Page 6 - SPIRITUAL EXERCISES 1828

it, and I ended it with gratitude to my God, who has loved me
so much and done great things in me, and with a firm will to
become a saint.

Sunday, 21 September 1828

At Holy Communion this morning I prayed my Lord
present in the Sacrament to let me know if he wishes me to
have Absolution every week. I felt a great desire to partake
frequently of this Holy Sacrament. I was touched by the loving
kindness of the Lord who, even without my asking for graces,
He himself offers this grace, which is so great. I have therefore
resolved to do my very best to prepare myself well for this Holy
Sacrament, and to try to receive it at least once a week. In this
Holy Communion I have also realized the great courage I will
need to follow the path of perfection. I understood that I am
just at the start of it and I foresaw the long way I still have to
go: a path that is so narrow, filled with obstacles, temptations,
boredom, snares, crosses, contradictions, etc., all of which
made me conclude that I will find it extremely difficult to reach

the goal; but God comforted me by reminding me that He
would always be there with me and help me, and that he
himself would bring about my salvation.

FIRST MEDITATION. On the gravity of sin. The severe
punishment with which the Lord struck down those who had
committed sin made me realize what a serious evil sin is. The
Angels sinned, and for a single grievous thought of pride, he

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