Part 35 (1/2)

When you read these few lines I shall perhaps be no more. I know not the future; yet I can confidently say that my Spouse is at the door. It would need a miracle to keep me in exile, and I do not think that Jesus will work that miracle--He does nothing that is of no avail.

Brother, I am so happy to die! Yes, happy ... not because I shall be free from suffering: on the contrary, suffering combined with love seems the one thing worthy of desire in this vale of tears; but happy to die because far more than on earth I shall help the souls I hold dear.

Jesus has always treated me as a spoilt child... . It is true that His Cross has been with me from the cradle, but for that Cross He has given me a pa.s.sionate love ...

X

August 14, 1897.

I am about to go before G.o.d, and I understand now more than ever that one thing only is needful--to work for Him alone, and do nothing for self or creatures. Jesus wishes to own your heart completely. Before this can be, you will have much to suffer ...

but oh! what joy when comes the happy hour of going Home! I shall not die--I do but enter into Life ... and whatsoever I cannot tell you here upon earth I will make you understand from the heights of Heaven... .

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[1] Matt. 26:39.

[2] Isa. 9:6.

[3] This letter and the following are addressed to a Seminarist.

[Ed.]

[4] John 14:2.

[5] Ps. 102[103]:8, 14, 13.

[6] Cf. Matt. 19:14.

[7] John 14:2.

[8] Luke 12:34.

[9] Cf. Zach. 13:6.

[10] Cf. Luke 15:22.

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PRAYERS OF SOEUR THeReSE, THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS

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AN ACT OF OBLATION AS A VICTIM OF DIVINE LOVE

_This Prayer was found after the death of Sister Teresa of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face in the copy of the Gospels which she carried night and day close to her heart._

O my G.o.d, O Most Blessed Trinity, I desire to love Thee and to make Thee loved--to labour for the glory of Holy Church by saving souls here upon earth and by delivering those suffering in Purgatory. I desire to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, and to reach the degree of glory Thou hast prepared for me in Thy Kingdom. In a word, I wish to be holy, but, knowing how helpless I am, I beseech Thee, my G.o.d, to be Thyself my holiness.