Ms C 03v

[3v°] greater grace to die at the dawn of the day rather than at its close. What she esteems and what she desires only is to please Jesus. Now that He seems to be approaching her in order to draw her into the place of His glory, your child is filled with joy. For a long time she has [5] understood that God needs no one (much less her) to do good on earth. Pardon me, Mother, if I make you sad because I really want only to give you joy. Do you believe that though your prayers are really not heard on earth, though Jesus separates the child [10] from its mother for a few days, that these prayers will be answered in heaven?

Your desire, I know, is that I carry out at your side a very sweet and easy mission; but shall I not be able to finish it from the heights of heaven? You said to me, just as Jesus one day said to St. Peter: “Feed my lambs.” I was [15] astonished, and I told you that I was too little; I begged you to feed your lambs yourself, and to keep me and have me feed with them. And you, dear Mother, responding a little to my just request, retained the little lambs with the sheep; but you ordered me to go often and pasture them in the shade, [20] pointing out the best and most nourishing herbs, showing them the bright flowers they must not touch except to trample them under their feet.

© Washington Province of Discalced Carmelite Friars, Inc