Conformity to the Will of God.
“Not my will, but Thine be done.” — St. Matt. 36:39
TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY.
God requires works, hence we must suspend our exercises of piety whenever obedience or charity for our neighbor demands it. The work that God then asks of us will conduct more speedily to Him than the highest contemplation. — St. Teresa.
St. Clare of Montefalco practiced with the greatest delight whatever was most austere and painful in the monastery. She said that the gift of prayer is perfected in this manner.
While St. Magdalene of Pazzi was a novice, her mistress, knowing her great love for prayer, permitted her to retire to pray at different times while the others were employed in some manual labor. But she did not make use of the privilege. “In performing the same exercises as the others through obedience,” she said, “I am sure to do the will of God; in doing anything else, I am rather following my own will, no matter how holy the exercise may be.”
Prayer.
My God, never permit me to do my own will. It is Thy will I would always accomplish, and with love. I am here but for this.