The Practice of the Presence of GodLawrence, of the Resurrection, Brother
Religion
The Practice of the Presence of God
Lawrence, of the Resurrection, Brother
Christian life -- Catholic authors; Spiritual life -- Catholic Church
Third Letter: We have a God who is infinitely gracious and knows all our
wants. I always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will
come in His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more
than ever. Thank Him with me for the favors He does you, particularly
for the fortitude and patience which He gives you in your afflictions. It
is a plain mark of the care He takes of you. Comfort yourself with Him,
and give thanks for all.
I admire also the fortitude and bravery of M--. God has given him a good
disposition and a good will; but he is still a little worldly and somewhat
immature. I hope the affliction God has sent him will help him do some
reflection and inner searching and that it may prove to be a wholesome
remedy to him. It is a chance for him to put all his trust in God who
accompanies him everywhere. Let him think of Him as much as he can,
especially in time of great danger.
A little lifting up of the heart and a remembrance of God suffices. One
act of inward worship, though upon a march with sword in hand, are prayers
which, however short, are nevertheless very acceptable to God. And, far
from lessening a soldier's courage in occasions of danger, they actually
serve to fortify it. Let him think of God as often as possible. Let
him accustom himself, by degrees, to this small but holy exercise. No
one sees it, and nothing is easier than to repeat these little internal
adorations all through the day.
Please recommend to him that he think of God the most he can in this
way. It is very fit and most necessary for a soldier, who is daily faced
with danger to his life, and often to his very salvation.
I hope that God will assist him and all the family, to whom I present
my service, being theirs and yours.
Fourth Letter: I am taking this opportunity to tell you about the
sentiments of one of our society concerning the admirable effects and
continual assistance he receives from the presence of God. May we both
profit by them.
For the past forty years his continual care has been to be always
with God; and to do nothing, say nothing, and think nothing which may
displease Him. He does this without any view or motive except pure love
of Him and because God deserves infinitely more.
He is now so accustomed to that Divine presence that he receives from it
continual comfort and peace. For about thirty years his soul has been
filled with joy and delight so continual, and sometimes so great, that
he is forced to find ways to hide their appearing outwardly to others
who may not understand.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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