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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