Charity.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart. This is the greatest and the first commandment,
and the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” — St. Matt. 22:38
TENTH DAY.
A person acquires the love of God by firmly resolving to do and to suffer for God, and to refrain from all that displeases Him; putting in practice this resolution in the different circumstances which present themselves, being very faithful in little things, in order to be better able to accomplish great ones. — St. Teresa.
This saint, who was much opposed in the different foundations she made, was not discouraged; she rejoiced to have much to suffer. She always took counsel of wise persons, did nothing contrary to obedience, saying she would leave the foundation of a thousand monasteries rather than commit the least imperfection.
St. Vincent de Paul, by wounding charity and simplicity a little, might have silenced many an insult and reproach, but refused to do so; during the time he had most to suffer he gave no signs of impatience, working always with greatest sweetness and perfect tranquility.
The Empress Eudoxie asked of St. John Chrysostom a certain permission to heretics, which he could not conscientiously grant, and he boldly refused. The princess, angry at his refusal, sent her ministers to threaten him with exile and death if he did not obey. “Go tell the empress,” he replied, “that Chrysostom fears but one thing — that is sin.”
Prayer.
My God, grant that I may fear sin alone. Give me a disposition to refrain from everything that displeases Thee, to work always for Thee, to suffer for love of Thee.