The Sanctification of Our Actions.
“He hath done all things well.” — St. Matt. 7:37.
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY.
It belongs to the spirit of God to act with sweetness and love, and the surest means to succeed in our undertakings is to act in like manner. — St. Vincent de Paul.
Where we love, nothing is difficult; we are content no matter in what condition we may find ourselves. “I feel much pity for you,” said a person to a holy man who was poor, covered with sores, despised, and often times without the necessities of life. “I thank you for your sympathy, but why do you pity me?” he said. “I am not a subject of pity. When I have no bread, I fast; I am glad to fast for the love of God. When I am insulted and ridiculed, I rejoice that in this I resemble Our Saviour, Who was willing to suffer the contempt of men. You cannot see all the wounds of my body. I would be more afflicted if I not have them, since God wills it. I bless God that I am treated like His Son, Who was bruised from His feet to the crown of His head. He does not suffer who loves, or who loves what he suffers. I have often heard this. Nothing is more true, as I know from experience. Let us suffer and do all for love and we will always be content.” She to whom the poor mendicant spoke thus was much edified. “I will never forget,” she said, “what he said in conclusion: ‘I love better this pain in my limb than if I possessed a piece of gold.’”
Prayer.
My God, give me grace to act always with mildness and love, to bless Thee and to rejoice when I have to suffer, knowing that it is the will of God and that I am a disciple of Jesus crucified.