The Way (IX)

You are upset. Look: happen what may in your interior life or in the world around you, never forget that the importance of events or of people is very relative. Take things calmly. Let time pass. And then, as you view persons and events dispassionately and from afar, you'll acquire the perspective that will enable you to see each thing in its proper place and in its true proportion. If you do this, you'll be more objective and you'll be spared many a cause of anxiety.

A bad night in a bad inn. That's how Saint Teresa of Jesus is said to have described this earthly life. It's a good comparison, isn't it?

Don't be troubled if, as you consider the marvels of the supernatural world, you hear that other voice--the intimate, insinuating voice of the "old man." It's "the body of death" that cries out for its lost privileges. God's grace is sufficient for you: be faithful and you will conquer.

Do you hear these words? "In another state in life, in another place, in another position or occupation, you would do much more good. Talent isn't needed for what you are doing." Well, listen to me: Wherever you have been placed, you please God... and what you've just been thinking is clearly a suggestion of the devil.

Another fall... and what a fall! Despair? No! Humble yourself and... have recourse to the merciful love of Jesus. A miserere--"have mercy on me"--and lift up your heart! And now, begin again.

How low you have fallen this time! Begin the foundations from down there. Be humble. Cor contritum et humiliatum, Deus, non despicies--"A contrite and humbled heart, O God, you will not despise."

Yours is a desire without desire, as long as you don't put firmly aside the occasion of falling. Don't fool yourself telling me you're weak. You're a coward, which is not the same thing.

"I don't know how to conquer myself!" you write me despondently. And I answer: But have you really tried to use the means?

It's hard! Yes, I know. But, forward! No one receives the reward--and what a reward!--except those who fight bravely.

This time the trial has been long. Perhaps--and without the perhaps--you haven't borne it well so far, for you were still seeking human consolations. But your Father God has torn them out by the roots so as to leave you no other refuge but him.

So you couldn't care less? Don't try to fool yourself. This very moment, if I were to ask you about persons and activities, in which for God's love you put your soul, I know that you would answer me eagerly, with the interest of one speaking of what is his own. It's not true that you don't care. It's just that you're not tireless and that you need more time for yourself: time that will also be for your work, since, after all, you are the instrument.