Joy in sacrifice

Don’t forget that the unity of life required by our calling to the Work of God demands a generous spirit of sacrifice and great self-denial. We are making our way along a divine path, and we must follow in Jesus Christ’s footsteps, carrying our own cross, the Holy Cross! God our Lord expects us to be generous in our efforts, and to feel very lucky to be able to sacrifice ourselves in order to take the Work forward.

Divine effectiveness

In this way we will succeed in ploughing up many of God’s fields which have not yet received the seed of salvation. We will overcome so much resistance from those who oppose Jesus Christ and his Church – including sometimes, unfortunately, resistance by some who call themselves his friends – who hinder the freedom of God’s children and the fulfilment of his Kingdom of charity, justice and peace. And we will also bring new life, each through our own free and responsible work, to noble human institutions and Christian environments that are moribund.

Yes, my children, I assure you that we will contribute powerfully to enlightening the life and work of mankind, through the divine radiance which God has deposited in our souls. But don’t forget: Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked (1 John 2:6): a way that always leads to victory, but that just as surely passes through sacrifice.