Meekness
Learn of Me that I am meek and humble of heart. St. Matt. 11:29.
TWENTY-SECOND DAY.
Be not afflicted by aridity, nor distractions, nor temptations if you would acquire liberty of mind. Try at such times to preserve your peace of heart. — St. Teresa.
When the devil sees that one is courageous in the time of temptation, he almost loses hope of conquering; on the contrary, when he perceives that one fears, he becomes bold. A soldier who is faint-hearted is already half conquered, said St. Antony.
St. Catharine of Siena, when assailed by the greatest aridity, animated herself by saying: “Infamous creature! When you are deserving of darkness, of torments all your life, should you not be glad at this price to avoid those which are eternal?” A simple resolution not to sin again, made during the time of spiritual dryness, is of more value before Our Saviour than a thousand resolutions made with the greatest fervor in the time of consolation, say masters of the spiritual life.
Prayer.
My God, grant that in temptation and tribulation I may not lose confidence, but that I may humble myself, that I may invoke Thee, that I may keep myself united to Thee, and that these trials serve to increase my love for Thee.