List of points

There are many people around you, and you have no right to be an obstacle to their spiritual good, to their eternal happiness.

—You are under an obligation to be a saint. You must not let God down for having chosen you. Neither must you let those around you down: they expect so much from your Christian life.

Following the Master’s wishes, you are to be salt and light while being fully immersed in this world we were made to live in, sharing in all human activities. Light which illuminates the hearts and minds of men. Salt which gives flavour and preserves from corruption.

That is why if you lack apostolic zeal you will become insipid and useless. You will be letting other people down and your life will be absurd.

You have seen very clearly that you are a child of God. Even if you were never again to see it — it won’t happen! — you should continue along your way forever, out of a sense of faithfulness, without ever looking back.

You saw it quite clearly: while so many people do not know God, he has looked to you. He wants you to form a foundation stone, an ashlar, on which the life of the Church can rest.

Meditate on this reality and you will draw many practical consequences for your ordinary behaviour: the foundation stone — hidden and possibly rather dull — has to be solid, showing no weakness. It has to serve as a support for the building… If not, it remains isolated.