The true penance comes when God takes away the soul's health and strength for doing penance. Even though I have mentioned elsewhere the great pain this lack causes, the pain is much more intense here. All these things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.

Untilled soil, however fertile it may be, will bear thistles and thorns; so it is with man's mind.

How often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.

Oh, my Lord! How true it is that whoever works for you is paid in troubles! And what a precious price to those who love you if we understand its value.

It is not so essential to think much as to love much.

Prayer is a friendly conversation with the One we know loves us.

It is here, my daughters, that love is to be found - not hidden away in corners but in the midst of occasions of sin. And believe me, although we may more often fail and commit small lapses, our gain will be incomparably the greater.