Two As One

DAY 3 and DAY 4 The Unveiling of a Plan for Salvation—Consecrated in the truth. REFLECTION There are no souls with more horror of sin, more strength to practice good and to make great sacrifices to God than those who, in order to be forever engrossed in God, seem never to think of themselves. Instead, they rely upon him for their salvation and all other things. It is precisely this spiritual state that most nearly ensures salvation. One can infer from this that not merely scruples but excessive fear, grievous doubt, interior vexation, and bitterness of heart derive only from that mercenary love which is concerned more with its individual interest than with God’s glory, or his will, or than a single-hearted wish to please him in all things more excellent. “Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds, so that you will be able to discern the will of God and to know what is good and acceptable and perfect” [Romans 12:2]. Since God is the Supreme Good, love of him must take precedence over the love we owe ourselves. Thus, utter self-abandonment to God in love and in trust involves not perdition, but the gain of all things. The spectacle of this confused mass of frailty, wretchedness, unworthiness and every kind of corruption must in no way disconcert us. For no soul gifted with this acute and humiliating perception, has failed to discover this a singular grace of God; aided by true self-knowledge, to find that lasting humility of heart upon which all perfection is based. There are many saintly souls whose only riches is a profound knowledge of their wretchedness, and whose greatest contentment is, metaphysically speaking, to see themselves engulfed. Only then are we possessed of truth and, therefore, of God who is the Supreme Truth. If God were to bless you with absolute control over your will, you would have a constant awareness of heavenly bliss. Which is why, when we even moderately seek to completely conform our will to his, we can’t help but to experience at least some interior sense of joy and peace. PRAYER To solidify the message received, repeat the following from Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross: “When you seek truth, you seek God whether you know it or not.” ACTION To enhance upon this reflection please read repeatedly: John 14:16-17, which plainly states, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot accept because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, because he dwells with you and will be in you.” Pray this passage often throughout the day today. TOMORROW (DAY 4) Re-read all the above. See how God has revealed yet another message to you, throughout this second day, as his loving, and always amenable child. See how the two days are as one.