Page 8 - SPIRITUAL EXERCISES 1829

severely. I felt that Jesus wants me to keep them: He demands
that my life be strict and crucified, and points out that my vows
are sweet chains that bind me to Him; these are not heavy but I
must always keep in mind and do my very best to carry them out
perfectly well. To have my mind fully at rest, I would ask my
Director to note down here what he thinks of this.

The spiritual reading was on the Life of St Teotista,
st
Virgin. Three things in it were very striking. 1 The supreme
power and wisdom of God who worked such extraordinary
nd
marvels in a person so delicate. 2 How important withdrawal
from the world is particularly for persons like me. 3 How
rd
much good can be derived from even a single Holy
Communion that is received well and how well we should
prepare ourselves to receive it fruitfully.

First General Examination of conscience. I examined
myself on pride, and I found that this vice has been in me from
childhood. I realized that at times, either because I am
contradicted, or forgotten, or wronged, my heart resents it. At
times I feel rather pleased when I am praised, considered
virtuous and held in esteem. I realized that I have done little or
nothing to uproot this vice.
In my afternoon visit I heard the voice of my Spouse
speaking to my heart, about the value and beauty of this virtue
(humility). He made me understand that the more forgotten,
humbled, ill-treated by men I am, the more will I become

precious in the eyes of God. The meaner I am in my own eyes,
the greater will I be in the eyes of my God.

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