Page 20 - LETTER 1826_1828

Letter 26

TO MARIA DÒ
She hopes for better news about her health - Sharing in the Cross of
Jesus is a true comfort.

Dearest friend of mine,

I wonder what news of your health will reach me. God
grant that it be good; I would be very sorry if it turns out the
opposite. However, I don’t want to give up hoping for the best.
Have courage, Maria. You are on the cross, and this

enriches you with infinite merits. Bear it gladly and thank the
Lord who in some manner wants you to be like him. How
comforting it is for a person who loves Jesus Christ to have
something for which she can rightly say: «In this I am like my
dear Jesus»!
As a matter of fact, you are now in the best situation that can
ever be desired, because you are thus greatly pleasing to the
Lord: He looks on you with predilection and is saying: even if
many offend me, I have my dear Maria who suffers something
for my sake. I tell you quite frankly that I feel jealous of you,
and while I do feel sorry for the pain you endure, I have within

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