Conformity to the Will of God.
“Not my will, but Thine be done.” — St. Matt. 36:39
FOURTEENTH DAY.
There are many who say to God, “I give myself to Thee, without any reserve,” but there are few who practice this abandonment. It consists in receiving from the hands of God with a certain indifference all things according to the order of His providence. — St. Francis of Sales.
St. Vincent de Paul showed by the sweetness of his words and the serenity of his countenance that he looked upon all the events of life with equal indifference. He never lost sight of his great maxim, “Nothing happens in the world but by the order of Divine Providence.” Into the arms of Providence he threw himself and abandoned himself entirely. A worthy prelate, who was struck with admiration at his unalterable sweetness, which nothing could disturb, said, “Father Vincent is always Father Vincent.”
The saint, learning that a suit was about to be commenced to deprive several houses of his congregation of some land, replied to those who spoke of it: “Whatever is pleasing to God will take place; He is Master of all we possess; may He dispose of it as He wills.”
Prayer.
Lord, dispose of my goods, of my family, of my friends, of myself as Thou wilt, I will bless Thee; all is well that Thou dost.