CHAPTER 39

That we should give some token of our love to God after exterior occupations.

IT WAS always a trial to the Saint to be obliged, even for a time, to occupy herself with exterior things; and often when this occurred she would rise suddenly in the fervor of her spirit, and, hastening to the place where she was accustomed to pray, would exclaim: “Behold, Lord, how I am wearied with creatures! I would have no other companionship and no other conversation except Thine—I leave them all to seek Thee, sole and only Good, and delight of my heart and soul.” Then, kissing the Wounds of Christ five times, she would say each time: “Hail, Jesus, my loving Spouse!—I embrace Thee respectfully in the joy of the Divinity, with the whole universe, and with all the affection of which I am capable; and I embrace Thee in the Wounds of Thy love.” Thus did she pour forth all her griefs into the Wounds of her Lord, and find therein all her consolation and all her joy.

As she frequently acted thus, she inquired one day of Our Lord if it was agreeable to Him, because it only occupied her for a few moments. Our Lord replied: “Each time that you turn thus to Me, I accept it as a friend would accept the kindness of his friend, who frequently through the day endeavored to show him the greatest hospitality by word and act. And even as such a person would consider how he could repay this kindness when his host came to his house, so do I reflect continually, with the greatest pleasure, how I shall repay you, and recompense you in glory, according to the royal liberality of My omnipotence, of My wisdom, and of My mercy, by testimonies of charity and sweetness multiplied a hundredfold, for each offering that you have made Me on earth.”