PRACTICAL COUNSELS CONCERNING THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLY SLAVERY
Not More Perfect to Go Straight to Jesus without Mary
50. Beware, predestinate soul, of believing that it is more
perfect to go straight to Jesus, straight to God. Without Mary, your action and
your intention will be of little value; but if you go to God through Mary, your
work will be Mary's work, and consequently it will be sublime and most worthy
of God.
Not Necessary to Feel and Enjoy What You Say and Do
51. Moreover, do not try to feel and enjoy what you say and
do, but say and do everything with that pure faith which Mary had on earth and
which she will communicate to you in due time. Poor little slave, leave to your
Sovereign Queen the clear sight of God, the raptures, the joys, the
satisfactions and the riches of Heaven, and content yourself with pure faith,
although full of repugnance, distractions, weariness and dryness, and say:
"Amen, so be it," to whatever Mary, your Mother, does in Heaven. That
is the best you can do for the time being.
Not Necessary to Enjoy Immediately the Presence of Mary
52. Take great care also not to torment yourself should you
not enjoy immediately the sweet presence of the Blessed Virgin in your soul,
for this is a grace not given to all; and even when God, out of His great
mercy, has thus favored a soul, it is always very easy to lose this grace, unless
by frequent recollection the soul remains alive to that interior presence of
Mary. Should this misfortune befall you, return calmly to your Sovereign Queen
and make amends to her.
