Meekness
Learn of Me that I am meek and humble of heart. St. Matt. 11:29.
ELEVENTH DAY.
As without faith it is impossible to please God, so without meekness it is impossible to please men or to govern them well. — St. Bernard.
This saint knew this from experience. For a time after he was made abbot his manner and relations with his monk was severe and austere. Although they held him in high esteem on account of his virtues, he was not satisfied with them, nor were they perfectly satisfied with him. Our Saviour made known to him that he must act with more sweetness. He changed his manner, and soon won their affection; after which they obeyed him in everything with religious exactitude.
Prayer.
My God, it is not to please men but to please Thee that I wish constantly to practice sweetness. I will try to make those around me love Thy law, that they may practice it for Thy love.