List of points

You were one of those “all or nothing” types. And as you could do nothing… what a misfortune!

Begin to fight humbly, to light up that poor self-giving of yours, which is so mean, until it becomes “all” effective.

It is true: we are worth nothing, we are nothing, we can do nothing, we have nothing. And, at the same time, in the middle of our daily struggle, obstacles and temptations are not lacking. But the joy of your brothers will banish all difficulties, as soon as you are back with them, because you will see them firmly relying on Him: Quia tu es Deus fortitudo mea — because you, Lord, are our strength.

It is all too easy to say: “I’m useless; nothing turns out right for me — for us.”

—Apart from not being true, that pessimism masks a great deal of laziness. There are things you do well, and things you do badly. Fill yourself with joy and with hope on account of the former; and face up to the latter — without losing heart — to put things right; and they will work out.

You find yourself in a position which seems rather strange: on the one hand, you feel fainthearted, as you look inwards; on the other, sure, encouraged, as you look upwards.

—Don’t worry: it is a sign that you are beginning to know yourself better and — more importantly! — that you are beginning to know Him better.

What eagerness many show for reform!

Would it not be better for us all to reform ourselves, each one of us, so as to fulfil faithfully what is laid down?

We have to foster in our souls a true horror for sin. Lord — say it with a contrite heart — may I never offend you again!

But don’t be frightened when you become aware of the burden of your poor body and of human passions: it would be silly and childishly naive to find out now that “this” exists. Your wretchedness is not an obstacle but a spur for you to become more united to God and seek him constantly, because He purifies us.

It is a great thing to know oneself to be nothing before God, because that is how things are.

If you are convinced of your “poor quality” — if you know yourself — you will react to events supernaturally. Joy and peace will take a firmer root in your soul, in the face of humiliations, being despised, calumnies…

In these cases, after saying fiat — Lord, whatever you want — you should think: “Is that all he said? He obviously does not know me, otherwise he wouldn’t have left it at that.”

Being convinced that you deserve worse treatment, you will feel grateful to that person, and rejoice at what might have made somebody else suffer.

The higher a statue is raised, the harder and more dangerous the impact when it falls.

Go to spiritual direction with greater humility each time. And go punctually, for that is also humility.

See yourself — and you will not be mistaken, because God speaks to you there — as a very sincere little child who is being taught to speak, to read, to know the names of flowers and birds, to experience joys and sorrows, to notice the ground he is treading on.

“I am still a poor creature”, you tell me.

But once, when you realised it, you felt very bad about it! Now, without getting used to it or giving in to it, you are starting to make a habit of smiling, and of beginning your fight again with growing joy.

If you are sensible and humble, you will have realised that one never stops learning… This happens in every field; even the wisest will always have something to learn, until the end of their lives; if they don’t, they cease to be wise.

When we work wholly and exclusively for the glory of God, we do everything with naturalness, like someone who is in a hurry and will not be delayed by “making a great show of things”. In this way we do not cease to accompany the Lord, which is something unique and incomparable.

Get accustomed to referring everything to God.

If only they could see the good things I do!… —But don’t you realise that you are carrying them around like trinkets in a basket for people to see how fine they are?

Furthermore, you must not forget the second part of Jesus’ command: “that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

It is indiscreet, childish and silly to say nice things about others and praise their good qualities in front of them.

—In this way vanity is encouraged, with the risk of stealing glory from God, to whom everything is due.

Reject any ambition for honours. Think instead about your duties, how to do them well and the instruments you need to accomplish them. —In this way, you will not hanker for position, and if one comes you will see it just as it is: a burden to bear in the service of souls.