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THE DIALOGUE OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA | ||||
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Dictated by her, while is a state of ecstasy, to her secretaries, and completed in the year of Our Lord 1370. |
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A TREATISE OF PRAYER |
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23. How God renders this soul attentive to prayer, replying to one of the above-mentioned petitions. |
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Then the Eternal God, turning the eye of His mercy upon this soul, not despising her desire, but granting her requests, proceeded to satisfy the last petition, which she had made concerning His promise, saying, "Oh! best beloved and dearest daughter, I will fulfill your desire in this request, in order that, on your side, you may not sin through ignorance or negligence; for a fault of yours would be more serious and worthy of graver reproof now than before, because you have learnt more of My truth; wherefore apply yourself attentively to pray for all rational creatures, for the mystical body of the holy Church, and for those friends whom I have given you, whom you love with particular love, and be careful not to be negligent in giving them the benefit of your prayers, and the example of your life, and the teaching of your words, reproving vice and encouraging virtue according to your power. "Concerning the supports which I have given you, of whom you spoke to Me, know that you are, in truth, a means by which they may each receive, according to their needs and fitness. And as I, your Creator, grant you the opportunity, for without Me you can do nothing, I will fulfill your desires, but do not you fail, or they either, in your hope in Me. "My Providence will never fail you, and every man,
if he be humble, shall receive that which he is fit
to receive; and every minister, that which I have
given him to administer, each in his own way,
according to what he has received and will receive
from My goodness." |
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