List of points

How frankly you laughed when I advised you to put the years of your youth under the protection of Saint Raphael: 'so that he'll lead you, like young Tobias, to a holy marriage, with a girl who is good and pretty and rich', I told you, jokingly.

And then, how thoughtful you became!… when I went on to advise you to put yourself also under the patronage of that young apostle John; in case God were to ask more of you.

You realise you are weak. And so indeed you are. In spite of that — rather, Just because of that — God has chosen you.

He always uses inadequate instruments, so that the 'work' will be seen to be his.

Of you, he only asks docility.

Be an instrument of gold or steel, or iron or platinum,… big or small, rough or delicate.

All are useful; each one serves its own purpose. As in material things: would anyone dare assert that the carpenter's saw is less useful than the surgeon's scapel?

Your duty is to be an instrument.

Well, so what? I can't understand how you want to give up that apostolic work — unless your motive is hidden pride: you think yourself perfect — just because God's fire that attracted you and so often gives the light and warmth that arouse your enthusiasm, should also at times produce the smoke due to the weakness of the instrument.

There is work in plenty. The instruments cannot be left to grow rusty. There are also norms to avoid the mildew and the rust. Just put them into practice.

'This is the carpenter's son, surely? This is the carpenter, surely, the son of Mary?'

This, which was said of Jesus, may very well be said of you, in a tone half of astonishment, half of mockery, when you really decide to carry out God's will, to be an instrument: 'But, isn't this "So-and-so"…?'

Say nothing. And let your works confirm your mission.

Now that you have given yourself to him, ask him for a new life, a 'seal', to guarantee that your mission as a man of God is authentic.