Cancelling or Fulfilling – Emptiness
or Plenitude
Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church
Father Shawn Aaron, LC
Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Introductory Prayer: Father of love, source of all
blessings, You have led me throughout my life, and You lead me still. Thank Y|ou
for Your paternal care. Jesus, Son of God, You died for me on the cross to pay
for my sins and manifest Your unconditional love for me. Thank You for showing
me the way home to the Father. Holy Spirit, sweet guest of the soul, You heal
me and strengthen me and set me on fire from the most intimate depths of my
soul. Thank You for Your loving presence within me.
Petition: Jesus, help me to live authentic freedom in union with Your will.
1. Bringing to All Fulfillment: Through the law and the prophets God
prepared his people for salvation. In Christ that salvation is at hand: Jesus,
the Word made flesh, will fulfill the law and the prophets and give them their
proper interpretation. The law will move from the tablets of stone to the
hearts of men, as demonstrated by the Beatitudes. Jesus came especially to
fulfill the deep longing in the human heart for happiness, which is ultimately
found in eternal life with God. “But when the time had fully come, God sent
forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were
under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).
2. Breaking the Rules: “Rules are meant to be broken” –
according to the first law of the “Teenage Creed.” As we approach adulthood we
may discover external conflicts to our subjective happiness. We call them
rules. And as the desire to exercise our own free will grows, we begin to feel
the seemingly oppressive weight of these rules – “Do this, don’t do that.”
Authority figures can then be perceived to be in direct opposition to our
personal fulfillment. We wrongly conclude that rules and happiness are like oil
and water. Then we permit patterns of sin to develop despite what our
conscience tells us, and we are unwittingly given a glimpse into the way the
devil suggests his criteria to us. If we are not careful, we may form
deep-seated attitudes that will make us struggle against God and against his
criteria – the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the cross, and the teachings
of the Church.
3. The Proper Use of Freedom: “The moral law has its origin in God
and always finds its source in him” (Pope John Paul II, The Splendor of Truth,
no. 40). Our true freedom lies not in the rejection but in the acceptance of
God’s moral law. God is not a heartless dictator but a Father who loves us and
wills our very best. If he sets standards for us, it is because he has our
eternal happiness in mind, like a skilled coach who challenges the athlete to
reach his full potential. “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks
for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a
snake?” (Matthew 7:9-10). Jesus posits the question because he knows the
Father. Even if we were to know a parent that did not love his child, God the
Father is incapable of not desiring what is truly best for us. God is and will
always be love.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, sin is always tapping on my
door but You have promised me that Your grace will always be available. Help me
to avail myself of the means of grace You give me to live in union with Your
eternal law. Mother Most Pure, make my heart only for Jesus.
Resolution: Today I will take a few moments to reflect upon the Ten Commandments or
the duties of my state in life.
Excerpts from the DIARY of
Saint Faustina Kowalska
6 I am to write [3]
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.
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 know how much you suffer, but do not be afraid. I
share with you your suffering, and I shall always do so. 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."
53 For the present you are coming to me for confession,
but understand, Sister, that you must have a permanent confessor; that is to
say, a spiritual director."
I was very upset by this. I thought that I would get myself free from everything, and it turned out quite the opposite-an explicit command to follow the requests of Jesus. And now, still another torment, as I had no permanent confessor. Even if I went to the same confessor for a certain period of time, I could not open my soul to him in respect to these graces, and this caused me ineffable pain. So I asked Jesus to give these graces to someone else, because I did not know how to make use of them and was only wasting them. "Jesus, have mercy on me; do not entrust such great things to me, as You see that I am a bit of dust and completely inept."
But the goodness of Jesus is infinite; He had promised me visible help here on earth, and a little while later I received it in Vilnius, in the person of Father Sopocko. I had already known him before coming to Vilnius, thanks to an interior vision. One day I saw him in our chapel between the altar and the confessional and suddenly heard a voice in my soul say, This is the visible help for you on earth. He will help you carry out My will on earth.
I was very upset by this. I thought that I would get myself free from everything, and it turned out quite the opposite-an explicit command to follow the requests of Jesus. And now, still another torment, as I had no permanent confessor. Even if I went to the same confessor for a certain period of time, I could not open my soul to him in respect to these graces, and this caused me ineffable pain. So I asked Jesus to give these graces to someone else, because I did not know how to make use of them and was only wasting them. "Jesus, have mercy on me; do not entrust such great things to me, as You see that I am a bit of dust and completely inept."
But the goodness of Jesus is infinite; He had promised me visible help here on earth, and a little while later I received it in Vilnius, in the person of Father Sopocko. I had already known him before coming to Vilnius, thanks to an interior vision. One day I saw him in our chapel between the altar and the confessional and suddenly heard a voice in my soul say, This is the visible help for you on earth. He will help you carry out My will on earth.
56 O my God, I understand well that You demand this
spiritual childhood[32]
of me, because You are constantly asking it of me through Your representatives.
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.
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.
O Divine Sun, in Your rays the soul sees the tiniest
specks of dust which displease You.
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 equalled. 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.
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.
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 equalled. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
954 Today after Holy
Communion, the Lord told me, My daughter, 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. 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.
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: 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.
1181 When I was close to the Lord, He said to me, Why are you afraid to begin the work
which I have commanded you to carry out? I answered, "Why
do You leave me on my own at such times, Jesus, and why do I not feel Your
presence?" 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.
My daughter, know without doubt, and once and for all, that only mortal sin drives Me out of a soul, and nothing else.
1182 + Today the Lord said to me, 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!
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.
My daughter, know without doubt, and once and for all, that only mortal sin drives Me out of a soul, and nothing else.
1182 + Today the Lord said to me, 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!
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.
1184 On an earlier occasion.
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, All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are doing for their salvation. 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, 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. I understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before.
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, All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are doing for their salvation. 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, 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. I understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before.
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.
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].
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].
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.
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.
1205 When I went to confession, I did not even know how to confess. However, the priest [probably Father Casimir Ratkiewicz [205]] 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."
1205 When I went to confession, I did not even know how to confess. However, the priest [probably Father Casimir Ratkiewicz [205]] 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."
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
strength.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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."
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."
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."
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, 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. 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. 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. While the
heavenly Mother was talking to me, a deep understanding of this will of God was
entering my soul.
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. [208] Pray,
Sister, that this be approved."
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, 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.
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, 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.
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.
1264 Act of total abandonment to the will of God, which
is for me, love and mercy itself.
Act of Oblation
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.
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.
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.
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....
1266 August 5, [1937]. [209] 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.
1267 September 6, 1937. Today, I begin a new assignment. I go from the garden to the desert of the gate. [210] 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: 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. 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.
Act of Oblation
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.
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.
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.
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....
1266 August 5, [1937]. [209] 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.
1267 September 6, 1937. Today, I begin a new assignment. I go from the garden to the desert of the gate. [210] 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: 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. 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.
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.
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-6, 25, 53-56, 72-73, 497)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-678, 954)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1180,-1184, 1199-1200, 1202)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1204-1205, 1207-1208)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1237, 1239, 1241, 1243-1244)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-IV-1255-1256, 1262, 1264-1268)
http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml
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