List of points

In a Christian’s life everything has to be for God — even personal weaknesses, once they have been put right! The Lord understands and forgives them.

Today once again I prayed full of confidence. This was my petition: “Lord, may neither our past wretchedness which has been forgiven us, nor the possibility of future wretchedness cause us any disquiet. May we abandon ourselves into your merciful hands. May we bring before you our desires for sanctity and apostolate, which are hidden like embers under the ashes of an apparent coldness…”

—“Lord, I know you are listening to us.” You should say this to him too.

There are moments in which you are deprived of that union with Our Lord which enabled you to pray continually, even when you were asleep. You seem almost to be wrestling with God’s Will.

—It is weakness, as you well know. Love the Cross, love the lack of so many things which everyone thinks necessary, the obstacles as you start or… as you go along on your way, your very littleness and spiritual wretchedness.

—Offer — with a desire that is effective — all you have, and all that belongs to those who are yours. Humanly speaking, it’s quite a lot, but from a supernatural point of view, it’s nothing.

Yes, you’re right: the depth of your wretchedness! By your own efforts, where would you be now, where would you have got to?

You admitted: “Only a Love that was full of mercy could keep on loving me.”

—Cheer up. He will not deny you his Love or his Mercy, if you seek him.