep silent when unjustly
reprimanded and in this way make partial amends to You. I am singing within
my soul an unending hymn to You, and no one will suspect or understand this.
The song of my soul is known to You alone, O my Creator and Lord! <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">82 I will not allow myself to be
so absorbed in the whirlwind of work as to forget about God. I will spend all
my free moments at the feet of the Master hidden in the Blessed Sacrament. He
has been tutoring me from my most tender years. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">83 <b>Write this: before I come as
the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of
justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this
sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness
over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and
from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will
come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time.
This will take place shortly before the last day.</b> <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">84 O Blood and Water, which gushed
forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul
which is particularly loved by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such
as God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of
God's presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it
must fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's
vigilance is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place
to coldness and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual
exercises; it cannot pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which
it had just begun to pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no
satisfaction. God has hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation
in creatures, nor can any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The
soul craves passionately for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense
God's justice; it seems to it that it has lost all the gifts that God had
given it; its mind is dimmed, and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment
begins. The soul tries to explain its state to the confessor, but it is not
understood and is assailed by an even greater unrest. Satan begins his work. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers under the
impact; the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act
of will. With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put
to the test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret,
so to speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be
impossible to stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to
befall a soul. The soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths
and to insincerity toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one
understands you; why speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound
in its ears, and it seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God.
It sees what it does not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear.
And, oh, it is a terrible thing at times like these not to have an
experienced confessor! The soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one
should make every effort to find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed
confessor, for the soul can collapse under the burden and come to the very
edge of the precipice. All these trials are heavy and difficult. God does not
send them to a soul which has not already been admitted to a deeper intimacy
with Him and which has not yet tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this
God has His own plans, which for us are impenetrable. God often prepares a
soul in this way for His future designs and great works. He wants to try it
as pure gold is tried. But this is not yet the end of the testing; there is
still the trial of trials, the complete abandonment of the soul by God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete
Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though
it may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon
God, "Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely
abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but
one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries
to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as
this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds
itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a
precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and
tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which
it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring
it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend
it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for
her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to
darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love
so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does
not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And
this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give
it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner.
From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will
comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst
of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will
you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our
power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows
him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of
your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the
rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by
God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve
to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The
ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It
shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has
accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no
words. This is the agony of the soul. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">99 When for the first time this
moment was drawing near, I was snatched from it by virtue of holy obedience.
The Directress of Novices, alarmed by my appearance, sent me off to
confession, but the confessor did not understand me, and I experienced no
relief whatsoever. O Jesus, give us experienced priests!<br />
<br />
When I told this priest I was undergoing infernal tortures, he answered that
he was not worried about my soul, because he saw in it a great grace of God.
But I understood nothing of this, and not even the least glimmer of light
broke through to my soul. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">100 Then my physical strength
began to fail me, and I could no longer carry out my duties. Nor could I any
longer hide my sufferings. Although I did not say a word about them, the look
of pain on my face betrayed me. The Superior told me that the sisters had
come to her saying that, when they look at me in the chapel, they are moved
to pity because I look so terrible. Yet, despite all efforts, the soul is
unable to conceal such suffering. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage
of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for
your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere
when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again
I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear
began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a
voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light
illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such
sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new
courage to suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1084 Before every major grace, my
soul undergoes a test of patience, for I feel the grace, but do not yet
possess it. My spirit burns with impatience, but the hour has not yet come.
These moments are so very extraordinary that it is difficult to describe
them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1083 + That beautiful soul who is spreading this work of
divine mercy throughout the world is, by his deep humility, very pleasing to
God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1104 Today there was a beautiful teaching [by Father Plaza
on the goodness and mercy of God. During this conference my soul experienced
the flames of God's love, and I understood that God's word is a living word.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1465 Taking the form of an
apparition he said," Do not pray for sinners, but for yourself, for you
will be damned." Paying no attention to Satan, I continued to pray with
redoubled fervor for sinners. The Evil Spirit howled with fury, "Oh, if
I had power over you!" and disappeared. I saw that my suffering and
prayer shackled Satan and snatched many souls from his clutches.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1491 + The Lord visited me today
and said, <b>My daughter, do not be afraid of what will happen to you. I will
give you nothing beyond your strength. You know the power of My grace; let
that be enough.</b> After these words, the Lord gave me a deeper
understanding of the action of His grace.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1497 When I went, in my thoughts,
to the chapel, my spirit was plunged into even greater darkness. Total
discouragement came over me. Then I heard Satan's voice: "See how
contradictory everything is that Jesus gives to you: He tells you to found a
convent, and then He gives you sickness; He tells you to set about
establishing this Feast of Mercy while the whole world does not at all want
such a feast. Why do you pray for this feast? It is so inopportune." My
soul remained silent and, by an act of will, continued to pray without
entering into conversation with the Spirit of Darkness. Nevertheless, such an
extraordinary disgust with life came over me that I had to make a great act
of the will to consent to go on living...<br />
<br />
And again I heard the tempter's words: "Ask for death for yourself,
tomorrow after Holy Communion. God will hear you, for He has heard you so
many times before and has given you what you asked for." I remained
silent and, by an act of will, I began to pray, or rather, submitted myself
to God, asking Him interiorly not to abandon me at this moment. It was
already eleven o'clock at night, and there was silence all around. The sisters
were all asleep in their cells, and my soul alone was struggling with great
exertion.<br />
<br />
The tempter went on: "Why should you bother about other souls? You ought
to be praying only for yourself. As for sinners, they will be converted
without your prayers. I see that you are suffering very much at this moment.
I'm going to give you a piece of advice on which your happiness will depend:
never speak about God's mercy and, in particular, do not encourage sinners to
trust in God's mercy, because they deserve a just punishment. Another very
important thing: do not tell your confessors, and especially this
extraordinary confessor and the priest in Vilnius, about what goes on in your
soul. I know them; I know who they are, and so I want to put you on your
guard against them. You see, to live as a good nun, it is sufficient to live
like all the others. Why expose yourself to so many difficulties?" <br />
<br />
1498 I remained silent, and by an act of will I dwelt in God, although a moan
escaped from my heart. Finally, the tempter went away and I, exhausted, fell
asleep immediately. In the morning, right after receiving Holy Communion, I
went immediately to my cell and falling on my knees I renewed my act of
submission in all things to the will of God. "Jesus, I ask You, give me the
strength for battle. Let it be done to me according to Your most holy will.
My soul is enamored of Your most holy will." <br />
<br />
1499 At that moment, I saw Jesus, who said,<b> I am pleased with what you are
doing. And you can continue to be at peace if you always do the best you can
in respect to this work of mercy. Be absolutely as frank as possible with
your confessor.<br />
<br />
Satan gained nothing by tempting you, because you did not enter into
conversation with him. Continue to act in this way. You gave Me great glory
today by fighting so faithfully. Let it be confirmed and engraved on your
heart that I am always with you, even if you don't feel My presence at the
time of battle.</b> <br />
<br />
1500 Today, the love of God is transporting me into the other world. I am all
immersed in love; I love and feel that I am loved, and with full
consciousness I experience this. My soul is drowning in the Lord, realizing
the great Majesty of God and its own littleness; but through this knowledge
my happiness increases... This awareness is so vivid in the soul, so powerful
and, at the same time, so sweet.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1560 February 3, [1938]. Today
after Holy Communion, Jesus again gave me a few directives: <b>First, do not
fight against a temptation by yourself, but disclose it to the confessor at
once, and then the temptation will lose all its force. Second, during these
ordeals do not lose your peace; live in My presence; ask My Mother and the
Saints for help. Third, have the certitude that I am looking at you and
supporting you. Fourth, do not fear either struggles of the soul or any
temptations, because I am supporting you; if only you are willing to fight,
know that the victory is always on your side. Fifth, know that by fighting
bravely you give Me great glory and amass merits for yourself. Temptation
gives you a chance to show Me your fidelity.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1576 <b>Know, My daughter, that
between Me and you there is a bottomless abyss, an abyss which separates the
Creator from the creature. But this abyss is filled with My mercy. I raise
you up to Myself, not that I have need of you, but it is solely out of mercy
that I grant you the grace of union with Myself.</b><br />
<br />
1577 <b>Tell souls not to place within their own hearts obstacles to My
mercy, which so greatly wants to act within them. My mercy works in all those
hearts which open their doors to it. Both the sinner and the righteous person
have need of My mercy. Conversion, as well as perseverance, is a grace of My
mercy.</b><br />
<br />
1578 <b>Let souls who are striving for perfection particularly adore My
mercy, because the abundance of graces which I grant them flows from My
mercy. I desire that these souls distinguish themselves by boundless trust in
My mercy. I myself will attend to the sanctification of such souls. I will
provide them with everything they will need to attain sanctity. The graces of
My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is-trust. The more a
soul trusts, the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a
great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of My graces into them.
I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very
much. On the other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow
their hearts. </b><br />
<br />
1579 + It is when I meet with hypocrisy that I suffer most. Now I understand
You, my Savior, for rebuking the Pharisees so severely for their hypocrisy.
You associated more graciously with hardened sinners when they approached You
contritely.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1583 As I write this, I hear Satan
grinding his teeth. He cannot stand God's mercy, and keeps banging things in
my cell. But I feel so much of God's power within me that it does not even
bother me that the enemy of our salvation gets angry, and I quietly keep on
writing. <br />
<br />
1584 O inconceivable goodness of God, which shields us at every step, may
Your mercy be praised without cease. That You became a brother to humans, not
to angels, is a miracle of the unfathomable mystery of Your mercy. All our
trust is in You, our first-born Brother, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
My heart flutters with joy to see how good God is to us wretched and
ungrateful people. And as a proof of His love, He gives us the
incomprehensible gift of Himself in the person of His Son. Throughout all
eternity we shall never exhaust that mystery of love. O mankind, why do you
think so little about God being truly among us? O Lamb of God, I do not know
what to admire in You first: Your gentleness, Your hidden life, the emptying
of Yourself for the sake of man, or the constant miracle of Your mercy, which
transforms souls and raises them up to eternal life. Although You are hidden
in this way, Your omnipotence is more manifest here than in the creation of
man. Though the omnipotence of Your mercy is at work in the justification of
the sinner, yet Your action is gentle and hidden. <br />
<br />
1585 A vision of the Mother of God. In the midst of a great brilliance, I saw
the Mother of God clothed in a white gown, girt about with a golden cincture;
and there were tiny stars, also of gold, over the whole garment, and
chevron-shaped sleeves lined with gold. Her cloak was sky-blue, lightly
thrown over the shoulders. A transparent veil was delicately drawn over her
head, while her flowing hair was set off beautifully by a golden crown which
terminated in little crosses. On Her left arm She held the Child Jesus. A
Blessed Mother of this type I had not yet seen. Then She looked at me kindly
and said:<i> I am the Mother of God of Priests.</i> <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#235" target="_blank">235</a>
At that, She lowered Jesus from Her arm to the ground, raised Her right hand
heavenward and said: <i>O God, bless Poland, bless priests.</i> Then She
addressed me once again: <i>Tell the priests what you have seen.</i> I
resolved that at the first opportunity [I would have] of seeing Father
[Andrasz] I would tell; but I myself can make nothing of this vision.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-23, 25, 77-84, 96-100, 129)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-10-83-1084, 1104)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-V-1465, 1491, 1497-1500, 1560)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Diary of Sister Faustina
Kowalska Notebook-V-1576-1579, 1583-1585)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-9431896138607126342020-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:002020-02-01T07:31:15.013-08:00Speaking from the Heart of Christ-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ae1f25; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Speaking from the
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 2, 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feast of the
Presentation of the Lord </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 2:22-40</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the days
were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they
took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in
the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be
consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of
turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the
law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This
man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the
holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that
he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came
in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child
Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his
arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which
you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the
Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child´s father and
mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and
said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall
and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and
you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be
revealed." There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years
with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was
eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with
fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to
God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of
Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the
Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew
and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory
Prayer: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, I open my heart to receive the power of Your Spirit flowing from
Your heart into mine. I wish to carry it zealously as a light from my heart
to my family, to my friends, to the weak and empty of heart. With the fire of
Your love in me, I want to acknowledge You as true light and as the glory and
splendor of every human person. I long to be filled with a consuming love for
You. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord, help me to
penetrate the meaning of my baptism by contemplating Your consecration in the
Temple and on the cross. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Glory of the
Father, Light of the Nations: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Contemplate this scene from God’s
perspective. The Son, now in human history, enters the Temple for the first
time. The Son enters the house of the Father. He, the perfect Lamb for whom
no earthly sanctuary is holy enough, accepts to be consecrated in this place
built by men, this place that was dedicated to the memory of the signs that
were all in expectation of him. The True Lamb arrives at last to the place of
offering. The Temple was above all a place of sacrifice in order to gain
God’s favor. It was a place of expiation to free oneself of the inheritance
of sin, and a place of prayer to offer fitting honor and praise to the one
true God. And here, on this day, in the arms of Mary, comes the only
sacrifice that counts, for without him no other sacrifice has meaning,
whether in sacred rituals or in our personal lives.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. “Every male
that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord”: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Contemplate this
scene through the heart of Mary. In the simple rite of consecration; the Son
is going to recognize his belonging to the Father, but he will do it through
Mary’s fidelity to the prescribed ritual. Yet, who can speak for this child?
Can anyone speak for the zeal of his heart, the hunger of his heart to
suffer for souls? Mary’s pure and humble heart emerges as his spokesperson,
and it speaks the language of self-giving and donation, though under the
rituals prescribed by the law. “For their sake I consecrate myself.” She
reflects to the world what has been communicated to her by her Son, who is
flesh of her flesh. In our ordinary life we elevate the meaning of small
events in union with Christ. Flesh of our flesh by grace, he enables us to
live a consecration to a mission in his name. Our acts are made from the
power of Christ’s living presence moving our heart and will. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. “A sword shall
pierce your heart”: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now contemplate the true temple of
Christ’s body on the Cross, where every consecration is made perfect. Yes,
Christ gives us the privilege to speak the words that echo from his heart.
Over time he perfects this language in us, if we are faithful to the cross in
our life. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My own baptismal
consecration is all about speaking from what is in the heart of Christ, so
that his words ‘pierce my own heart’ and replace that heart of stone with a
new heart. I seek to speak like Christ––chaste, poor, and obedient––with a
language forged and pounded into full authenticity at the Cross. My death to
sin and egoism will call forth the risen life of the new man of the
Kingdom––possible only through the fire of the Spirit that flows from the
open side of Christ.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with
Christ: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Jesus, make my soul a temple worthy of Your entry. May the walls of
my heart be adorned with purity, honesty and upright intention in all I say
and do. May its floors, upon which you walk, be sealed with modesty and
sincerity, and lead You to an undivided heart. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today I will
renew my personal consecration to the Heart of Christ in a visit to the
Eucharist, and I will remember in a special way all consecrated persons
throughout the world who renew their vows today.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts
from the DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">16 It was during the octave of Corpus Christi [June 25,
1925]. God filled my soul with the interior light of a deeper knowledge of
Him as Supreme Goodness and Supreme Beauty. I came to know how very much God
loves me. Eternal is His love for me. It was at vespers. In simple words,
which flowed from the heart, I made to God a vow of perpetual chastity. From
that moment I felt a greater intimacy with God, my Spouse. From that moment I
set up a little cell in my heart where I always kept company with Jesus.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">18 However, after three weeks I became aware that there is
so very little time here for prayer, and of many other things which spoke to
my soul in favor of entering a religious community of a stricter observance.
This thought took a firm hold of my soul, but the will of God was not in it.
Still, the thought, or rather the temptation, was growing stronger and
stronger to the point where I decided one day to announce my departure to
Mother Superior and definitely to leave [the convent]. But God arranged the
circumstances in such a way that I could not get to the Mother Superior
[Michael]. I stepped into the little chapel <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#7" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[7]</span></a> before going to bed, and I asked Jesus for
light in this matter. But I received nothing in my soul except a strange
unrest which I did not understand. But, in spite of everything, I made up my
mind to approach Mother Superior the next morning right after Mass and tell
her of my decision.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">27 First vows [First profession of temporary vows, April
30, 1928]. An ardent desire to empty myself for God by an active love, but a
love that would be imperceptible, even to the sisters closest to me.<br />
<br />
However, even after the vows, darkness continued to reign in my soul for
almost a half year. Once, when I was praying, Jesus pervaded all my soul,
darkness melted away, and I heard these words within me: <b>You are My joy;
you are My heart's delight.</b> From that moment I felt the Most Holy Trinity
in my heart; that is to say, within myself. I felt that I was inundated with
Divine light. Since then, my soul has been in intimate communion with God,
like a child with its beloved Father.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">30 +On
one occasion I was reflecting on the Holy Trinity, on the essence of God. I
absolutely wanted to know and fathom who God is. ... In an instant my spirit
was caught up into what seemed to be the next world. I saw an inaccessible
light, and in this light what appeared like three sources of light which I
could not understand. And out of that light came words in the form of
lightning which encircled heaven and earth. Not understanding anything, I was
very sad. Suddenly, from this sea of inaccessible light came our dearly
beloved Savior, unutterably beautiful with His shining Wounds. And from this
light came a voice which said, <b>Who God is in His Essence, no one will
fathom, neither the mind of Angels nor of man. </b>Jesus said to me, <b>Get
to know God by contemplating His attributes.</b> A moment later, He traced
the sign of the cross with His hand and vanished."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">50 <b>+I desire that priests
proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners. Let the sinner
not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of mercy are burning Me - clamoring
to be spent; I want to pour them out upon these souls.</b><br />
<br />
Jesus complained to me in these words,<b> Distrust on the part of souls is
tearing at My insides. The distrust of a chosen soul causes Me even greater
pain; despite My inexhaustible love for them they do not trust Me. Even My
death is not enough for them. Woe to the soul that abuses these</b> [gifts].</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">67 When
I fell sick [probably the beginning of consumption] after my first vows and
when, despite the kind and solicitous care of my Superiors and the efforts of
the doctor, I felt neither better nor worse, remarks began to reach my ears
which inferred that I was making believe. With that, my suffering was
doubled, and this lasted for quite a long time. One day I complained to Jesus
that I was being a burden to the sisters. Jesus answered me,<b> You are not
living for yourself but for souls, and other souls will profit from your
sufferings. Your prolonged suffering will give them the light and strength to
accept My will.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O Divine Sun, in Your rays the
soul sees the tiniest specks of dust which displease You. <br />
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72 O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for
poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable
mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy
from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human
race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own
bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a
price of Your most precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price
of Your Blood, I rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been
enough for the salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of
wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled.
Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its
hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth
may change, but God's mercy will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy
burns in my heart when I contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus!
I desire to bring all sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy
throughout endless ages.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">75 But these doubts always come from without, a fact which
inclined me to close myself up more and more within myself. When, during
confession, I sense uncertainty on the part of the priest, I do not open my
soul to its depths, but only accuse myself of my sins. A priest who is not at
peace with himself will not be able to inspire peace in another soul.<br />
<br />
O priests, you bright candles enlightening human souls, let your brightness
never be dimmed. I understood that at that time it was not God's will that I
uncover my soul completely. Later on, God did give me this grace.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">83 <b>Write this: before I come as the just Judge, I am
coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there
will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the
heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole
earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the
openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come
forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This
will take place shortly before the last day.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">84 O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of
Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vilnius, August 2, 1934.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">85 On Friday, after Holy Communion, I was carried in
spirit before the throne of God. There I saw the heavenly Powers which
incessantly praise God. Beyond the throne I saw a brightness inaccessible to
creatures, and there only the Incarnate Word enters as Mediator. When
Jesus<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>entered this light, I heard
these words, <b>Write down at once what you hear: I am the</b> <b>Lord in My
essence and am immune to orders or needs. If I call creatures into being</b> <b>-
that is the abyss of My mercy. </b>And at that very moment I found myself, as
before, in our chapel at my kneeler, just as Mass had ended. I already had
these words written.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">95 +A Deeper Knowledge of God and the Terror of the Soul. <br />
<br />
In the beginning, God lets himself be known as Holiness, Justice, Goodness -
that is to say, Mercy. The soul does not come to know this all at once, but
piecemeal, in flashes; that is to say, when God draws near. And this does not
last for long, because the soul could not bear such light. During prayer the
soul experiences flashes of this light which make it impossible to pray as
before. Try as it may to force itself to pray as it did before, all is in
vain; it becomes completely impossible for it to continue to pray as it did
before it received this light. This light which has touched the soul is alive
within it, and nothing can either quench or diminish it. This flash of the
knowledge of God draws the soul and enkindles its love for Him. <br />
<br />
But this same flash, at the same time, allows the soul to know itself as it
is; the soul sees its whole interior in a superior light, and it rises up
alarmed and terrified. Still, it does not remain under the effects of terror,
but it begins to purify itself, to humble and abase itself before the Lord.
These lights become stronger and more frequent; the more the soul is
crystallized, the more these lights penetrate it. However, if the soul has
responded faithfully and courageously to these first graces, God fills it
with His consolations and gives himself to it in a perceptible manner. At
certain moments, the soul, as it were, enters into intimacy with God and
greatly rejoices in this; it believes that it has already reached the degree
of perfection destined for it, because its defects and faults are asleep
within it, and this makes it think that they no longer exist. Nothing seems
difficult for it; it is ready for everything. It begins to plunge itself into
God and taste the divine delights. It is carried along by grace and does not
take account of the fact that the time of trial and testing may come. And, in
fact, this state does not last long. Other moments will soon come. I should
add here, however, that the soul will respond more faithfully to divine grace
if it has a well - informed confessor to whom it can confide everything.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete Abandonment - Despair <br />
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">98 When the soul comes out
victorious from the preceding trials, even though it may stumble here and
there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God, "Save me, I am
perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely
abandoned by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but
one step away from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries
to stir up its confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as
this prayer seems to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds
itself poised on the summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a
precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and
tortures in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which
it has been plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring
it any relief; it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend
it. It raises its eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for
her-for her all is lost. It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to
darkness, and it seems to it that it has lost forever the God it used to love
so dearly. This thought is torture beyond all description. But the soul does
not agree to it and tries to lift its gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And
this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give
it light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner.
From its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will
comprehend it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst
of this, the evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will
you persist in your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our
power!" But Satan has only as much influence over the soul as God allows
him, and God knows how much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of
your mortifications," says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the
rule? What use are all these efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by
God!" This word, rejected, becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve
to the marrow of the bone. It pierces right through her entire being. The
ordeal reaches its climax. The soul no longer looks for help anywhere. It
shrinks into itself and loses sight of everything; it is as though it has
accepted the torture of being abandoned. This is a moment for which I have no
words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">99 When for the first time this moment was drawing near, I
was snatched from it by virtue of holy obedience. The Directress of Novices,
alarmed by my appearance, sent me off to confession, but the confessor did
not understand me, and I experienced no relief whatsoever. O Jesus, give us
experienced priests!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I told this priest I was undergoing infernal
tortures, he answered that he was not worried about my soul, because he saw
in it a great grace of God. But I understood nothing of this, and not even
the least glimmer of light broke through to my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">103 Suddenly I saw the Lord interiorly, and He said to me,
<b>Fear not, My daughter; I am with you. </b>In that single moment, all the
darkness and torments vanished, my senses were<b> </b>inundated with
unspeakable joy, [and] the faculties of my soul filled with light.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">109 After such sufferings the soul finds itself in a state
of great purity of spirit and very close to God. But I should add that during
these spiritual torments it is close to God, but it is blind. The soul's
vision is plunged into darkness, and though God is nearer than ever to the
soul which is suffering, the whole secret consists in the fact that it knows
nothing of this. The soul in fact declares that, not only has God abandoned
it, but it is the object of His hatred. With how great a malady are they eyes
of the soul afflicted! When struck by divine light, the soul affirms that
this light does not exist, although it is precisely because this divine light
is so bright that it is blinded. Yet despite all, I learned later that God is
closer to a soul at such moments than at others, because it would not be able
to endure these trials with the help of ordinary grace alone. God's
omnipotence and an extraordinary grace must be active here, for otherwise the
soul would succumb at the first blow.<br />
<br />
110 O Divine Master, what happens in my soul is Your work alone! You, O Lord,
are not afraid to place the soul on the edge of a terrible precipice where it
stands, alarmed and filled with fright, and then You call it back again to
Yourself. These are Your imponderable mysteries.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">112 +A few words about confession and confessors. I shall
speak only of what I have experienced and gone through within my own soul.
There are three things which hinder the soul from drawing profit from
confession in these exceptional moments.<br />
<br />
The first thing: when the confessor has little knowledge of extraordinary
ways and shows surprise if a soul discloses to him the great mysteries worked
in it by God. Such surprise frightens a sensitive soul, and it notices that
the confessor hesitates to give his opinion; and if it does notice this, it
will not be set at peace, but will have even more doubts after confession
than before, because it will sense that the confessor is trying to set it at
peace while he himself is uncertain. Or else, as has happened to me, a
confessor, unable to penetrate some of the soul's mysteries, refuses to hear
the confession, showing a certain fear when the soul approaches the
confessional.<br />
<br />
How can a soul in this state obtain peace in the confessional when it has
become so oversensitive to every word of the priest? In my opinion, at times
of such special trials sent by God to a soul, the priest, if he does not
understand the soul, should direct it to some other experienced and
well-instructed confessor. Or else he himself should seek light in order to
give the soul what it needs, instead of downrightly denying it confession.
For in this way he is exposing the soul to a great danger; and more than one
soul may well leave the road along which God wanted it to journey. This is a
matter of great importance, for I have experienced it myself. I myself began
to waver; despite special gifts from God, and even though God himself
reassured me, I have nevertheless always wanted to have the Church's seal as
well. <br />
<br />
The second thing: the confessor does not allow the soul to express itself
frankly, and shows impatience. The soul then falls silent and does not say
everything [it has to say] and, by this, profits nothing. It profits even
less when the confessor, without really knowing the soul, proceeds to put it
to the test. Instead of helping the soul, he does it harm. The soul is aware
that the confessor does not know it, because he did not allow it to lay
itself open fully as regards both its graces and its misery. And so the test
is ill-adapted. I have been submitted to some tests at which I have had to
laugh.<br />
<br />
I will express this better thus: The confessor is the doctor of the soul, but
how can a doctor prescribe a suitable remedy if he does not know the nature
of the sickness? Never will he be able to do so. For either the remedy will
not produce the desired effect, or else it will be too strong and will
aggravate the illness, and sometimes-God forbid-even bring about death. I am
speaking from my own experience because, in certain instances, it was the
Lord himself who directly sustained me.<br />
<br />
The third thing: it also happens sometimes that the confessor makes light of
little things. There is nothing little in the spiritual life. Sometimes a
seemingly insignificant thing will disclose a matter of great consequence and
will be for the confessor a beam of light which helps him to get to know the
soul. Many spiritual undertones are concealed in little things.<br />
<br />
A magnificent building will never rise if we reject the insignificant bricks.
God demands great purity of certain souls, and so He gives them a deeper
knowledge of their own misery. Illuminated by light from on high, the soul
can better know what pleases God and what does not. Sin depends upon the
degree of knowledge and light that exists within the soul. The same is true
of imperfections. Although the soul knows that it is only sin in the strict
sense of the term which pertains to the sacrament of penance, yet these petty
things are of great importance to a soul which is tending to sanctity, and
the confessor must not treat them lightly. The patience and kindness of the
confessor open the way to the innermost secrets of the soul. The soul,
unconsciously as it were, reveals its abysmal depth and feels stronger and
more resistant; it fights with greater courage and tries to do things better
because it knows it must give an account of them.<br />
<br />
I will mention one more thing regarding the confessor. It is his duty to
occasionally put to the test, to try, to exercise, to learn whether he is
dealing with straw, with iron or with pure gold. Each of these three types of
souls needs different kinds of training. The confessor must-and this is
absolutely necessary-form a clear judgment of each soul in order to know how
heavy a burden it can carry at certain times, in certain circumstances, or in
particular situations. As for myself, it was only later on, after many
[negative] experiences, that, when I saw that I was not understood, I no
longer laid bare my soul or allowed my peace to be disturbed. But this happened
only when all these graces had already been submitted to the judgment of a
wise, well-instructed and experienced confessor. Now I know what to go by in
certain cases</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">115 + When a soul has come out of these tribulations, it
is deeply humble. Its purity of soul is great. It knows better without need
of reflecting, as it were, what it ought to do at a given moment and what to
forbear. It feels the lightest touch of grace and is very faithful to God. It
recognizes God from afar and continuously rejoices in Him. It discovers God
very quickly in other souls and in its environment in general. The soul has
been purified by God himself. God, as Pure Spirit, introduces the soul to a
life which is purely spiritual. God himself has first prepared and purified the
soul; that is, He has made it capable of close communion with himself. The
soul, in a state of loving repose, communes spiritually with the Lord. It
speaks to God without the need of expressing itself through the senses. God
fills it with His light.<br />
<br />
The enlightened mind sees clearly and distinguishes the various degrees of
the spiritual life. It recognizes [that state] when its union with God was
imperfect: where the senses were involved, and the spirit was linked with the
senses in a manner-exalted and special, to be sure but not yet perfect. There
is a higher and more perfect union with God; namely, intellectual union.
Here, the soul is safer from illusions; its spirituality is purer and more
profound. In a life where the senses are involved, there is more danger of
illusion. Both for the soul and for its confessor, prudence must play a
greater part. There are moments when God introduces the soul to a purely
spiritual state. The senses dim and are seemingly dead. The soul is most
closely united to God; it is immersed in the Deity; its knowledge is complete
and perfect, not sporadic as before, but total and absolute. It rejoices in
this. But I want to say more about those moments of trial; at those times the
confessor must have patience with such a soul. But the soul must have even
greater patience with itself. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">129 Satan always takes advantage
of such moments; thoughts of discouragement began to rise to the surface-for
your faithfulness and sincerity-this is your reward. How can one be sincere
when one is so misunderstood? Jesus, Jesus, I cannot go on any longer. Again
I fell to the ground under this weight, and I broke out in a sweat, and fear
began to overcome me. I had no one to lean on interiorly. Suddenly I heard a
voice within my soul,<b> Do not fear; I am with you. </b>And an unusual light
illumined my mind, and I understood that I should not give in to such
sorrows. I was filled with a certain strength and left my cell with new
courage to suffer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">131 But I will simply mention here that these various
sufferings had come to a peak, and I resolved to put an end to these doubts
of mine before my perpetual vows. Throughout my probation, I prayed for light
for the priest to whom I was to open up my soul to its depths. I asked God
that He himself would help me and grant me the grace to be able to express
even the most secret things that exist between me and Him and to be so
disposed that, whatever the priest would decide, I would accept as coming
from Jesus himself. No matter what judgment he would pass on me, all I wanted
was the truth and a decisive answer to certain questions. I put myself
completely in God's hands, and [all] my soul desired was the truth. I could
not go on living in doubt any longer although, in the depths of my soul, I
was so very sure that these things came from God, that I would lay down my
life for this. However, I placed the confessor's opinion above all, and I
made up my mind to do as he thought best and to act according to the advice
that he would give me. I looked forward to that moment which would decide the
course of my actions for the rest of my life. I knew that everything would
depend on this. It mattered little whether what he would say to me would be
in accord with my inspirations or quite the contrary; this no longer mattered
to me. I wanted to know the truth and follow it.<br />
<br />
Jesus, You can help me! From this moment, I have begun anew. I conceal all
the graces within my soul and await whomsoever the Lord will send me. With no
doubt in my heart, I asked the Lord himself to deign to help me during these
moments, and a courage of sorts entered my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">140 Pure love is capable of
great deeds, and it is not broken by difficulty or adversity. As it remains
strong in the midst of great difficulties, so too it perseveres in the
toilsome and drab life of each day. It knows that only one thing is needed to
please God: to do even the smallest things out of great love-love, and always
love.<br />
<br />
Pure love never errs. Its light is strangely plentiful. It will not do
anything that might displease God. It is ingenious at doing what is more
pleasing to God, and no one will equal it. It is happy when it can empty
itself and burn like a pure offering. The more it gives of itself, the
happier it is. But also, no one can sense dangers from afar as can love; it
knows how to unmask and also knows with whom it has to deal.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">145 Oh, how wretched my soul is for having wasted so many
graces! I was running away from God, and He pursued me with his graces. I
most often experienced God's graces when I least expected them. From the
moment He gave me a spiritual director, I have been more faithful to grace.
Thanks to the director and his watchfulness over my soul, I have learned what
guidance means and how Jesus looks at it. Jesus warned me of the least fault
and stressed that He himself judges the matter that I present to my
confessor; and [He told me] that ... <b>any transgressions against the
confessor touch Me myself.</b><br />
<br />
When under his direction my soul began to experience deep recollection and
peace, I often heard these words in my soul: <b>Strengthen yourself for
combat</b> - repeated over and over at various times.<br />
<br />
+Jesus often makes known to me what He does not like in my soul, and He has
more than once rebuked me for what seemed to be trifles, but which were, in
fact, things of great importance. He has warned me and tried me like a
Master. For many years He himself educated me, until the moment when He gave
me a spiritual director. Previously, He himself had made clear to me what I
did not understand; but now, He tells me to ask my confessor about everything
and often says, <b>I will answer you through his mouth. Be at peace.</b> It
has never happened to me that I have received an answer which was contrary to
what the Lord wanted of me, when I presented it to the spiritual director [Father
Sopocko]. It sometimes happens that Jesus first asks certain things of me,
about which no one knows anything, and then, when I kneel at the
confessional, my confessor gives me the same order-however, this is
infrequent.<br />
<br />
+When, over a long period of time, a soul has received much light and many
inspirations, and when the confessors have confirmed the source of these
inspirations and set the soul at peace; if its love is great, Jesus now makes
it known that it is time to put into action what it has received. The soul
recognizes that God is counting on it, and this knowledge fortifies it. It
knows that to be faithful it will often have to face various difficulties,
but it trusts in God and, thanks to this trust, it reaches that point to
which God is calling it. Difficulties do not terrify it; they are its daily
bread, as it were. They do not frighten or terrify the soul, just as a
warrior who is constantly in battle is not terrified by the roar of the
cannon. Far from being frightened, it listens to determine from which side
the enemy is launching his attack, in order to defeat him. It does nothing
blindly, but examines and ponders everything deeply and, not counting on
itself, it prays fervently and asks advice of other warriors who are
experienced and wise. When the soul acts in this way, it nearly always wins.<br />
<br />
There are attacks when a soul has no time to think or seek advice; then it
must enter into a life-or-death struggle. Sometimes it is good to flee for
cover in the wound of the Heart of Jesus, without answering a single word. By
this very act the enemy is already defeated.<br />
<br />
In time of peace, as well, the soul continues making efforts, just as in time
of battle. It must exercise itself, and do so with energy; otherwise it has
no chance of attaining victory. I regard the time of peace as a time of
preparation for victory. The soul must be ever watchful; watchfulness and
again, watchfulness. The soul that reflects receives much light. A distracted
soul runs the risk of a fall, and let it not be surprised when it does fall.
O Spirit of God, Director of the soul, wise is he whom You have trained! But
for the Spirit of God to act in the soul, peace and recollection are needed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">147 I recall
that I have received most light during adoration which I made lying prostrate
before the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout Lent.
During that time I came to know myself and God more profoundly. And yet, even
though I had the superiors' permission to do so, I encountered many obstacles
to praying in such a way. Let the soul be aware that, in order to pray and
persevere in prayer, one must arm oneself with patience and cope bravely with
exterior and interior difficulties. The interior difficulties are
discouragement, dryness, heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior
difficulties are human respect and time; one must observe the time set apart
for prayer. This has been my personal experience because, when I did not pray
at the time assigned for prayer, later on I could not do it because of my duties;
or if I did manage to do so, this was only with great difficulty, because my
thoughts kept wandering off to my duties. I also experienced this difficulty:
when a soul has prayed well and left prayer in a state of profound interior
recollection, others resist its recollection; and so, the soul must be
patient to persevere in prayer. It often happened to me that when my soul was
more deeply immersed in God, and I had derived greater fruit from prayer, and
God's presence accompanied me during the day, and at work there was more
recollection and greater precision and effort at my duty, this was precisely
when I received the most rebukes for being negligent in my duty and
indifferent to everything; because less recollected souls want others to be
like them, for they are a constant [source of] remorse to them.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">157 +In the evening, when I entered the small chapel, I
heard these words in my soul: <b>My daughter, consider these words: "And
being in agony, he prayed more earnestly." </b>When I started to think
about them more deeply, much light streamed into my soul. I<b> </b>learned
how much we need perseverance in prayer and that our salvation often depends
on<b> </b>such difficult prayer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">161 Immaculate Virgin,<br />
Pure crystal for my heart,<br />
You are my strength, O sturdy anchor!<br />
You are the weak heart's shield and protection.<br />
<br />
Mary you are pure, of purity incomparable; <br />
At once both Virgin and Mother,<br />
You are beautiful as the sun, without blemish, <br />
And your soul is beyond all comparison.<br />
<br />
Your beauty has delighted the eye of the Thrice-Holy One.<br />
He descended from heaven, leaving His eternal throne, <br />
And took Body and Blood of your heart<br />
And for nine months lay hidden in a Virgin's Heart.<br />
<br />
O Mother, Virgin, purest of all lilies,<br />
Your heart was Jesus' first tabernacle on earth.<br />
Only because no humility was deeper than yours<br />
Were you raised above the choirs of Angels and above all Saints.<br />
<br />
O Mary, my sweet Mother,<br />
I give you my soul, my body and my poor heart.<br />
Be the guardian of my life,<br />
Especially at the hour of death, in the final strife.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">164 +JMJ Warsaw, 1933.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Probation Before Perpetual Vows</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[56]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I learned I was to go for probation, my
heart beat with joy at the thought of such an immense grace, that of the
perpetual vows. I went before the Blessed Sacrament; and when I immersed myself
in a prayer of thanksgiving, I heard these words in my soul: <b>My child</b> <b>you
are My delight, you are the comfort of My Heart. I grant you as many graces
as</b> <b>you can hold. As often as you want to make Me happy, speak to the
world about My</b> <b>great and unfathomable mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">166 In prayer I always find light and strength of spirit,
although there are moments so trying and hurtful, that it is sometimes
difficult to imagine that these things can happen in a convent. Strangely,
God sometimes allows them, but always in order to manifest or develop virtue
in a soul. That is the reason for trials.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">173 Satan's temptations during meditation. I felt a
strange fear that the priest would not</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">understand me, or that he would have no time to hear
everything I would have to say. How am I going to tell him all this? If it
were Father Bukowski I could do it more easily, but this Jesuit whom I am
seeing for the first time... Then I remembered Father Bukowski's advice that
I should at least take brief notes of the lights sent to me by God during the
retreats and give him at least a brief report on them. My God, for a day and
a half all has gone well, and now a life and death struggle is beginning. The
conference is to start in a half hour, and then I am to go to confession.
Satan tried to persuade me into believing that if my superiors have told me
that my inner life is an illusion, why should I ask again and trouble the
confessor? Didn't MX [probably Mother Jane] tell you that the Lord Jesus does
not commune with souls as miserable as yours? This confessor is going to tell
you the same thing. Why speak to him about all this? These are not sins, and
Mother X, told you that all this communing with the Lord Jesus was
daydreaming and pure hysteria. So why tell it to this confessor? You would do
better to dismiss all this as illusions. Look how many humiliations you have
suffered because of them, and how many more are still awaiting you, and all
the sisters know that you are a hysteric. "Jesus!" I called out
with all the strength of my soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">177 +Renewal of vows. From the
moment I woke up in the morning, my spirit was totally submerged in God, in
that ocean of love. I felt that I had been completely immersed in Him. During
Holy Mass, my love for Him reached a peak of intensity. After the renewal of
vows and Holy Communion, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus, who said to me with
great kindness, <b>My daughter, look at My merciful Heart.</b> As I fixed my
gaze on the Most Sacred Heart, the same rays of light, as are represented in
the image as blood and water, came forth from it, and I understood how great
is the Lord's mercy. And again Jesus said to me with kindness, <b>My
daughter, speak to priests about this inconceivable mercy of Mine. The flames
of mercy are burning Me-clamoring to be spent; I want to keep pouring them
out upon souls; souls just don't want to believe in My goodness. </b>Suddenly
Jesus disappeared. But throughout that whole day my spirit remained immersed
in God's tangible presence, despite the buzz and chatter that usually follow
a retreat. It did not disturb me in the least. My spirit was in God, although
externally I took part in the conversations and even went to visit Derdy.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#59" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[59]</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">178 Today we are beginning the
third probation. All three of us met at Mother Margaret's, as the other
sisters were having their probation in the novitiate. Mother Margaret began
with a prayer, explained to us what the third probation consists of, and then
spoke on how great is the grace of the perpetual vows. Suddenly I began to
cry out loud. In an instant all God's graces appeared before the eyes of my
soul, and I saw myself so wretched and ungrateful toward God. The sisters
began to rebuke me, saying, "Why did she break out crying?" But
Mother Margaret came to my defense, saying that she was not surprised.<br />
<br />
At the end of the hour, I went before the Blessed Sacrament and, like the
greatest and most miserable of wretches, I begged for His mercy that He might
heal and purify my poor soul. Then I heard these words,<b> My daughter, all
your miseries have been consumed in the flame of My love, like a little twig
thrown into a roaring fire. By humbling yourself in this way, you draw upon
yourself and upon other souls an entire sea of My mercy. </b>I answered,
"Jesus, mold my poor heart according to Your divine delight."</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">180 +During Advent, a great yearning for God arose in my
soul. My spirit rushed toward God with all its might. During that time, the
Lord gave me much light to know His attributes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first attribute which the Lord gave me to know is His
holiness. His holiness is so great that all the Powers and Virtues tremble
before Him. The pure spirits veil their faces and lose themselves in unending
adoration, and with one single word they express the highest form of
adoration; that is-Holy... The holiness of God is poured out upon the Church
of God and upon every living soul in it, but not in the same degree. There
are souls who are completely penetrated by God, and there are those who are
barely alive.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The second kind of knowledge which the Lord granted me
concerns His justice. His justice is so great and penetrating that it reaches
deep into the heart of things, and all things stand before Him in naked
truth, and nothing can withstand Him.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The third attribute is love and mercy. And I understood
that the greatest attribute is love and mercy. It unites the creature with
the Creator. This immense love and abyss of mercy are made known in the
Incarnation of the Word and in the Redemption [of humanity], and it is here
that I saw this as the greatest of all God's attributes.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">186 +Today Jesus said to me,<b> I
desire that you know more profoundly the love that burns in My Heart for
souls, and you will understand this when you meditate upon My Passion. Call
upon My mercy on behalf of sinners; I desire their salvation. When you say
this prayer, with a contrite heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I
will give him the grace of conversion. This is the prayer:</b><br />
<br />
187 <b>"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as
a fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You."</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">195 O Jesus, today my soul is as
though darkened by suffering. Not a single ray of light. The storm is raging,
and Jesus is asleep. O my Master, I will not wake You; I will not interrupt
Your sweet sleep. I believe that You fortify me without my knowing it.<br />
<br />
Throughout the long hours I adore You, O living Bread, amidst the great
drought in my soul. O Jesus, pure Love, I do not need consolations; I am
nourished by Your will, O Mighty One! Your will is the goal of my existence.
It seems to me that the whole world serves me and depends on me. You, O Lord,
understand my soul with all its aspirations.<br />
<br />
Jesus, when I myself cannot sing You the hymn of love, I admire the singing
of the Seraphim, they who are so dearly loved by You. I desire to drown
myself in You as they do. Nothing will stem such love, for no might has power
over it. It is like lightning that illuminates the darkness, but does not
remain in it. O my Master, shape my soul according to Your will and Your
eternal designs!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">205 +The Resurrection. Today, during the [Mass of the]
Resurrection, I saw the Lord Jesus in the midst of a great light. He
approached me and said, <b>Peace be to you, My children, </b>and He lifted up
His hand and gave His blessing. The wounds in His hands, feet and side were
indelible and shining. When He looked at me with such kindness and love, my
whole soul drowned itself in Him. And He said to me, <b>You have taken a
great part in My Passion;</b> <b>therefore I now give you a great share in My
joy and glory. </b>The whole time of the Resurrection [Mass] seemed like only
a minute to me. A wondrous recollection filled my soul and lasted throughout
the whole festal season. The kindness of Jesus is so great that I cannot
express it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">206 The next day, after Communion,
I heard the voice saying,<b> My daughter, look into the abyss of My mercy and
give praise and glory to this mercy of Mine. Do it in this way: Gather all
sinners from the entire world and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. I
want to give Myself to souls; I yearn for souls, My daughter. On the day of
My feast, the Feast of Mercy, you will go through the whole world and bring
fainting souls to the spring of My mercy. I shall heal and strengthen them.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">211 +Once again, a terrible darkness envelops my soul. It
seems to me that I am falling prey to illusions. When I went to confession to
obtain some light and peace, I did not find these at all. The confessor <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#66" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[66]</span></a> left me with even more doubts than I had
before. He said to me, "I cannot discern what power is at work in you,
Sister; perhaps it is God and perhaps it is the evil spirit." When I
left the confessional, I started to think about his words. The longer I did
so, the deeper my soul sank into darkness. "Jesus, what am I to
do?" When Jesus approached me with kindness, I was frightened. "Are
you really Jesus?" On the one hand, I am drawn by love and, on the other,
by fear. What torture! I cannot describe it!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">223 O living Host, my one and only
strength, fountain of love and mercy, embrace the whole world, fortify faint
souls. Oh, blessed be the instant and the moment when Jesus left us His most
merciful Heart!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">224 To suffer without complaining, to bring comfort to
others and to drown my own sufferings in the most Sacred Heart of Jesus!<br />
<br />
I will spend all my free moments at the feet of [Our Lord in] the Blessed
Sacrament. At the feet of Jesus, I will seek light, comfort and strength. I will
show my gratitude unceasingly to God for His great mercy towards me, never
forgetting the favors He has bestowed on me, especially the grace of a
vocation. I will hide myself among the sisters like a little violet among
lilies. I want to blossom for my Lord and Maker, to forget about myself, to
empty myself totally for the sake of immortal souls-this is my delight.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">226 The rules that I most often fail to obey: sometimes I
break silence; disobedience to the signal of the bell; sometimes I meddle in
other people's affairs. I will do my very best to improve.<br />
<br />
I will avoid sisters who grumble, and if they cannot be avoided, I will at
least keep silent before them, thus letting them know how sorry I am to hear
such things. I must take no heed of the opinion of others, but obey the
evidence of my own conscience and take God to be the witness of all my
actions. I must do everything and act in all matters now as I would like to
do and act at the hour of my death. For this reason, in every action I must
be mindful of God.<br />
<br />
Avoid presumed permissions.<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#67" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[67]</span></a> I must report [even] small things to my
superiors, and do so in as much detail as is possible. I must be faithful in
my spiritual exercises; I must not easily ask to be dispensed from them. I
must keep silence outside the time of recreation, and avoid jokes and witty
words that make others laugh and break silence. I must have great
appreciation for even the most minute rules. I must not let myself become
absorbed in the whirl of work, [but] take a break to look up to heaven. Speak
little with people, but a good deal with God. Avoid familiarity. I must pay
little attention as to who is for me and who is against me. I must not tell
others about those things I have had to put up with. I must avoid speaking
out loud to others during work. I must maintain peace and equanimity during
times of suffering. In difficult moments I must take refuge in the wounds of
Jesus; I must seek consolation, comfort, light and affirmation in the wounds
of Jesus. <br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">240 Three requests on the day of my perpetual vows. Jesus,
I know that today You will refuse me nothing.<br />
<br />
First request: Jesus, my most beloved Spouse, I beg You for the triumph of
the Church, particularly in Russia and in Spain; for blessings on the Holy
Father, Pius XI, and on all the clergy; for the grace of conversion for
impenitent sinners. And I ask You for a special blessing and for light, O
Jesus, for the priests before whom I will make my confessions throughout my
lifetime. <br />
<br />
Second request :I beg Your blessings on our Congregation, and may it be
filled with great zeal. Bless, O Jesus, our Mother General and our Mother
Directress, all the novices and all the superiors. Bless my dearest parents.
Bestow Your grace, O Jesus, on our wards; strengthen them so powerfully by
Your grace so that those who leave our houses will no longer offend You by
any sin. Jesus, I beg You for my homeland; protect it against the assaults of
its enemies. <br />
<br />
Third request:Jesus, I plead with You for the souls that are most in need of
prayer. I plead for the dying; be merciful to them. I also beg You, Jesus, to
free all souls from purgatory.<br />
<br />
Jesus, I commend to You these particular persons: My confessors, persons recommended
to my prayers, a certain person..., Father Andrasz, Father Czaputa, and the
priest I met in Vilnius [Father Sopocko], who is to be my confessor, a
certain soul... a certain priest, a certain religious<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#70" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[70]</span></a> to whom You know how much I owe, Jesus,
and all the people who have been recommended to my prayer. Jesus, on this day
You can do everything for those for whom I am pleading. For myself I ask,
Lord, transform me completely into Yourself, maintain in me a holy zeal for
Your glory, give me the grace and spiritual strength to do Your holy will in
all things.<br />
<br />
Thank You, o my dearest Bridegroom, for the dignity You have conferred on me,
and in particular for the royal coat-of-arms which will adorn me from this
day on and which even the Angels do not possess; namely, the cross, the sword
and the crown of thorns. But above all, O my Jesus, I thank You for Your
Heart-it is all I need.<br />
<br />
Mother of God, Most Holy Mary, my Mother, You are my Mother in a special way
now because Your beloved Son is my Bridegroom, and thus we are both Your
children. For Your Son's sake, You have to love me. O Mary, my dearest
Mother, guide my spiritual life in such a way that it will please Your Son.<br />
<br />
+Holy and Omnipotent God, at this moment of immense grace by which You are
uniting me with Yourself forever, I, mere nothingness, with the utmost
gratitude, cast myself at Your feet like a tiny, unknown flower and, each
day, the fragrance of that flower of love will ascend to Your throne.<br />
<br />
In times of struggle and suffering, of darkness and storm, of yearning and
sorrow, in times of difficult trials, in times when nobody will understand
me, when I will even be condemned and scorned by everyone, I will remember
the day of my perpetual vows, the day of God's incomprehensible grace.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">247 Jesus, Friend of a lonely
heart, You are my haven, You are my peace. You are my salvation, You are my
serenity in moments of struggle and amidst an ocean of doubts. You are the
bright ray that lights up the path of my life. You are everything to a lonely
soul. You understand the soul even though it remains silent. You know our
weaknesses, and like a good physician, You comfort and heal, sparing us
sufferings-expert that You are.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">248 The words of the Bishop
[Rospond<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#73" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[73]</span></a>], spoken at the
ceremony of the taking of perpetual vows: "Accept this candle as a sign
of heavenly light and of burning love." While giving the ring: "I
betroth you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father Most High; may He keep you
unblemished. Take this ring as a sign of the eternal covenant you are making
with Christ, the Spouse of Virgins. May it be for you the ring of faith and
the sign of the Holy Spirit, that you may be called the bride of Christ and,
if you serve Him faithfully, be crowned [as such] for all eternity. <br />
<br />
249 +Jesus, I trust in You; I trust in the ocean of your mercy. You are a
Mother to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">267 Jesus told me that I please
Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much
light falls upon my soul. He who wants to learn true humility should reflect
upon the Passion of Jesus. When I meditate upon the Passion of Jesus, I get a
clear understanding of many things I could not comprehend before. I want to
resemble You, O Jesus,-You crucified, tortured and humiliated. Jesus, imprint
upon my heart and soul Your own humility. I love You, Jesus, to the point of
madness, You who were crushed with suffering as described by the prophet [cf.
Isaiah 53:2-9], as if he could not see the human form in You because of Your
great suffering. It is in this condition, Jesus, that I love You to the point
of madness. O eternal and infinite God, what has love done to You?...</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously, this priest
had put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these
things of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast
of The Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me
and told me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at
eight, a brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father
had ordered me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there,
the good brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that
priests do not hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home
emptyhanded and did not go to confession to him again, but I made a whole
hour's adoration and took on certain mortifications for him, that he might
obtain light from God in order to know souls. But when Father Sopocko left,
and he substituted for him, I was forced to go to confession to him. Yet,
while previously he had been unwilling to acknowledge these inner inspirations,
he now put me under obligation to be faithful to them. God lets such things
happen sometimes, but may He be glorified in everything. Still, it requires
much grace not to falter.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">274 Jesus gave me the grace of
knowing myself. In this divine light I see my principal fault; it is pride
which takes the form of my closing up within myself and of a lack of
simplicity in my relations with Mother Superior [Irene]. <br />
<br />
The second light concerns speaking. I sometimes talk too much. A thing could
be settled in one or two words, and as for me, I take too much time about it.
But Jesus wants me to use that time to say some short indulgenced prayers for
the souls in purgatory. And the Lord says that every word will be weighed on
the day of judgment. <br />
<br />
The third light concerns our rules. I have not sufficiently avoided the
occasions that lead to breaking the rules, especially that of silence. I will
act as if the rule were written just for me; it should not affect me at all
how anyone else might act, as long as I myself act as God wishes.<br />
<br />
Resolution. Whatever Jesus demands of me regarding external things, I will
immediately go and tell my superiors. I shall strive for childlike openness
and frankness in my relations with the superior.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">279 God made known to me what true
love consists in and gave light to me about how, in practice, to give proof
of it to Him. True love of God consists in carrying out God's will. To show
God our love in what we do, all our actions, even the least, must spring from
our love of God. And the Lord said to me, My child, you please Me most by
suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter,
do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering
to be pure and unadulterated. I want you to detach yourself, not only from
creatures, but also from yourself. My daughter, I want to delight in the love
of your heart, a pure love, virginal, unblemished, untarnished. The more you
will come to love suffering, My daughter, the purer your love for Me will be.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">295 +At that moment Jesus asked me, <b>My child, how is
your retreat going?</b> I answered, "But Jesus, You know how it is
going." <b>Yes, I know, but I want to hear it from your own lips and
from your heart.</b> "O my Master, when You are leading me, everything goes
smoothly, and I ask You, Lord, to never leave my side." And Jesus said,<b>
Yes, I will be with you always, if you always remain a little child and fear
nothing. As I was your beginning here, so I will also be your end. Do not
rely on creatures, even in the smallest things, because this displeases Me. I
want to be alone in your soul. I will give light and strength to your soul,
and you will learn from My representative that I am in you, and your
uncertainty will vanish like mist before the rays of the sun.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">296 +O Supreme Good, I want to love You as no one on earth
has ever loved You before! I want to adore You with every moment of my life
and unite my will closely to Your holy will. My life is not drab or
monotonous, but it is varied like a garden of fragrant flowers, so that I
don't know which flower to pick first, the lily of suffering or the rose of
love of neighbor or the violet of humility. I will not enumerate these
treasures in which my every day abounds. It is a great thing to know how to
make use of the present moment. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">297 +Jesus, Supreme Light, grant me the grace of knowing
myself, and pierce my dark soul with Your light, and fill the abyss of my
soul with Your own self, for You alone [...]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 <b>+Ask of my faithful servant
[Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of My great
mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted
complete remission of sins and punishment.<br />
<br />
+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.<br />
<br />
+Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am
Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My
Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My
Goodness.<br />
<br />
My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">301 <b>Proclaim that mercy is the
greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.</b>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">302 +O Eternal Love, I want all
the souls You have created to come to know You. I would like to be a priest,
for then I would speak without cease about Your mercy to sinful souls drowned
in despair. I would like to be a missionary and carry the light of faith to
savage nations in order to make You known to souls, and to be completely
consumed for them and to die a martyr's death, just as You died for them and
for me. O Jesus, I know only too well that I can be a priest, a missionary, a
preacher, and that I can die a martyr's death by completely emptying myself
and denying myself for love of You, O Jesus, and of immortal souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">303 Great love can change small things into great ones,
and it is only love which lends value to our actions. And the purer our love
becomes, the less there will be within us for the flames of suffering to feed
upon, and the suffering will cease to be a suffering for us; it will become a
delight! By the grace of God, I have received such a disposition of heart
that I am never so happy as when I suffer for Jesus, whom I love with every
beat of my heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once when I was suffering greatly, I left my work and
escaped to Jesus and asked Him to give me His strength. After a very short
prayer I returned to my work filled with enthusiasm and joy. Then, one of the
sisters [probably Sister Justine] said to me, "You must have many
consolations today, Sister; you look so radiant. Surely, God is giving you no
suffering, but only consolations." "You are greatly mistaken,
Sister," I answered, "for it is precisely when I suffer much that
my joy is greater; and when I suffer less, my joy also is less."
However, that soul was letting me recognize that she does not understand what
I was saying. I tried to explain to her that when we suffer much we have a
great chance to show God that we love Him; but when we suffer little we have
less occasion to show God our love; and when we do not suffer at all, our
love is then neither great nor pure. By the grace of God, we can attain a
point where suffering will become a delight to us, for love can work such
things in pure souls.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">306 I asked the Lord to grant me the grace that my nature
be immune and resist the influences that sometimes try to draw me away from
the spirit of our rule and from the minor regulations. These minor
transgressions are like little moths that try to destroy the spiritual life
within us, and they surely will destroy it if the soul is aware of these
minor transgressions and yet disregards them as small things. I can see
nothing that is small in the religious life. Little matter if I am sometimes
the object of vexation and jeers, as long as my spirit remains in harmony
with the spirit of the rules, the vows and the religious statutes.<br />
<br />
O my Jesus, delight of my heart, You know my desires. I should like to hide
from people's sight so as to be like one alive and yet not living. I want to
live pure as a wild flower; I want my love always to be turned to You, just
as a flower that is always turning to the sun. I want the fragrance and the
freshness of the flower of my heart to be always preserved for You alone. I
want to live beneath Your divine gaze, for You alone are enough for me. When I
am with You, Jesus, I fear nothing, for nothing can do me harm.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">346 December 24, 1934. The Vigil
of Christmas. During the morning Mass, I felt the closeness of God. Though I
was hardly aware of it, my spirit was drowned in God. Suddenly, I heard these
words:<b>You are My delightful dwelling place; My Spirit rests in you. </b>After
these words, I felt the Lord looking into the depths of my heart; and seeing
my misery, I humbled myself in spirit and admired the immense mercy of God,
that the Most High Lord would approach such misery.<br />
<br />
During Holy Communion, joy filled my soul. I felt that I am closely united to
the Godhead. His omnipotence enveloped my whole being. Throughout the whole
day I felt the closeness of God in a special manner; and although my duties
prevented me throughout the whole day from going to chapel even for a moment,
there was not a moment when I was not united with God. I felt Him within me
more distinctly than ever. Unceasingly greeting the Mother of God and
entering into Her spirit, I begged Her to teach me true love of God. And then
I heard these words:<i> I will share with you the secret of My happiness this
night during Holy Mass. </i><br />
<br />
We had supper before six o'clock. Despite all the joy and the external noise
accompanying the sharing of the wafer and the mutual exchange of good wishes,
I did not for a moment lose the awareness of God's presence. After supper we
hurried away to finish our work, and at nine I was able to go to the chapel
for adoration. I was allowed to stay up and wait for the Midnight Mass. I was
delighted to have free time from nine until midnight. From nine to ten
o'clock I offered my adoration for my parents and my whole family. From ten
to eleven, I offered it for the intention of my spiritual director, in the
first place thanking God for granting me this great visible help here on
earth, just as He had promised me, and I also asked God to grant him the
necessary light so that he could get to know my soul and guide me according
to God's good pleasure. And from eleven to twelve I prayed for the Holy
Church and the clergy, for sinners, for the missions and for our houses. I
offered the indulgences for the souls in purgatory.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">359 January 10, 1935. +Thursday. In the evening during
benediction,<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#85" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[85]</span></a> such thoughts as
these began to distress me: Is not perhaps all this that I am saying about
God's great mercy just a lie or an illusion...? And I wanted to think about
this for a while, when I heard a strong and clear inner voice saying,<b>
Everything that you say about My goodness is true; language has no adequate
expression to extol My goodness. </b>These words were so filled with power
and so clear that I would give my life in declaring they came from God. I can
tell this by the profound peace that accompanied them at that time and that
still remains with me. This peace gives me such great strength and power that
all difficulties, adversities, sufferings, and death itself are as nothing.
This light gave me a glimpse of the truth that all my efforts to bring souls
to know the mercy of the Lord are very pleasing to God. And from this springs
such great joy in my soul that I do not know whether it could be any greater
in heaven. Oh, if souls would only be willing to listen, at least a little,
to the voice of conscience and the voice that is, the inspirations-of the
Holy Spirit! I say "at least a little," because once we open
ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit, He himself will fulfill what
is lacking in us.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">365 My spiritual director
replaced it with an interior mortification; namely, throughout Holy Mass I
was to meditate on why the Lord Jesus had submitted to being baptized. The
meditation was no mortification for me, for thinking about God is a delight
and not a mortification; but there was a mortification of the will in that I
was not doing [simply] what I like, but what I was told to do, and it is in
this that interior mortification consists. When I left the confessional and
started to recite my penance, I heard these words: <b>I have granted the
grace you asked for on behalf of that soul, but not because of the
mortification you chose for yourself. Rather, it was because of your act of
complete obedience to My representative that I granted this grace to that
soul for whom you interceded and begged mercy. Know that when you mortify
your own self-will, then Mine reigns within you. </b><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">366 O my Jesus, be patient with
me. I will be more careful in the future. I will rely, not upon myself, but
upon Your grace and Your very great goodness to miserable me. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">367 +On one occasion, Jesus
gave me to know that when I pray for intentions which people are wont to
entrust to me, He is always ready to grant His graces, but souls do not
always want to accept them: <b>My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls,
and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the
best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water
flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell
in the tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow My graces upon souls,
but they do not want to accept them. You, at least, come to Me as often as
possible and take these graces they do not want to accept. In this way you
will console My Heart. Oh, how indifferent are souls to so much goodness, to
so many proofs of love! My Heart drinks only of the ingratitude and
forgetfulness of souls living in the world. They have time for everything,
but they have no time to come to Me for graces.<br />
<br />
So I turn to you, you-chosen souls, will you also fail to understand the love
of My Heart? Here, too, My Heart finds disappointment; I do not find complete
surrender to My love. So many reservations, so much distrust, so much
caution. To comfort you, let Me tell you that there are souls living in the
world who love Me dearly. I dwell In their hearts with delight. But they are
few. In convents too, there are souls that fill My Heart with joy. They bear
My features; therefore the Heavenly Father looks upon them with special
pleasure. They will be a marvel to Angels and men. Their number is very
small. They are a defense for the world before the justice of the Heavenly
Father and a means of obtaining mercy for the world. The love and sacrifice
of these souls sustain the world in existence. The infidelity of a soul
specially chosen by Me wounds My Heart most painfully. Such infidelities are
swords which pierce My Heart.</b> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">392 The Lord God grants His graces in two ways: by
inspiration and by enlightenment. If we ask God for a grace, He will give it
to us; but let us be willing to accept it. And in order to accept it,
self-denial is needed. Love does not consist in words or feelings, but in
deeds. It is an act of the will; it is a gift; that is to say, a giving. The
reason, the will, the heart-these three faculties must be exercised during
prayer. I will rise from the dead in Jesus, but first I must live in Him. If
I do not separate myself from the Cross, then the Gospel will be revealed in
me. Jesus in me makes up for all my deficiencies. His grace operates without
ceasing. The Holy Trinity grants me Its life abundantly, by the gift of the
Holy Spirit. The Three Divine Persons live in me. When God loves, He loves
with all His Being, with all the power of His Being. If God has loved me in
this way, how should I respond I, His spouse?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">410 O eternal and incomprehensible
Love, I beg You for one grace: enlighten my mind with light from on high;
help me to know and appreciate all things according to their value. I feel
the greatest joy in my soul when I come to know the truth.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">439 Then came the moment to
receive Holy Communion, and Jesus disappeared, and I saw a great brightness.
Then I heard these words: <b>We give Our blessing,</b> and at that moment a
bright ray issued from that light and pierced my heart; an extraordinary fire
was enkindled in my soul-I thought I would die of joy and happiness. I felt
the separation of my spirit from my body. I felt totally immersed in God, I
felt I was snatched up by the Almighty, like a particle of dust, into unknown
expanses.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">462 Now I understand well that
what unites our soul most closely to God is self-denial; that is, joining our
will to the will of God. This is what makes the soul truly free, contributes
to profound recollection of the spirit, and makes all life's burdens light,
and death sweet.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">495 Jesus, Eternal Light, enlighten my mind, strengthen my
will, inflame my heart and be with me as You have promised, for without You I
am nothing. You know, Jesus, how weak lam. l do not need to tell You this,
for You yourself know perfectly well how wretched I am. It is in You that all
my strength lies.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">499
Each battle valiantly fought brings me joy, peace, light, experience and
courage for the future; honor and glory to God; and in the end, for me, a
reward. <br />
Today is the Feast of Christ the King. <br />
[October 27, 1935]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">507 I desire, O my Jesus, to
suffer and burn with the flame of Your love in all the circumstances of my
life. I am Yours, completely Yours, and I wish to disappear in You, O Jesus,
I wish to be lost in Your divine beauty. You pursue me with Your love, O
Lord; You penetrate my soul like a ray of the sun and change its darkness
into Your light. I feel very vividly that I am living in You as one small
spark swallowed up by the incomprehensible fire with which You burn, O
inconceivable Trinity! No greater joy is to be found than that of loving God.
Already here on earth we can taste the happiness of those in heaven by an
intimate union with God, a union that is extraordinary and often quite
incomprehensible to us. One can attain this very grace through simple
faithfulness of soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">511 When my intentions are not
recognized, but rather condemned, I am not too much surprised, for I know
that it is only God who scrutinizes my heart. Truth will not die; the wounded
heart will regain peace in due time, and my spirit is strengthened through
adversities. I do not always listen to what my heart tells me, but I keep
asking God for light; and when I feel l have regained my equilibrium, then I
say more.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">733 It
sometimes happens, while I am listening to the meditation, that one word puts
me in very close union with the Lord, and I no longer know what Father <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#144" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[144]</span></a> is saying. I know that I am close to the
most merciful Heart of Jesus; my whole spirit is entirely plunged in Him, and
in one moment I learn more than during long hours of intellectual inquiry and
meditation. These are sudden lights which permit me to know things as God
sees them, regarding matters of both the interior and the exterior world.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">813 + O
merciful Jesus, stretched on the cross, be mindful of the hour of our death.
O most merciful Heart of Jesus, opened with a lance, shelter me at the last
moment of my life. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of
Jesus as a fount of unfathomable mercy for me at the hour of my death, O
dying Jesus, Hostage of mercy, avert the Divine wrath at the hour of my
death.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">825 + O bright and clear day on
which all my dreams will be fulfilled; O day so eagerly desired, the last day
of my life! I look forward with joy to the last stroke the Divine Artist will
trace on my soul, which will give my soul a unique beauty that will
distinguish me from the beauty of other souls. O great day, on which divine
love will be confirmed in me. On that day, for the first time, I shall sing
before heaven and earth the song of the Lord's fathomless mercy. This is my
work and the mission which the Lord has destined for me from the beginning of
the world. That the song of my soul may be pleasing to the Holy Trinity, do
You, O Spirit of God, direct and form my soul yourself. I arm myself with
patience and await Your coming, O merciful God, and as to the terrible pains
and fear of death, at this moment more than at any other time, I trust in the
abyss of Your mercy and am reminding You, O merciful Jesus, sweet Savior, of
all the promises You have made to me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">832 O merciful Jesus, how
longingly You hurried to the Upper Room to consecrate the Host that I am to
receive in my life. Jesus, You desired to dwell in my heart. Your living
Blood unites with mine. Who can understand this close union? My heart
encloses within itself the Almighty, the Infinite One. 0 Jesus, continue to
grant me Your divine life. Let Your pure and noble Blood throb with all its
might in my heart. I give You my whole being. Transform me into Yourself and
make me capable of doing Your holy will in all things and of returning Your
love. O my sweet Spouse, You know that my heart knows no one but You. You
have opened up in my heart an insatiable depth of love for You. From the very
first moment it knew You, my heart has loved You and has lost itself in You
as its one and only object. May Your pure and omnipotent love be the driving
force of all my actions. Who will ever conceive and understand the depth of
mercy that has gushed forth from Your Heart?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">836 O
most sweet Jesus, who have deigned to allow miserable me to gain a knowledge
of Your unfathomable mercy; O most sweet Jesus, who have graciously demanded
that I tell the whole world of Your incomprehensible mercy, this day I take
into my hands the two rays that spring from Your merciful Heart; that is, the
Blood and the Water; and I scatter them all over the globe so that each soul
may receive Your mercy and, having received it, may glorify it for endless
ages. O most sweet Jesus who, in Your incomprehensible kindness, have deigned
to unite my wretched heart to Your most merciful Heart, it is with Your own
Heart that I glorify God, our Father, as no soul has ever glorified Him
before. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">853 In
the evening, a great longing took possession of my soul. I took the pamphlet
with the Image of the Merciful Jesus on it and pressed it to my heart, and
the following words burst forth from my soul: "Jesus, Eternal Love, I
live for You, I die for You, and I want to become united with You."
Suddenly I saw the Lord in His inexpressible beauty. He looked at me
graciously and said,<b> My daughter, I too came down from heaven out of love
for you; I lived for you, I died for you, and I created the heavens for you. </b>And
Jesus pressed me to His Heart and said to me, <b>Very soon now; be at peace,
My daughter.</b>When I was alone, my soul was set afire with the desire to
suffer until the moment when the Lord would say, "Enough." And even
if I were to live for thousands of years, I see in the light of God that that
is but one moment. Souls ...[unfinished thought].</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">854
December 29, [1936]. Today after Holy Communion, I heard a voice in my soul: <b>My
daughter, stand ready, for I will come unexpectedly. </b>Jesus, You do not
want to tell me the hour I am looking forward to with such longing?<b> My
daughter, it is for your own good. You will learn it, but not now; keep
watch. </b>O Jesus, do with me as You please. I know You are the merciful
Savior and You will not change towards me at the hour of my death. If at this
time you are showing me so much special love, and are condescending to unite
Yourself with me is such an intimate way and with such great kindness, I
expect even more at the hour of my death. You, my Lord-God, cannot change.
You are always the same. Heaven can change, as well as everything that is
created; but You, Lord, are ever the same and will endure forever. So come as
You like and when You like. Father of infinite mercy, I, Your child, wait
longingly for Your coming. O Jesus, You said in the Holy Gospel, "Out of
your mouth do I judge you." Well, Jesus, I am always speaking of Your
inconceivable mercy, so I trust that You will judge me according to Your unfathomable
mercy.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">886 January 15, 1937. Sorrow will
not establish itself in a heart which loves the will of God. My heart,
longing for God, feels the whole misery of exile. I keep going forward
bravely-though my feet become wounded-to my homeland and, on the way, I
nourish myself on the will of God. It is my food. Help me, happy inhabitants
of the heavenly homeland, so that your sister may not falter on the way.
Although the desert is fearful, I walk with lifted head and eyes fixed on the
sun; that is to say, on the merciful Heart of Jesus.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">893
January 22, [1937]. Today is Friday. My soul is in a sea of suffering.
Sinners have taken everything away from me. But that is all right; I have
given everything away for their sake that they might know that You are good
and infinitely merciful. I shall be faithful to You, come rain or shine.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">906 + In difficult moments, I
will fix my gaze upon the silent Heart of Jesus, stretched upon the Cross,
and from the exploding flames of His merciful Heart, will flow down upon me
power and strength to keep fighting.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">938 The
soul should have prayed ardently and at greater length for a director and
should have asked the Lord himself to choose a spiritual director for it.
What begins in God will be godly, and what begins in a purely human manner
will remain human. God is so merciful that, in order to help a soul He
himself chooses the spiritual guide and will enlighten the soul concerning
the one before whom it should uncover the most hidden depths of its soul just
as it sees itself before the Lord Jesus himself. And when the soul considers
and recognizes that God has been arranging all this, it should pray fervently
for the confessor that he might have the divine light to know it well. And
let it not change such a director except for a serious reason. Just as it had
prayed fervently and at great length in order to learn God's will before
choosing a director, so too should it pray fervently and at great length to
discern whether it is truly God's will that he leave this director and choose
another. If God's will is not absolutely clear, he should not make this
change, for a person will not go far by himself, and Satan wants just this:
to have the person who is aspiring for sanctity direct himself because then,
without doubt, he will never attain it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1065 + My
Jesus, support me when difficult and stormy days come, days of testing, days
of ordeal, when suffering and fatigue begin to oppress my body and my soul.
Sustain me, Jesus, and give me strength to bear suffering. Set a guard upon my
lips that they may address no word of complaint to creatures. Your most
merciful Heart is all my hope. I have nothing for my defense but only Your
mercy; in it lies all my trust.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1074 When
I went for adoration, I heard these words: <b>My beloved daughter, write down
these words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent </b>[the Cracow
house]<b>. Tell the world about My mercy and My love.<br />
<br />
The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human
souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!<br />
<br />
My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy.
I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My
merciful Heart, and I will fill it -with peace. <br />
<br />
Tell </b>[all people]<b>, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When
a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces
that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls. </b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1075 <b>Souls
who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a
tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for
them, but the Merciful Savior. At that last hour, a soul has nothing with
which to defend itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime
immersed itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold
on it. </b><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1076 <b>Write
this: Everything that exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more
deeply than an infant in its mother's womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness
wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1122 God of great mercy, who
deigned to send us Your only begotten Son as the greatest proof of Your
fathomless love and mercy, You do not reject sinners; but in Your boundless
mercy You have opened for them also Your treasures, treasures from which they
can draw abundantly, not only justification, but also all the sanctity that a
soul can attain. Father of great mercy, I desire that all hearts turn with
confidence to Your infinite mercy. No one will be justified before You if he
is not accompanied by Your unfathomable mercy. When You reveal the mystery of
Your mercy to us, there will not be enough of eternity to properly thank You
for it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1138 May 31. My tormented soul
finds aid nowhere but in You, O Living Host. I place all my trust in Your
merciful heart. I am waiting patiently for Your word, Lord.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1155 The Lord gave me knowledge
of His will under three aspects, so to speak, but it all comes down to one.
[198]<br />
<br />
The first is that souls separated from the world will burn as an offering
before God's throne and beg for mercy for the whole world... and by their
entreaties they will obtain blessings for priests, and through their prayers
prepare the world for the final coming of Jesus.<br />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1156 The second is prayer joined
to the act of mercy. In particular, they will defend the souls of children
against the spirit of evil. Prayer and merciful deeds are all that will be
required of these souls, and even the poorest persons can be admitted to
their number. And in this egoistic world they will try to rouse up love, the
mercy of Jesus. <br />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1157 The third is prayer and
deeds of mercy, without any obligation of taking vows. But by doing this,
these persons will have a share in all the merits and privileges of the whole
[congregation]. Everyone in the world can belong to this group.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1158 A
member of this group ought to perform at least one act of mercy a day; at
least one, but there can be many more, for such deeds can easily be carried
out by anyone, even the very poorest. For there are three ways of performing
an act of mercy: the merciful word, by forgiving and by comforting; secondly,
if you can offer no word, then pray-that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of
mercy. And when the Last Day comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this
basis we shall receive the eternal verdict. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1159
God's floodgates have been opened for us. Let us want to take advantage of
them before the day of God's justice arrives. And that will be a dreadful
day!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1177
Particular examen.<br />
<br />
Continuation of the same: to unite myself with the merciful Christ. For the
sake of His sorrowful Passion, I will entreat the heavenly Father for the
whole world. A point of the rule: strict observance of silence.<br />
<br />
I must probe the depth of my being and thank God for everything, uniting
myself with Jesus. With Him, in Him, and through Him, I give glory to God. <br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1178 O
Lord, my Love, I thank You for this day on which You have allowed me to draw
a wealth of graces from the fountain of Your unfathomable mercy. O Jesus, not
only today, but at every moment, I draw from Your unfathomable mercy
everything that the soul and body could want.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1183 O Jesus, I want to live in the present
moment, to live as if this were the last day of my life. I want to use every
moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance
for the benefit of my soul. I want to look upon everything, from the point of
view that nothing happens without the will of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FIL-PH" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1184 On an earlier occasion.<br />
<br />
In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet and
side, the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to me, <b>All
this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are
doing for their salvation. </b>I answered, "Jesus, when I look at Your
suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the salvation of
souls." And the Lord said to me, <b>Know, My daughter, that your silent
day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers many souls into
heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds your strength,
contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and judgment.
Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things.</b> I
understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-16, 18, 27, 30, 50, 67, 72, 75, 83-85,
95)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-98-99, 103, 109-110, 112, 115, 129)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-131, 140, 145, 147, 157, 161, 164,
166)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-173, 177-178, 180, 186-187, 195, 205)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-206, 211, 223-224, 226, 240, 247-249)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-267, 272, 274, 279, 295-297, 300-303)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-306, 346, 359, 365-367, 392, 410, 439)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-462, 495, 499, 507, 511)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-733, 813, 825, 832, 836, 853-854,
886)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-893, 906, 938)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1065, 1074-1076, 1122, 1138, 1155)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1156-1159, 1177-1178, 1183-1184)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866</span></a></span></u></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/semanal.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=866http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background: white;">http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml</span></span></a></span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4402406962792152300.post-46566355064996883792020-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:002020-01-31T06:40:40.891-08:00On the Way There-Divine Mercy Miracles Meditations<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kuh6bCPHLjc/XjQ757OxlNI/AAAAAAAAYWk/aiV2sy4dq94DpUuOZYcaBYMPol7kAuVJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/40ordinarioB12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="472" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kuh6bCPHLjc/XjQ757OxlNI/AAAAAAAAYWk/aiV2sy4dq94DpUuOZYcaBYMPol7kAuVJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/40ordinarioB12.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the Way There</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">February 1, 2020. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark 4:35-41</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On that day, as evening drew on, he
said to them, "Let us cross to the other side." Leaving the crowd,
they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with
him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it
was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke
him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"
The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you
terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" They were filled with great awe and
said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introductory Prayer:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord,
I believe that You are in my boat. I want a stronger faith in You. I trust that
You will lead me, sinful though I am, to Your good harbor. I love You for
always accompanying me in this life.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Petition:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord,
help me to grow in faith.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Crossing to the Other Side:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> We know that we will not remain on earth forever. There is
another shore that is our home. Christ has come to remind us of this and show
us how to get to that place. Do I take Christ into my boat and let him indicate
what I must do in my life? Or do I hold myself back, not accepting the
adventure of putting out into the deep with Christ? What is it that holds me
back?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Teacher, We Are Perishing!</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Christ allows our boat to be tossed by difficulties that
sometimes seem insurmountable. Having him in our boat is not a guarantee that
things will go smoothly. We need to discover that he is working in the midst of
difficulties. We need to ask what he is teaching us. If in the midst of trials
we are drawing closer to him, there can be a real grace working. Yet many times
we find that we let our confidence in him slip when things get rough. We have
not yet learned that “all things work together for good for those who love God”
(Romans 8:28).</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. The Lord of the Wind and the Sea:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> We need to keep in mind that Christ has the ultimate
victory. He allows difficulties so that we can grow in abandoning ourselves to
him. When life hurts and it makes no sense, we need to deepen our faith in the
One who has conquered sin and death. He will write the final chapter in our
life. He will bring us to the safe harbor. We can bolster our faith in him
today by keeping our eyes on his promises and his presence. We can renew our
confidence that he will not let our prayers go unanswered but will respond in
his time with a power and efficacy beyond what we expect. In continuing to sail
this boat in the midst of the storm, we are giving him the total control over
our destiny. We can be in no safer hands.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conversation with Christ:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord,
I know that when You allow difficulties in my life You are trying to strengthen
my faith and make me see that I need to turn to You. Help me take advantage of
these difficulties so I might abandon myself more totally to You. I want to
learn to trust You as the Lord of my life. Bring me to safe harbor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resolution:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will analyze one of the greater difficulties in my life and see where I need to
apply greater trust in God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #860000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt;">Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">24 One day, just as I had awakened,
when I was putting myself in the presence of God, I was suddenly overwhelmed by
despair. Complete darkness in the soul. I fought as best I could till noon. In
the afternoon, truly deadly fears began to seize me; my physical strength began
to leave me. I went quickly to my cell, fell on my knees before the Crucifix
and began to cry out for mercy. But Jesus did not hear my cries. I felt my
physical strength leave me completely. I fell to the ground, despair flooding
my whole soul. I suffered terrible tortures in no way different from the
torments of hell. I was in this state for three quarters of an hour. I wanted
to go and see the Directress, but was too weak. I wanted to shout but I had no
voice. Fortunately, one of the sisters [another novice, Sister Placida Putyra]
came into my cell. Finding me in such a strange condition, she immediately told
the Directress about it. Mother came at once. As soon as she entered the cell
she said, "In the name of holy obedience <a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#16" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[16]</span></a> get up from the ground." Immediately
some force raised me up from the ground and I stood up, close to the dear
Mother Directress. With kindly words she began to explain to me that this was a
trial sent to me by God, saying, "Have great confidence; God is always our
Father, even when He sends us trials."<br />
<br />
I returned to my duties as if I had come out from the tomb, my senses saturated
with what my soul had experienced. During the evening service, my soul began to
agonize again in a terrible darkness. I felt that I was in the power of the
Just God, and that I was the object of His indignation. During these terrible
moments I said to God, "Jesus, who in the Gospel compare Yourself to a
most tender mother," I trust in Your words because You are Truth and Life.
In spite of everything, Jesus, I trust in You in the face of every interior
sentiment which sets itself against hope. Do what You want with me; I will
never leave You, because You are the source of my life." Only one who has
lived through similar moments can understand how terrible is this torment of
the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">77 My mind became dimmed in a
strange way; no truth seemed clear to me. When people spoke to me about God, my
heart was like a rock. I could not draw from it a single sentiment of love for
Him. When I tried, by an act of the will, to remain close to Him, I experienced
great torments, and it seemed to me that I was only provoking God to an even
greater anger. It was absolutely impossible for me to meditate as I had been
accustomed to do in the past. I felt in my soul a great void, and there was
nothing with which I could fill it. I began to suffer from a great hunger and
yearning for God, but I saw my utter powerlessness. I tried to read slowly, sentence
by sentence, and to meditate in this way, but this also was of no avail. I
understood nothing of what I had read.<br />
<br />
The abyss of my misery was constantly before my eyes. Every time I entered the
chapel for some spiritual exercise, I experienced even worse torments and
temptations. More than once, all through Holy Mass, I had to struggle against
blasphemous thoughts which were forcing themselves to my lips. I felt an
aversion for the Holy Sacraments, and it seemed to me that I was not profiting
from them in any way. It was only out of obedience to my confessor that I
frequented them, and this blind obedience was for me the only path I could
follow and my very last hope of survival. The priest explained to me that these
were trials sent by God and that, in the situation I was in, not only was I not
offending God, but I was most pleasing to Him. "This is a sign," he
told me, "that God loves you very much and that He has great confidence in
you, since He is sending you such trials." But these words brought me no
comfort; it seemed to me that they did not apply to me at all.<br />
<br />
One thing did surprise me: it often happened that, at the time when I was
suffering greatly, these terrible torments would disappear suddenly just as I
was approaching the confessional; but as soon as I had left the confessional,
all these torments would again seize me with even greater ferocity. I would
then fall on my face before the Blessed Sacrament repeating these words:
"Even if You kill me, still will I trust in You!" [cf. Job 13:15] It
seemed to me that I would die in these agonies. But the most terrible thought
for me was the conviction that I had been rejected by God. Then other thoughts
came to me: why strive to acquire virtues and do good works? why mortify and
annihilate yourself? what good is it to take vows? to pray? to sacrifice and
immolate yourself? why sacrifice myself all the time? what good is it - if I am
already rejected by God? why all these efforts? And here, God alone knew what
was going on in my heart.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">94 O my Lord, inflame my heart with
love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the
sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">96 +Trials sent by God to a soul
which is particularly loved by Him.<br />
<br />
Temptations and darkness; Satan. The soul's love [for God] is still not such as
God would have it. The soul suddenly loses the tangible perception of God's
presence. Various defects and imperfections rise up within it, and it must
fight them furiously. All her faults lift up their heads, but the soul's
vigilance is great. The former awareness of the presence of God gives place to
coldness and spiritual dryness; the soul has no taste for spiritual exercises;
it cannot pray, either in the old way, or in the manner in which it had just
begun to pray. It struggles this way and that, but can find no satisfaction.
God has hidden himself from it, and it can find no consolation in creatures,
nor can any of these creatures find a way of consoling it. The soul craves
passionately for God, but sees its own misery; it begins to sense God's
justice; it seems to it that it has lost all the gifts that God had given it;
its mind is dimmed, and darkness fills it; unspeakable torment begins. The soul
tries to explain its state to the confessor, but it is not understood and is
assailed by an even greater unrest. Satan begins his work. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">97 Faith staggers under the impact;
the struggle is fierce. The soul tries hard to cling to God by an act of will.
With God's permission, Satan goes even further: hope and love are put to the
test. These temptations are terrible. God supports the soul in secret, so to
speak. The soul is not aware of this, but otherwise it would be impossible to
stand firm; and God knows very well how much He can allow to befall a soul. The
soul is tempted to unbelief in respect to revealed truths and to insincerity
toward the confessor. Satan says to it, "Look, no one understands you; why
speak about all this?" Words that terrify it sound in its ears, and it
seems to the soul that it is uttering these against God. It sees what it does
not want to see. It hears what it does not want to hear. And, oh, it is a
terrible thing at times like these not to have an experienced confessor! The
soul carries the whole burden alone. However, one should make every effort to
find, if it is at all possible, a well-informed confessor, for the soul can
collapse under the burden and come to the very edge of the precipice. All these
trials are heavy and difficult. God does not send them to a soul which has not
already been admitted to a deeper intimacy with Him and which has not yet
tasted the divine delights. Besides, in this God has His own plans, which for
us are impenetrable. God often prepares a soul in this way for His future
designs and great works. He wants to try it as pure gold is tried. But this is
not yet the end of the testing; there is still the trial of trials, the
complete abandonment of the soul by God.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ The Trial of Trials, Complete
Abandonment - Despair <br />
<br />
98 When the soul comes out victorious from the preceding trials, even though it
may stumble here and there, it fights on valiantly, humbly calling upon God,
"Save me, I am perishing!" And it is still able to fight on.<br />
<br />
At this point, however, the soul is engulfed in a horrible night. It sees
within itself only sin. It feels terrible. It sees itself completely abandoned
by God. It feels itself to be the object of His hatred. It is but one step away
from despair. The soul does its best to defend itself; it tries to stir up its
confidence; but prayer is an even greater torment for it, as this prayer seems
to arouse God to an even greater anger. The soul finds itself poised on the
summit of a lofty mountain on the very brink of a precipice.<br />
<br />
The soul is drawn to God, but feels repulsed. All other sufferings and tortures
in the world are as nothing compared with this sensation into which it has been
plunged; namely, that of being rejected by God. No one can bring it any relief;
it finds itself completely alone; there is no one to defend it. It raises its
eyes to heaven, but is convinced that this is not for her-for her all is lost.
It falls deeper and deeper from darkness to darkness, and it seems to it that
it has lost forever the God it used to love so dearly. This thought is torture
beyond all description. But the soul does not agree to it and tries to lift its
gaze toward heaven, but in vain! And this makes the torture even more intense.<br />
<br />
If God wishes to keep the soul in such darkness, no one will be able to give it
light. It experiences rejection by God in a vivid and terrifying manner. From
its heart burst forth painful moans, so painful that no priest will comprehend
it, unless he himself has been through these trials. In the midst of this, the
evil spirit adds to the soul's suffering, mocking it: "Will you persist in
your faithfulness? This is your reward; you are in our power!" But Satan
has only as much influence over the soul as God allows him, and God knows how
much we can bear. "What have you gotten out of your mortifications,"
says Satan, "and out of your fidelity to the rule? What use are all these
efforts? You have been <i>rejected</i> by God!" This word, rejected,
becomes a fire which penetrates every nerve to the marrow of the bone. It
pierces right through her entire being. The ordeal reaches its climax. The soul
no longer looks for help anywhere. It shrinks into itself and loses sight of
everything; it is as though it has accepted the torture of being abandoned.
This is a moment for which I have no words. This is the agony of the soul.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">105 However, in all these sufferings
and struggles, I was not omitting Holy Communion. When it seemed to me that I
should not communicate, I went, before Holy Communion, to the Directress and
told her that I could not approach the Sacrament, because it seemed to me that
I should not do so. But she would not permit me to omit Holy Communion, so I
went, and I understand now that it was only obedience that saved me.<br />
<br />
The Directress herself told me later that my trials had passed quickly,
"and this solely because you were obedient, Sister; and it was through the
power of obedience that you struggled through this so bravely." It is true
that it was the Lord himself who brought me out of this torment, but my
fidelity to obedience did please Him.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">109 After such sufferings the soul
finds itself in a state of great purity of spirit and very close to God. But I
should add that during these spiritual torments it is close to God, but it is
blind. The soul's vision is plunged into darkness, and though God is nearer than
ever to the soul which is suffering, the whole secret consists in the fact that
it knows nothing of this. The soul in fact declares that, not only has God
abandoned it, but it is the object of His hatred. With how great a malady are
they eyes of the soul afflicted! When struck by divine light, the soul affirms
that this light does not exist, although it is precisely because this divine
light is so bright that it is blinded. Yet despite all, I learned later that
God is closer to a soul at such moments than at others, because it would not be
able to endure these trials with the help of ordinary grace alone. God's
omnipotence and an extraordinary grace must be active here, for otherwise the
soul would succumb at the first blow.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">112 +A few words about confession
and confessors. I shall speak only of what I have experienced and gone through
within my own soul. There are three things which hinder the soul from drawing
profit from confession in these exceptional moments.<br />
<br />
The first thing: when the confessor has little knowledge of extraordinary ways
and shows surprise if a soul discloses to him the great mysteries worked in it
by God. Such surprise frightens a sensitive soul, and it notices that the
confessor hesitates to give his opinion; and if it does notice this, it will
not be set at peace, but will have even more doubts after confession than
before, because it will sense that the confessor is trying to set it at peace
while he himself is uncertain. Or else, as has happened to me, a confessor,
unable to penetrate some of the soul's mysteries, refuses to hear the
confession, showing a certain fear when the soul approaches the confessional.<br />
<br />
How can a soul in this state obtain peace in the confessional when it has
become so oversensitive to every word of the priest? In my opinion, at times of
such special trials sent by God to a soul, the priest, if he does not
understand the soul, should direct it to some other experienced and
well-instructed confessor. Or else he himself should seek light in order to
give the soul what it needs, instead of downrightly denying it confession. For
in this way he is exposing the soul to a great danger; and more than one soul
may well leave the road along which God wanted it to journey. This is a matter
of great importance, for I have experienced it myself. I myself began to waver;
despite special gifts from God, and even though God himself reassured me, I
have nevertheless always wanted to have the Church's seal as well. <br />
<br />
The second thing: the confessor does not allow the soul to express itself
frankly, and shows impatience. The soul then falls silent and does not say
everything [it has to say] and, by this, profits nothing. It profits even less
when the confessor, without really knowing the soul, proceeds to put it to the
test. Instead of helping the soul, he does it harm. The soul is aware that the
confessor does not know it, because he did not allow it to lay itself open
fully as regards both its graces and its misery. And so the test is
ill-adapted. I have been submitted to some tests at which I have had to laugh.<br />
<br />
I will express this better thus: The confessor is the doctor of the soul, but
how can a doctor prescribe a suitable remedy if he does not know the nature of
the sickness? Never will he be able to do so. For either the remedy will not
produce the desired effect, or else it will be too strong and will aggravate
the illness, and sometimes-God forbid-even bring about death. I am speaking
from my own experience because, in certain instances, it was the Lord himself
who directly sustained me.<br />
<br />
The third thing: it also happens sometimes that the confessor makes light of
little things. There is nothing little in the spiritual life. Sometimes a
seemingly insignificant thing will disclose a matter of great consequence and
will be for the confessor a beam of light which helps him to get to know the
soul. Many spiritual undertones are concealed in little things.<br />
<br />
A magnificent building will never rise if we reject the insignificant bricks.
God demands great purity of certain souls, and so He gives them a deeper
knowledge of their own misery. Illuminated by light from on high, the soul can
better know what pleases God and what does not. Sin depends upon the degree of
knowledge and light that exists within the soul. The same is true of imperfections.
Although the soul knows that it is only sin in the strict sense of the term
which pertains to the sacrament of penance, yet these petty things are of great
importance to a soul which is tending to sanctity, and the confessor must not
treat them lightly. The patience and kindness of the confessor open the way to
the innermost secrets of the soul. The soul, unconsciously as it were, reveals
its abysmal depth and feels stronger and more resistant; it fights with greater
courage and tries to do things better because it knows it must give an account
of them.<br />
<br />
I will mention one more thing regarding the confessor. It is his duty to
occasionally put to the test, to try, to exercise, to learn whether he is
dealing with straw, with iron or with pure gold. Each of these three types of
souls needs different kinds of training. The confessor must-and this is
absolutely necessary-form a clear judgment of each soul in order to know how
heavy a burden it can carry at certain times, in certain circumstances, or in particular
situations. As for myself, it was only later on, after many [negative]
experiences, that, when I saw that I was not understood, I no longer laid bare
my soul or allowed my peace to be disturbed. But this happened only when all
these graces had already been submitted to the judgement of a wise,
well-instructed and experienced confessor. Now I know what to go by in certain
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">116 My Jesus, You know what my soul
goes through at the recollection of these sufferings. I have often marvelled
that the angels and saints hold their peace at the sight of a soul suffering
like that. Yet they have special love for us at such moments. My soul has often
cried out after God, as a little child who cries as loudly as he can when his
mother covers her face and he cannot recognize her. O my Jesus, honor and glory
to You for these trials of love! Great and incomprehensible is your mercy. All
that You intended for my soul, O Lord, is steeped in Your mercy.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">117 I will mention here that those
who live with such a person should not add external sufferings; for indeed,
when the soul's cup is full, the little drop we may add to it may be the one
drop too much, and the cup of bitterness will overflow. And who will answer for
such a soul? Let us beware of adding to the suffering of others, because that
is displeasing to the Lord. If the sisters or the superiors knew or even
suspected that a soul was suffering such trials, and they nevertheless added
still other sufferings, they would be sinning gravely, and God himself would
demand an account of them on behalf of such a soul. I am not speaking here of
instances which of their very nature are sinful, but of things which in other
circumstances would not be sinful. Let us be on our guard against having the
weight of such a soul on our conscience. This is a grave and common defect in
religious life; namely, that when one sees a suffering soul, one always wants
to add even more suffering. I do not say that everyone acts like this, but
there are some. We take the liberty of passing all sorts of judgments, and we
repeat them when we would do better to remain silent.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">121 +There is a series of graces
which God pours into the soul after these trials by fire. The soul enjoys
intimate union with God. It has many visions, both corporeal and intellectual.
It hears many supernatural words, and sometimes distinct orders. But despite
these graces, it is not self-sufficient. In fact it is even less so as a result
of God's graces, because it is now open to many dangers and can easily fall prey
to illusions. It ought to ask God for a spiritual director; but not only must
it pray for one, it must also make every effort to find a leader who is an
expert in these things, just as a military leader must know the ways along
which he will lead [his followers] into battle. A soul that is united with God
must be prepared for great and hard-fought battles.<br />
<br />
+After these purifications and tears, God abides in the soul in a special way,
but the soul does not always cooperate with these graces. Not that the soul
itself is not willing to work, but it encounters so many interior and exterior
difficulties that it really takes a miracle to sustain the soul on these
summits. In this, it absolutely needs a director. People have often sown doubt
in my soul, and I myself have sometimes become frightened at the thought that I
was, after all, an ignorant person and did not have knowledge of many things,
above all, spiritual things. But when my doubts increased, I sought light from
my confessor or my superiors. Yet I did not obtain what I desired.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">166 In prayer I always find light and strength of spirit,
although there are moments so trying and hurtful, that it is sometimes
difficult to imagine that these things can happen in a convent. Strangely, God
sometimes allows them, but always in order to manifest or develop virtue in a
soul. That is the reason for trials.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">227 +In the midst of trials I will
try to see the loving hand of God. Nothing is as constant as suffering-it
always faithfully keeps the soul company. O Jesus, I will let no one surpass me
in loving You!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">240 Three requests on the day of my perpetual vows. Jesus, I
know that today You will refuse me nothing.<br />
<br />
First request: Jesus, my most beloved Spouse, I beg You for the triumph of the
Church, particularly in Russia and in Spain; for blessings on the Holy Father,
Pius XI, and on all the clergy; for the grace of conversion for impenitent
sinners. And I ask You for a special blessing and for light, O Jesus, for the
priests before whom I will make my confessions throughout my lifetime. <br />
<br />
Second request :I beg Your blessings on our Congregation, and may it be filled
with great zeal. Bless, O Jesus, our Mother General and our Mother Directress,
all the novices and all the superiors. Bless my dearest parents. Bestow Your
grace, O Jesus, on our wards; strengthen them so powerfully by Your grace so
that those who leave our houses will no longer offend You by any sin. Jesus, I
beg You for my homeland; protect it against the assaults of its enemies. <br />
<br />
Third request:Jesus, I plead with You for the souls that are most in need of
prayer. I plead for the dying; be merciful to them. I also beg You, Jesus, to
free all souls from purgatory.<br />
<br />
Jesus, I commend to You these particular persons: My confessors, persons
recommended to my prayers, a certain person..., Father Andrasz, Father Czaputa,
and the priest I met in Vilnius [Father Sopocko], who is to be my confessor, a
certain soul... a certain priest, a certain religious<a href="http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/footnotes.shtml#70" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">[70]</span></a> to whom You know how much I owe, Jesus, and
all the people who have been recommended to my prayer. Jesus, on this day You
can do everything for those for whom I am pleading. For myself I ask, Lord,
transform me completely into Yourself, maintain in me a holy zeal for Your
glory, give me the grace and spiritual strength to do Your holy will in all
things.<br />
<br />
Thank You, o my dearest Bridegroom, for the dignity You have conferred on me,
and in particular for the royal coat-of-arms which will adorn me from this day
on and which even the Angels do not possess; namely, the cross, the sword and
the crown of thorns. But above all, O my Jesus, I thank You for Your Heart-it
is all I need.<br />
<br />
Mother of God, Most Holy Mary, my Mother, You are my Mother in a special way
now because Your beloved Son is my Bridegroom, and thus we are both Your
children. For Your Son's sake, You have to love me. O Mary, my dearest Mother,
guide my spiritual life in such a way that it will please Your Son.<br />
<br />
+Holy and Omnipotent God, at this moment of immense grace by which You are
uniting me with Yourself forever, I, mere nothingness, with the utmost
gratitude, cast myself at Your feet like a tiny, unknown flower and, each day,
the fragrance of that flower of love will ascend to Your throne.<br />
<br />
In times of struggle and suffering, of darkness and storm, of yearning and
sorrow, in times of difficult trials, in times when nobody will understand me,
when I will even be condemned and scorned by everyone, I will remember the day
of my perpetual vows, the day of God's incomprehensible grace.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">272 But previously, this priest had
put me through many trials. When I told him that the Lord wanted these things
of me [that is, the painting of the image, the establishing of a feast of The
Divine Mercy, and the founding of a new community], he laughed at me and told
me to come to confession at eight in the evening. When I came at eight, a
brother was already locking the church. When I told him that Father had ordered
me to come at that time and asked him to let Father know I was there, the good
brother went to let him know. Father told him to tell me that priests do not
hear confessions at that time of day. I returned home emptyhanded and did not
go to confession to him again, but I made a whole hour's adoration and took on
certain mortifications for him, that he might obtain light from God in order to
know souls. But when Father Sopocko left, and he substituted for him, I was
forced to go to confession to him. Yet, while previously he had been unwilling
to acknowledge these inner inspirations, he now put me under obligation to be
faithful to them. God lets such things happen sometimes, but may He be
glorified in everything. Still, it requires much grace not to falter.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+O Jesus, hidden in the Blessed
Sacrament,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">580 On a certain occasion, the Lord
said to me,<b> I am more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of chosen
souls than by the sins of those living in the world.</b> It made me very sad
that chosen souls make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told me, <b>These little
imperfections are not all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart: what I
suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so many graces is My
Heart's constant food, on the part of [such] a chosen soul. Their love is
lukewarm, and My Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them.
Others distrust My goodness and have no desire to experience that sweet
intimacy in their own hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the distance, and
do not find Me. This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. If My death
has not convinced you of My love, what will? Often a soul wounds Me mortally,
and then no one can comfort Me. They use My graces to offend Me. There are
souls who despise My graces as well as all the proofs of My love. They do not
wish to hear My call, but proceed into the abyss of hell. The loss of these
souls plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I am, I cannot help such a soul
because it scorns Me; having a free will, it can spurn Me or love Me. You, who
are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world about My goodness, and thus
you will comfort My Heart.</b> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">581 <b>I will tell you most when you
converse with Me in the depths of your heart. Here, no one can disturb My
actions. Here, I rest as in a garden enclosed.</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">609 I said to Him, "I know that
You are my Lord and Creator even though You are so tiny." Jesus stretched
His little arms out to me and looked at me with a smile. My spirit was filled
with incomparable joy. Then suddenly Jesus disappeared, and it was time for
Holy Communion. I went with the other sisters to the Holy Table, my soul deeply
moved. After Holy Communion, I heard these words in my soul: <b>I am in your
heart, I whom you had in your arms. </b>I then pleaded with Jesus for a certain
soul [Father Sopocko], asking the Lord to grant him the grace to fight, and to
take this trial from him.<b> As you ask, so shall it be, but his merit will not
be lessened.</b> Joy reigned in my soul that God is so good and merciful; God
grants everything that we ask of Him with trust.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">770 As for myself, I received this grace for the
first time, and that for only a brief moment, in the eighteenth </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[149] </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">year of my life, within the octave of Corpus Christi [June 18-25,
1925], during Vespers, when I made to the Lord Jesus the vow of perpetual
chastity. I was still living in the world, but I entered the convent soon
afterwards. The grace lasted for a very brief moment, but its power was great.
After this grace, there was a long interval. It is true that I received many
graces from the Lord during this interval, but they were of a different order.
It was a time of trials and purification. The trials were so painful that my
soul felt as though it was being totally abandoned by God and it was steeped in
profound darkness. I became aware and understood that no one would be able to
bring me out of those torments or even understand me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There were two occasions when my soul was
plunged into despair, once for half an hour, and the second time for three
quarters of an hour. Just as I cannot describe the greatness of the graces, so
too with these ordeals sent by the Lord; whatever words I might use, they are
only a pale shadow [of the reality]. However, just as the Lord plunged me into
these torments, so too He brought me out of them. Only this lasted for a few
years, after which I again received this extraordinary grace of union which has
continued to this day. Still, during this second period of union, there also
have been short interruptions. But for some time now, I have not experienced
any interruption at all; on the contrary, I am more and more deeply steeped in
God. The great light which illumines the mind gives me a knowledge of the
greatness of God; but it is not as if I were getting to know the individual
attributes, as before no, it is different now: in one moment, I come to know
the entire essence of God.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">831 O my Jesus, my soul was yearning
for the days of trial, but do not leave me alone in the darkness of my soul.
Rather, do You hold me firmly, close to Yourself. Set a guard over my lips, so
that the fragrance of my sufferings may be known and pleasing to You alone.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">848 While I was saying the chaplet,
I heard a voice which said, <b>Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who
say this chaplet; the very depths of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake
of those who say the chaplet. Write down these words, My daughter. Speak to the
world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a
sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is
still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit
from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them. </b><br />
<br />
O human souls, where are you going to hide on the day of God's anger? Take
refuge now in the fount of God's mercy. O what a great multitude of souls I
see! They worshiped the Divine Mercy and will be singing the hymn of praise for
all eternity.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">897 January 27, 1937. I feel considerable improvement in my
health. Jesus is bringing me from the gates of death to life, because there was
so little left but for me to die, and lo, the Lord grants me the fullness of
life. Although I am still to remain in the sanatorium, I am almost completely
well. I see that the will of God has not yet been fulfilled in me, and that is
why I must live, for I know that if I fulfill everything the Lord has planned
for me in this world, He will not leave me in exile any longer, for heaven is
my home. But before we go to our Homeland, we must fulfill the will of God on
earth; that is, trials and struggles must run their full course in us.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">915 + O Mary, today a terrible sword
has pierced Your holy soul. Except for God, no one knows of Your suffering.
Your soul does not break; it is brave, because it is with Jesus. Sweet Mother,
unite my soul to Jesus, because it is only then that I will be able to endure
all trials and tribulations, and only in union with Jesus will my little
sacrifices be pleasing to God. Sweetest Mother, continue to teach me about the
interior life. May the sword of suffering never break me. O pure Virgin, pour
courage into my heart and guard it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">940 I myself suffered a great deal
and was much tried in this respect. Therefore, I am writing only about what I
myself have experienced. It was only after many novenas, prayers and penances
that God sent me a priest who understood my soul. Oh, there would be many more
saintly souls if there were more experienced and saintly confessors. Many a
soul, earnestly striving for sanctity, cannot manage by itself during times of
trial and abandons the road to perfection.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">+ Conversation of the Merciful God
with a Suffering Soul <br />
<br />
1487 Jesus:<b> Poor soul, I see that you suffer much and that you do not have
even the strength to coverse with me. So I will speak to you. Even though your
sufferings were very great, do not lose heart or give in to despondency. But
tell Me, my child, who has dared to wound your heart? Tell me about everything,
be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal
them, and your suffering will become a source of your sanctification. </b><br />
<br />
Soul: Lord, my sufferings are so great and numerous and have lasted so long
that I become discouraged. <br />
<br />
Jesus:<b> My child, do not be discouraged. I know your boundless trust in Me; I
know you are aware of My goodness and mercy. Let us talk in detail about
everything that weighs so heavily upon your heart. </b><br />
<br />
Soul: There are so many different things that I do not know what to speak about
first, nor how to express it. <br />
<br />
Jesus:<b> Talk to Me simply, as a friend to a friend. Tell Me now, My child,
what hinders you from advancing in holiness? </b><br />
<br />
Soul: Poor health detains me on the way to holiness. I cannot fulfill my
duties. I am as useless as an extra wheel on a wagon. I cannot mortify myself
or fast to any extent, as the saints did. Furthermore, nobody believes I am
sick, so that mental pain is added to those of the body, and I am often
humiliated. Jesus, how can anyone become holy in such circumstances? <br />
<br />
Jesus:<b> True, My child, all that is painful. But there is no way to heaven
except the way of the cross. I followed it first. You must learn that it is the
shortest and surest way. </b><br />
<br />
Soul: Lord, there is another obstacle on the road to holiness. Because I am
faithful to You, I am persecuted and suffer much. <br />
<br />
Jesus:<b> It is because you are not of this world that the world hates you.
First it persecuted Me. Persecution is a sign that you are following in My
footsteps faithfully. </b><br />
<br />
Soul: My Lord, I am also discouraged because neither my superiors nor my
confessor understand my interior trials. A darkness clouds my mind. How can I
advance? All this discourages me from striving for the heights of sanctity. <br />
<br />
Jesus:<b> Well, My child, this time you have told Me a good deal. I realize how
painful it is not to be understood, and especially by those whom one loves and
with whom one has been very open. But suffice it to know that I understand all
your troubles and misery. I am pleased by the deep faith you have, despite
everything, in My representatives. Learn from this that no one will understand
a soul entirely-that is beyond human ability. Therefore, I have remained on
earth to comfort your aching heart and to fortify your soul, so that you will
not falter on the way. You say that a dense darkness is obscuring your mind.
But why, at such times, do you not come to Me, the light who can in an instant
pour into your soul more understanding about holiness than can be found in any
books? No confessor is capable of teaching and enlightening a soul in this way.
<br />
<br />
Know, too, that the darkness about which you complain I first endured in the
Garden of Olives when My Soul was crushed in mortal anguish. I am giving you a
share in those sufferings because of My special love for you and in view of the
high degree of holiness I am intending for you in heaven. A suffering soul is closest
to My Heart. </b><br />
<br />
Soul: One more thing, Lord. What should I do when I am ignored and rejected by
people, especially by those on whom I had a right to count in times of greatest
need? <br />
<br />
Jesus:<b> My child, make the resolution never to rely on people. Entrust
yourself completely to My will saying, "Not as I want, but according to
Your will, O God, let it be done unto me." These words, spoken from the
depths of one's heart, can raise a soul to the summit of sanctity in a short
time. In such a soul I delight. Such a soul gives Me glory. Such a soul fills
heaven with the fragrance of her virtue. But understand that the strength by
which you bear sufferings comes from frequent Communions. So approach this
fountain of mercy often, to draw with the vessel of trust whatever you need. </b><br />
<br />
Soul: Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness in remaining with us in this exile as
the God of mercy and blessing us with the radiance of Your compassion and
goodness. It is through the light of Your mercy that I have come to understand
how much You love me.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-24, 77, 94, 96-98 105,
109, 112, 116)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-117, 121, 166, 227, 240,
272)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-580-581, 609, 770, 831,
848)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska
Notebook-II-</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">897, 915, 940 )</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska
Notebook-V-1487)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Source of Miracles-Divine Mercy Miraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907634516323422402noreply@blogger.com0