Page 13 - monthly_days_reflection
P. 13

31 January 1831


                                   RECOLLECTION DAY

                     Dear  Jesus,  relying  on  your  assistance  I  promise  you
               that  this  month  I  will  do  my  best  to  be  very  gentle  with
               everyone, more especially with my girls.
                     Bortolomea, remember that Jesus loves you very dearly
               and that you are duty bound to love him. Whatever he sends
               you: loving care or neglect, joy or affliction, calm and quiet or
               anxiety and fear, you must love him and serve him in the same

               way because he deserves to be loved and served faithfully for
               his own sake. Recall frequently to mind that you will find peace
               and refreshment only when you become entirely his, really and
               truly of Jesus alone. Let your honour and joy consist only in
               loving him and suffering for his sake. Let it be your firm belief
               that you will draw closer to Jesus in the measure that you will
               be detached from creatures and from yourself. Know that it is
               in  constantly  practising  self-denial  and  going  against  your
               liking  that  real  happiness  is  to  be  found.  Bortolomea,
               remember  that  you  are  the  Bride  of  Jesus;  remember  the
               numberless graces he has granted you; try, then, at least as
               much as you can, to return love for love.




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