Book 3 Page 2
The Revelations of Saint Gertrude.
Compiled by the Religious of Her Monastery.
Index
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Book 4
Chapter 48
As the Saint offered various testimonies of her love to God during the night - asking Him, among other things, how it happened that she had never wished to know whether her sickness would end in life or death, though it had lasted so long, and how it was that she felt indifferent to either - Our Lord answered her thus:
When a bridegroom conducts his bride into a garden of roses to gather them for a bouquet, she takes so much pleasure in his sweet conversation, that she never pauses to inquire which of the roses he would wish her to gather, but she takes whatever flower her bridegroom gives her; and places it in her bouquet. So also the faithful soul, whose greatest pleasure is the accomplishment of My Will and delights in it as in a garden of roses, is indifferent whether I restore her health or take her out of the present life, because, being full of confidence, she abandons herself entirely to My paternal care.
One night also, when the Saint was much exhausted by her spiritual exercises, and by the interior converse she had, had with her Lord, she took a few grapes with the intention of refreshing her Spouse in herself. The Lord received them with much gratitude, and said to her:
I am now compensated for the bitter draught offered me in a sponge as I hung on the Cross for your love, because I now taste in your heart an ineffable sweetness; and the more purely you recreate your body for love of Me, the sweeter is the refreshment I find in your soul.
As she had thrown from her the skins and stones of the grapes which she had in her hands, she saw the devil - the persecutor of all good - trying to gather them up, as if to reproach her for all the dispensation which her infirmity had made her take, by eating after Matins, contrary to the Rule. But the moment he attempted to touch one of the skins, he was so scorched and burned, as if devouring flames, that he fled from the house uttering fearful cries, and taking care for the future how he uttered anything that could cause him such frightful torments.
Chapter 49
One night, as Gertrude was occupied in examining her conscience, she remarked that she had a habit of saying "God knows", without reflection and without necessity; and having blamed herself very severely for this fault, she besought the Divine Majesty never to permit her to use His sweet name lightly again, Our Lord replied lovingly to her:
Why would you deprive Me of the glory and yourself of the immense reward which you acquire every time you perceive this fault, or any similar one, and seriously endeavor to correct it? For when anyone exerts himself to overcome his faults for love of Me the same testimony of fidelity and respect as a soldier would do to his captain when he courageously resisted his enemies in battle, overcoming them all, and casting them to the ground with his own arm.
After this, as the Saint rested on the bosom of her Lord, she felt a great weakness of heart, which she offered thus to Him: "My Beloved Spouse! I offer Thee this debilitated heart, with all its affections and desires, that Thou mayest take pleasure therein according to Thy Will". He replied:
I accept your offering of this weak heart and prefer it to a strong one; even as the hunter prefers what he has taken in the chase to tame animals.
Although the infirmities of the Saint prevented her from assisting in choir, still she often went to listen to the Office, in order thus to exercise her body in some manner in the service of God; and reflecting that she was not as attentive or recollected as she desired, she manifested her grief to her Divine Spouse, saying to Him, with a dejected heart: "What glory canst Thou receive, my loving Lord, from my sitting here in this idle and negligent manner, paying so little attention to what is said or chanted to Thy glory?" Our Lord replied:
And what satisfaction would you not have if your friend presented you with a draught of newly - made -mead, which you thought would strengthen you? Be assured, then, that I find infinitely more pleasure in every word, and even every syllable, to which you listen attentively for my glory.
At the Mass which was celebrated after, Gertrude, felt unable to rise at the Gospel, and she doubted whether to spare herself or not on such occasions, as she had no hope of her recovery; but she asked God, according to her custom, what would be most for His glory. He replied:
When, for love of Me, you do anything with difficulty, and which is beyond your strength, I receive it even as if I had absolute need of it; but when you omit anything to take due care of your body, referring all to My glory, I consider it in the same manner as an infirm person would consider some relief that it was impossible for him to do without; thus I will recompense you for both according to the greatness of My Divine munificence.
Chapter 50
As Gertrude examined her conscience one day, she discovered some faults which she was extremely anxious to confess; but as she could not have recourse to her confessor at the time, she began as usual to discover her grief to Our Lord, Who consoled her thus:
Why, He inquired, are you troubled, My beloved, since I am the sovereign Priest and true Pontiff, to whom you can have recourse; and I can renew in your soul with greater efficacy the grace of the Seven Sacraments, by a single operation, than either priest or Bishop could by conferring each separately? For I will baptize you in My Precious Blood; I will confirm you in My victorious strength; I will espouse you in My faithful love; I will absolve you from all your sins by the charity of My heart; I will feed you Myself by My overflowing tenderness, and I will feed Myself also on you; I will purify you inwardly by so powerful an anointment of the sweetness of My spirit, that all your senses and your actions will breathe the most fervent piety, which pouring down on you like holy oil, will sanctify you more and more unto life eternal.
Once when the Saint had risen to say Matins, although in a state of extreme weakness, and had already finished the first nocturne, another religious, who was also ill, came to her, and she immediately recommenced the Matins with her, with great charity and devotion. Afterwards, being occupied with God during holy Mass, she perceived that her soul was magnificently adorned with precious stones, which emitted a most admirable brightness, Our Lord then made known to her that she had received those gifts in recompense for her humble charity in having recommenced her Matins for the convenience of a younger sister; and that she had received as many different ornaments as she had repeated words. The Saint them remembered some negligence of which she had not been able to accuse herself in Confession, on account of the absence of her confessor; and as she mourned over this to Our Lord, He said to her:
Why do you complain of your negligences- you who are so richly clothed with the robe of charity, which covers a multitude of sins?
"How can I console myself," she replied, "when I still perceive that I am stained by them?" But Our Lord answered:
Charity not only covers sins, but, like a burning sun, consumes and annihilates the slightest imperfections, and overwhelms the soul with merit.
Gertrude once perceived that a person neglected some observances of the Rule, and feared that she would be guilty in the sight of God if she did not correct it, as she knew of it; but she also apprehended that some who were less strict might think she interfered more than was necessary in trifling matters. This trouble, however she offered, according to her custom, to our Lord, Who, in order to show how agreeable her devotion was to Him, said to her:
Each time that, for love of Me, you suffer this reproach, or any similar to it, I will strengthen you mightily, and will encompass you, as a city is encompassed with trenches and walls, so that no occupation will be able to distract you, or separate you from Me; and further, I will add to your merit that which anyone might have acquired if they had submitted themselves with humility to your admonitions.
Chapter 51
As it usually happens that the injuries which we receive from a friend are more difficult to bear than those which we receive from an enemy, according to the words of Scripture, "If my enemy had reviled me, I would verily have borne with it" (Ps 54:13) - Gertrude, knowing that a certain person, for whose welfare she had labored with extreme solicitude, did not respond with the same fidelity to her care, and even, through a kind of contempt, acted contrary to what she advised, had recourse to Our Lord in her affliction, who consoled her thus:
Do not be grieved , My daughter, for I have permitted this to happen for your eternal welfare, that I may the oftener enjoy your company and conversation, in which I take so much pleasure. And even as a mother who has a little child whom she loves specially, and therefore desires to have always with her, places something that will alarm her, and oblige her to come back into her arms, when she has strayed from her, so also desiring to have you always near Me, I permit your friends to contradict you in some things that you may find no true fidelity in any creature, and therefore have recourse to Me with all the more eagerness, because you know that I possess the plenitude and stability of all contentment.
After this it seemed to her as if Our Lord placed her in His bosom like a little child, and there caressed her in many ways; and, approaching His adorable lips to her ears, He whispered to her:
As a tender mother soothes the troubles of her little one by her kisses and embraces, so do I desire to soothe all your pain and grief by the sweet murmur of My loving words.
After the Saint had enjoyed these and many other consolations for some time, Our Lord offered her His Heart, and said to her:
Contemplate now, My beloved, the hidden secrets of My Heart, and consider attentively with what fidelity I have ordered all that you have ever desired of Me for your benefit and the salvation of your soul; and see if you can accuse Me of unfaithfulness to you, even by a single word.
When she had done this, she beheld Our Lord crowning her with a wreath of flowers, more radiant than gold, as a reward for the trial of which we have just spoken.
Then the Saint, remembering some persons who, she knew, were tried in other ways, said to God: "Surely these persons merit to receive from Thy liberality, Father of mercies, a richer recompense, and to be adorned with more splendid ornaments than I, since they are not assisted by the consolations which I receive, though so unworthy, and since I do not bear what happens to me with the patience I ought?" Our Lord replied:
In these things, as in all others, I manifest the special charity and tenderness which I have for you; even as a mother who loves her only child wishes to adorn her with ornaments of gold and silver, but, knowing that she could not bear their weight, decks her with different flowers, which without incommoding her, do not fail to add to her attractions. So, also, I moderate the rigor of your sufferings, lest you should fall under the burden, and thereby be deprived of the merit of patience.
Then, as the Saint reflected on the great care of the Divine Mercy for her salvation, she began to praise Him with great gratitude; and she perceived that those flowers with which her sufferings had been mystically rewarded expanded more and more as she returned thanks. She understood also, that the grace that God had given her, of praising Him in adversity, was as much more excellent as an ornament of solid gold is to one which has merely been gilt.
Chapter 52
A certain nobleman having sent to the Monastery to ask the religious to found a convent, Gertrude - who was always anxious to accomplish the Will of God, though she was unable to comply with this request - cast herself before a crucifix, and offered herself to God with her whole heart, praying that His holy Will might be accomplished. It seemed to her that Our Lord was so deeply touched by this offering, that He descended from the Cross to embrace her with extreme affection and gladness, and received her with marks of ineffable joy - even as a sick person who had been given over by the physicians would receive a remedy which he had long desired, and which he hoped might restore his health - and having then gently approached her to the adorable Wound of His Side, He said to her:
You are welcome, My beloved, you are the balm of My Wounds, and the sweetener of all My griefs.
Gertrude knew by these words that when anyone abandons His Will without reserve to the good pleasure of God, whatever adversity may be impending, Our Lord receives it as if he had anointed His Wounds, even at the very hour of His Passion, with the most precious and healing ointments.
After this as Gertrude prayed, she began to think of many things by which she hoped to procure the glory of God and the advancement of religion. But after a time she reproached herself for these reflections, which perhaps could never bear any fruit, because she was so weak that she seemed more likely to die than to be able to undertake any laborious work. Then the Lord Jesus appeared to her in the midst of her soul, radiant with glory, and adorned with roses and fair lilies; and He said to her:
Behold how I am adorned by your good will, even as I was by the stars and the golden candlesticks, in the midst of which St John in the Apocalypse, declares that He saw the Son of Man standing and having seven stars in His right hand; and know that I have received as much pleasure from the other thoughts of your heart as from this sweet and agreeable garland of lilies and roses.
"O God of my heart!" exclaimed the Saint, "Why dolt Thou embarrass my soul with so many different desires, which are all without effect, since it is so short a time since Thou didst give me the thought and desire of receiving Extreme Unction, and disposed my soul to receive it by filling me with such joy and consolation? And now on the contrary, Thou dolt make me desire the establishment of a new monastery, although I am still so weak that I am scarcely able to walk."
I do this, replied Our Lord, to accomplish what I have said at the commencement of this book, that,' I had given you to be the light of the Gentiles'; that is, to enlighten many people: therefore it is necessary that your book should contain information in many subjects, for the consolation and instruction of others. And as two persons who love each other often find pleasure in conversing on subjects which do not specially concern them - as a friend often proposes to a friend the most difficult and intricate questions - so do I take pleasure in proposing many things to My elect which will never happen to them, in order to prove their love and fidelity for Me, and to reward them for many purposes which they cannot carry into effect, counting all their good intentions as if they had been carried into action. So I inclined your will to desire death; and, consequently, made you feel this wish to receive Extreme Unction. And I have preserved in the depth of My Heart, for your eternal salvation, all that you have done in thought or act to prepare yourself for this Sacrament. Thus you may understand these words: 'The just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest.' For if you were deprived of thin Sacrament by sudden death, or if you receive it after you had lost consciousness - which often happens to My elect- you would not suffer any loss thereby, because all the preparation for death which you have made for so many years is preserved in the unfading spring time of My Divinity, where, by My cooperation, it always remains green and flourishing and fructifying for your eternal salvation.
Chapter 53
Gertrude was requested by a person, when she offered to God all the gratuitous gifts with which He had favored her, to ask that she might have a share in their merit. As she prayed thus, she perceived this person standing before the Lord, who was seated upon His throne of glory, and held in His hand a robe magnificently adorned, which He presented her, but still without clothing her in it. The Saint, being surprised at this, said to Him: "When I made a similar offering to Thee, a few days since, Thou didst at once take the soul of the poor woman for whom I prayed to the joys of Paradise; and why, most loving Lord, dolt Thou not now clothe this person with the robe which Thou halt shown her, and which she so ardently desires, through the merits of the graces Thou halt bestowed on me, though so unworthy of them?" Our Lord answered:
When anything is offered to Me for the faithful departed, I immediately use it for them, according to My natural inclination to show mercy and pardon, either for the remission of their sins for their consolation or for the increase of their eternal felicity, according to the condition of those for whom the offering is made. But when a similar offering is made for the living, I keep it for their benefit, because they can still increase their merit by their good works, by their good desires, and by their good will; and it is only reasonable that they should endeavor to acquire by their labor what they desire to obtain through the intercession of others.
Therefore if she for whom you pray desires to be clothed with your merits, she must study these three things: First, she must receive this robe with humility and gratitude - that is to say, she must acknowledge humbly that she has need of the merits of others - and she must render Me fervent thanksgivings for having deigned to supply her poverty out of their abundance, secondly, she must take this robe with faith and hope, that is, hoping in My goodness, she must believe that she will receive thereby a great assistance to her eternal salvation; thirdly, let her clothe herself in charity, exercising herself in this and in other virtues. Let all those who desire a share in the merits and virtues of others act in like manner, if they would profit thereby.
Chapter 54
Gertrude having been bled some time after the Fast, she was frequently heard uttering these words: "O King, of all kings the most excellent! O illustrious Prince!" with other of similar import; and as she recollected herself one morning in the place where she usually prayed, she said to God: "O most Loving Lord, what wilt Thou that I should do with these words which so often present themselves to my mind and my lips?" Then Our Lord showed her a golden collar, composed of four parts, which He held in His Hands. But as the Saint did not know what these four parts signified. He made known to her in spirit that the first part represented the Divinity of Christ; the second the Soul of Christ; the third, every faithful soul whom He had espoused in His own Blood; and the fourth, the pure and immaculate Body of Christ. She knew also that the reason why the faithful soul was placed in this collar, between the Soul and the Body of Jesus Christ, was to show with what indissoluble love the Savior had united the faithful soul to His own Body and Soul. and suddenly she was inspired with these words in rapture, at the sight of this collar.
Prayer
"Thou art the life of my soul! May all the desires of my heart be united to Thee by Thy burning love! May they languish and die whenever they turn to any object apart from Thee; for Thou art the beauty of all colors, the sweetness of all taste, the fragrance of all odors, the harmony of all sounds, the charm of all embraces! In these is the voluptuousness of delight; from Thee flows forth a torrent of love; to Thee are all drawn by Thy powerful attractions; and by Thee all receive the sweet influences of love! Thou art the overflowing Abyss of the Divinity! O King, greater than all kings! Supreme Emperor, sovereign Prince, peaceful Ruler, faithful Protector! Thou art the vivifying gem of human nobility with the noblest sentiments! Thou art Worker full of skill, a Master of full clemency, a Counselor full of wisdom, a Defender full of kindness, a Friend most faithful! Thou art the sweet savor of all delights! O gentle caresser, whose touch imparts healing! O ardent Lover, sweet and chaste Spouse! Thou art the Spring-flower of unchanging beauty! O Loving Brother, beautiful Youth, joyful Companion, liberal Host, careful Admisinstrator! I prefer Thee to every creature; for Thee I renounce all pleasures; for Thee I seek all adversity; and in all this I desire only Thy glory. My heart and lips testify that Thou art the quickener of all good. I unite, by the merit of Thy love, the fervor of my devotions to the virtue of Thy prayers, so that by the power of this Divine union I may be raised to the highest perfection, and all rebellious movements may be calmed within me."
All these sentences seemed like so many brilliant stones separately enchased in the gold of this collar. On the following Sunday, as Gertrude assisted at the Mass at which she was to communicate, and recite this prayer with much devotion, she perceived that Our Lord was pleased with it, and she said to Him: "O most loving Lord, since I perceive that these words are so agreeable to Thee, I will advise as many persons as I can to offer it to Thee devoutly, as a precious collar of pearls." Our Lord replied:
No one can give Me what is Mine, but whoever recites it devoutly shall feel his knowledge of Me increase, and shall receive light from My Divinity, which shall be showered down on him by the efficacy of these words; even as they who hold a plate of polished metal to the sun behold therein the reflection of its light.
The Saint immediately felt the effect of these words, for as soon as she had recited this prayer she perceived that the surface of her soul became radiant with Divine light, and she found an increase of sweetness and pleasure in Divine things.
Chapter 55
Jesus Christ once appeared to the Saint, and showing her His Heart, said to her:
My beloved, give Me your heart;
and as she presented it to Him with profound respect, it seemed to her that He united it to His by a canal which reached to the ground, through which He poured forth abundantly the effusions of His infinite grace, saying to her:
Henceforth I shall use your heart as a canal through which I shall pour forth the impetuous torrents of mercy and consolation which flow from My loving Heart on all those who shall dispose themselves to receive it by having recourse to you with humility and confidence.
Chapter 56
As the Saint prayed one day for some persons who had formerly injured the convent seriously by their thefts, and were again committing depredations, Our Lord appeared to her as if suffering much pain in one of His arms, which was so drawn back that the nerves were seriously injured, and He said to her:
Consider what torment he would cause Me who should strike Me with his closed hand (fist), on this suffering arm; and reflect that I am outraged in like manner by all those who, without compassionating the danger to which the souls who persecute you are exposed, do nothing else but talk maliciously of their (the persecutors) sins and what they (the victims) have suffered in consequence, without reflecting that these unhappy people (the persecutors) are members of My Body; while all those who touched by compassion implore My mercy for them, that I may convert them, act toward Me as if they soothed the pain of My arm with healing ointments: and I consider those who, by their counsels and charitable warnings, try to induce them to amend their lives, as wise physicians who endeavor to restore My arm to its proper position.
Then Gertrude, admiring the ineffable goodness of God, said to Him "But how, Lord, can these unworthy persons be compared to Your arm?" He replied:
Because they are members of the body of My Church, of which I glory in being the Head.
"But My God" exclaimed Gertrude, "they are cut off from the Church by excommunication, since they have been publicly anathematized for the violence they have done to this Monastery".
Nevertheless, replied the Lord, as they can be restored to the bosom of the Church by absolution, My natural goodness obliges Me to care for them, and I desire with incredible ardor that they should be converted and do penance.
The Saint then prayed that the Monastery might be defended from their snares by His paternal protection, and she received this reply:
If you humble yourselves under My might Hand, and acknowledge before Me in the secret of your hearts that your sins have merited this chastisement, My paternal mercy will protect you from all the efforts of your enemies: but if you rise up proudly against those who persecute you, wishing them evil for evil, then, by My just judgment, I will permit them to become stronger than you, and to afflict you still more.
Chapter 57
One year, when the convent was much burdened by a heavy debt, the Saint prayed to God with more devotion than usual that the convent procurators might be able to pay their debts. He replied tenderly:
What advantage shall I gain if I assist them in this?
The Saint replied: "They will be able to occupy themselves with more fervor and recollection in their spiritual duties."
And what will this advantage Me, continued Our Lord, since I have no need of your goods, and it is equally the same to Me whether you employ yourselves in bodily or mental exercises or mental exercises, provided you refer your intention to Me? For if I only took pleasure in spiritual exercises, I should have so reformed human nature after the Fall that it would no longer have needed food, or clothing, or any other necessaries of life, which are now obtained with so much labor. And as a powerful emperor is pleased, not merely with bringing up noble ladies in the court of his empress, but also brings up his own court nobles, captains and soldiers, who are employed in different ways, that they may serve him when any occasion presents itself, so also I take pleasure, not only in the interior delights of contemplation, but also in the different exterior affairs and occupations of the children of men, with whom I love to dwell when they labor in them for My love and for My glory, because in these occupations they have much exercised in charity, patience, humility and the other virtues.
After this the Saint beheld the person who had the principle charge of the temporal affairs of the Monastery as if he were resting on the left Hand of the Lord; and it appeared to her that he often rose with great pain, and offered Him a piece of gold enriched with a precious stone. Our Lord then said to her:
Know that if I lessened the troubles of him for whom you pray, I should also be deprived of these precious stones which are so acceptable to Me; and he would lessen the recompense which he will receive; for then he would only be able to offer Me with his right hand this piece of gold without any ornament. He presents Me with a piece of gold, who without suffering any adversity, refers all his actions to God according to His adorable Will. But he who is constantly suffering, and still conforms himself to the decrees of Providence, offers Me gold enriched with very rare and precious stones.
Nevertheless, the Saint still continued to pray that the convent procurator might be relieved from his difficulties. But Our Lord said to her:
Why dolt it seem hard to you that anyone should suffer these inconveniences for love of Me, since I am the one true Friend whose faithfulness never changes? For when anyone is deprived of all human help and consolation and is driven to the last extremity, those who have formerly received kindness from them are sorry for their misfortunes, and yet their sorrow is often fruitless, and can afford no assistance to their friend. But I am the only true Friend who, in such dive necessity will console the afflicted with the merit and glory of all the good works they have practiced during their whole life, whether by thoughts, words or actions, and these shall appear scattered over My vestments like roses and lilies; while this delightful vision shall revive in the soul its hopes of eternal life, to which it beholds itself invited in recompense for its good works. Then the soul disposes itself in holy contentment to depart from its mortal body and to enter eternal felicity, so that amidst its joys it may say: 'Behold the smell of my beloved is as the smell of a fertile field. (cf. Gen 27:27). For even as the body is composed of many members united together so also the soul consists of affections, such as fear, grief, joy, love, hope, anger, modesty, in the exercise of each of which the more man acts for My glory the more he will find in Me that incomprehensible and ineffable joy, and that secure delight, which will prepare him for eternal happiness. For in the resurrection, when the body will be raised incorruptible, each of its members will receive a special recompense for the labors and actions which it has performed in My name and for My love. But the soul will receive an incomparably greater reward for all the holy affections it has entertained for My love, for its compunction, and even for having animated the body for My service.
Once again, as the Saint prayed that the faithful procurator might receive the full reward of his troublesome labors for the temporal good of the community, Our Lord said to her,
His body , which is wearied by so many labors for Me, is like a treasure house, in which I place as many drachmas of silver as his limbs make movements to fulfill his duties with which he is charged: and his heart is like an ark, in which I place in reserve as many drachmas of gold as he has had thoughts of providing carefully, for love of Me, for those persons under his care.
Then the Saint exclaimed, in surprise: "It seems to me, O Lord, that this man is not so perfect as to undertake all that he does purely for Thy glory; for I believe he also thinks of the temporal profit he obtains thereby, and consequently of his bodily convenience. How then, canst Thou, My God, find such pleasure as Thou sayest in his heart and in his body?" Our Lord condescended to reply thus:
It is because his will is so entirely submitted to Mine that I am always the principle cause of his actions; and for this reason he will merit an inestimable recompense for all his thoughts, his words and his works. If he applies himself to each action with a still greater purity of intention, he will increase his merit even as gold exceeds silver in value and if he endeavors to refer all his thoughts and anxieties to Me with a yet purer intention, they will become as much more excellent as refined gold is in comparison of that which is allowed with a baser metal.
Chapter 58
It happened one day that a person was injured from an accident which occurred during some employment, and Gertrude, compassionating her suffering, prayed that the limb, which had been injured in a holy occupation, might not be endangered. Our Lord replied:
It will not be endangered; but on the contrary, the pain will bring down on her soul a recompense of inestimable value. And further, all those who endeavor to soothe or cure her pain shall receive an eternal reward: for even as a piece of cloth which has been dipped in saffron imparts the same color to whatever it touches, so, when one member suffers, all the members who serve her shall be crowned with her glory.
"But, my God" inquired the Saint, "how can those who thus assist each other render themselves worthy of so great a recompense when they labor thus, not that she who is wounded may suffer longer or more patiently for love of Thee, but merely to lesson her pain?" To this Our Lord vouchsafed a reply full of ineffable consolation:
The patience with which anyone endures an evil for My love and for My glory, which cannot be remedied by any human means, is not a patience which I condemn; on the contrary, having sanctified it by these words which I addressed in My agony to My eternal Father, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this chalice pass from Me' (Matt 26:39), it becomes of incomparable merit and value.
"But" inquired Gertrude, "is it not better to endure patiently every evil which happens, than merely to bear it because we cannot prevent it?" Our Lord answered:
This is a secret hidden in the abyss of My Divine perfection, and which surpasses human understanding; but to speak according to the manner of men, there is the same difference between these two kinds of sufferings as between two beautiful colors, which are both so brilliant and attractive, that it is difficult to give preference to either.
Then Gertrude prayed that Our Lord would make this known to this person Himself. and thus give her effectual and true consolation; but He answered:
This must not be; but know that I refuse her this by a secret dispensation of My Divine Wisdom, in order to prove her further, and to give her the merit of three virtues - patience, faith and humility: patience, because if she found such consolation in these words as you now experience, all her pains would be so sweetened that the merit of her patience would be thereby much diminished; faith in order that she may believe on the word of another what she has not experienced herself, since faith remains without merit and unfruitful when human reason has perceived what it believes; humility, that she may believe that others excel her, because they know by Divine inspiration what she does not merit to know.
Chapter 59
As the Saint prayed for a person for whom she had great compassion, because she knew that in a moment of impatience she had asked why God had permitted her to be tried in a way which she thought she had not deserved, Our Lord said to her:
Ask this person why these trials are not proportioned to her; and tell her, that since the kingdom of Heaven cannot be obtained without suffering, that she shall choose herself whatever suffering she thinks most suitable for her; and when it happens to her, let her bear it with patience.
She understood by these words, that the most dangerous kind of impatience is that in which persons imagine that they would be patient under other trials, but that they cannot be patient under what God sends them; whereas, on the contrary, they ought to be firmly persuaded that all which comes from God is most advantageous to them, and that when they do not receive it with patience, they ought to at least make it an occasion of humiliation. Our Lord then addressed His faithful spouse thus:
And what do you think of My conduct in your regard? Do you think that I have sent you suffering which is beyond your strength?
"Assuredly not, my God," she replied; "but I sincerely confess and will acknowledge to my last breath, that Thy Providence has governed me, both spiritually and temporally, in prosperity and adversity, in so prudent a manner, that all the wisdom of the world from its commencement even until now could not have acted thus, and that Thou only, my sweetest Lord, Who art the Uncreated Wisdom, wert capable of it; 'Who reaches from end to end mightily, and orderest all things sweetly'." (Cf Wis 8:1).
Then the Son of God led her to His Father, and asked her what she would say to Him, "I render Thee thanks Holy Father," she exclaimed, "with all my power, through Him that sittest at Thy right hand, for all the magnificent gifts which I have received from Thy bounty, knowing that this could be effected by any creature, and could only be accomplished by Thy Divine omnipotence, Who causest all things to exist." Then He led her to the Holy Spirit, that she might offer her thanksgiving to Him for all His benefits; and she said: "I give Thee thanks O Holy Ghost the Comforter, through the merit of him who, by Thy cooperation, was made Man in the womb of a Virgin, that Thou halt, charitably prevented me in all things with the gratuitous benediction of Thy sweetness, though I am so unworthy; and I am convinced that Thine ineffable charity alone could have bestowed such benefits on me, in which resides, from which proceeds, and through which we receive every good."
Then the Son of God addressing her with the greatest possible tenderness, said to her:
I take you under My protection more especially than any other creature; and I shall have a greater care of you than I owe to them by right of creation, redemption, or even of My own free choice.
From this the Saint knew that when anyone renders similar thanksgiving to the Divine Goodness, and abandons himself with confidence and gratitude to His holy Providence, that the Lord takes a particular care of him even as a Superior is obliged to watch specially over one whose vows he has received.
Chapter 60
As Gertrude prayed for a person with special affection, and said to Our Lord, "Hear me, O loving Lord, according to the sweetness of Thy paternal love, for her whom I pray," Our Lord answered:
I usually hear when you pray for her.
"Why then," replied Gertrude, "does she so often entreat me to pray for her alleging always her unworthiness and nothingness, as if she never received any consolation from Thee?"
This, answered the Savior, is the sweetest way in which My spouse could gain My affection; this ornament becomes her best, and in this she pleases Me most, because thus she is displeasing to herself, and this grace increases in her in proportion as you pray for her.
On another occasion, when she prayed at the same time for this person and also for another, Our Lord said to her:
I have brought her nearer to Me, and therefore it is necessary she should be purified by some little trial; even as a young girl who, on account of her love and tenderness for her mother wishes to seat herself beside her, although she may be more unconvinced thereby than her sisters, who take their proper seats round their mother - the mother also cannot look so easily and lovingly on the child beside her as on those who sit opposite to her.
Chapter 61
As Gertrude once prostrated at the feet of Our Lord Jesus, and kissed His Wounds with all possible respect and devotion, before praying for several persons and several affairs which had been recommended to her, she saw a stream breaking forth from the Heart of Jesus, which appeared to water all the placed where she was. She understood that this stream was the efficacy of prayers which she had offered at His feet, and said to Him: "My Lord, what advantage will those persons receive for whom I have prayed, since they cannot feel the effect of my prayers, and consequently cannot expect any consolation therefrom?" Our Lord answered by the following similitude:
When a king makes peace after a long war, those who live at a distance cannot be made aware of it until a favorable opportunity occurs; thus they who separate themselves from Me by their diffidence or other defects cannot perceive when others pray for them.
"But, Lord" she replied, "Thou halt Thyself made known to me that some of those for whom I have prayed are not separated far from Thee."
It is true, answered Our Lord; but to he whom the king gives his orders personally, and not through his officers, must wait for the convenience of his prince. And thus I Myself make known to them the effect of your prayers, when I find it will be most advantageous to them to do so.
Gertrude then prayed specially for a person who had persecuted her formerly, and received this reply:
As it would be impossible for anyone to have his foot pierced through without his heart sympathizing in its suffering, so My paternal goodness cannot fail to look with eyes of mercy on those who, while they groan under their infirmities and feel their need of pardon, are nevertheless moved by a holy charity to pray for the welfare of their neighbor.
What we should ask for the sick.
As it is a duty of humanity to pray often for the sick, the Saint inquired of God what would be most for the advantage of an invalid for whom she prayed. Our Lord replied:
Say two words for her with devotion - first, pray that she may preserve her patience; and secondly, pray that I may make every moment of suffering serve for her spiritual advancement and for My glory, according as the charity of My paternal Heart has ordained from all eternity for her salvation. And know that each time you pray thus, you will increase your merit and that of the sick person, even as an artist makes the colors brighter by retouching his painting.
How we should pray for those who occupy elevated positions in the Church.
As Gertrude prayed for a persons in office, she understood that what God desired most from them, and especially from prelates, was, that they should possess these dignities as if they possessed them not - that is to say, that they should use their authority as if it had only been granted to them for a day or an hour, and that they should be ready at any moment to resign their charge, yet without ceasing to do all in their power for the glory of God, saying to themselves continually in their hearts:" Courage! Let us neglect nothing which may procure the honor of Our Lord in these matters, that we may at last lay down our burden without fear, when we have promoted His glory and the advantage of our neighbor."
Of the value and importance of recommending ourselves to the prayers of others.
As the Saint prayed for a person who had requested her prayers with great humility, both personally and through others, she saw Our Lord approach this person, encompassing her with celestial light, and pouring forth on her in the midst of this splendor all the graces which she had hoped to receive through the merits of the prayers of Gertrude. Our Lord taught her by this, that when anyone confides in the prayers of another, with a firm confidence that through their intercession they will receive grace from God, the Lord in His goodness pours forth His benedictions on them according to the measure of their desires and they will place your faith, even when he to whose prayers they have recommended themselves neglects to pray for them.
Chapter 62
As Gertrude prayed for a person who had an ardent desire to advance in perfection, she received this instruction:
Tell her from Me, that if she desires to unite herself to Me by the tie of special love, she must, like a noble bird, make a nest at My feet of the branches of her own nothingness and the palm of My greatness, where she may repose by a continual remembrance of her unworthiness, because man is always inclined to evil of himself, and not to good, unless he is prevented by My grace. Let her often reflect on My mercy, and then on the paternal goodness with which I am ready to relieve men when they have fallen, if they return to Me by penance. When she desires to leave this nest in order to seek food, she must fly into My bosom wherein, with affectionate gratitude, she must reflect on the different blessings with which I have enriched her by My super abundant kindness. If she desires to fly further, and to ascend higher on the wings of her desires, she must rise with the swiftness of an eagle to the contemplation of heavenly things, which are above her; she must fly around my face, supported like a seraph on the wings of charity, and gaze with the piercing eyes of her spirit upon the glory of the King of kings.
But since it is impossible for her during this life to continue long in this high contemplation, even for an hour, she must depress her wings, by thinking frequently of her own nothingness, and return to her nest, remaining there in repose until she is able again to renew her flight by acts of thanksgiving and gratitude; then let her seek once more her pasture, and elevate herself again in ecstasy to the highest contemplation of the Divine Majesty. Thus by repeating frequently these difficult movements, entering into her nest by considerations of her unworthiness, and coming forth from it by meditating on My benefits, she will elevate herself to heavenly contemplation, and she will always taste celestial joys.
Gertrude now prayed for another person who had been particularly recommended to her, and who, having renounced the world after passing the flower of her youth in it, had consecrated herself to God in religion. She besought Him by the same love with which He had promised her that He would use her heart as a canal through which to pour forth His grace on others, that He would now accomplish this promise for His own glory, and for the satisfaction and advantage of this person; and as she prayed thus, she saw her heart united, under the form of a little canal, to the loving Heart of Jesus, the Son of God, who appeared seated on His royal throne.
Then Gertrude also saw the person for whom she prayed prostrating humbly before God; she beheld Our Lord offering her His left hand, and saying to her;
I will place you under the protection of My incomprehensible omnipotence, My inscrutable wisdom, and My ineffable goodness
- at the same time presenting to her three fingers of His left hand, with which He touched hers; thus indicating three different manners in which she should endeavor to regulate her life. First, that when she commenced any duty, she should always submit herself humbly to the Divine omnipotence, acknowledging herself a useless servant, since she had passed her best years unfruitfully, without thinking of God her Creator; praying fervently that the Almighty would give her grace to act as she ought therein. Secondly, that she should protest before the impenetrable wisdom of God, that she was unworthy to receive any effusion of Divine knowledge, because she had not accustomed her senses from her infancy to occupy themselves with Divine things, but rather had used them for human pride and vainglory. Thus abasing herself in profound humility, she should detach herself from everything earthly, and apply herself solely to the contemplation of God; and that she should according to the circumstances of time and place, endeavor to impart to others the effusions of Divine grace which were poured forth on her. Thirdly, that she should receive with great thanksgiving the good will which the Lord had freely bestowed on her, by means of which she would be enabled to observe the two preceding counsels.
It appeared to the Saint, also, that Our Lord wore a ring on the ring finger of His left hand, the material of which was of little value, thought it contained a very rare and precious stone of the color of fire; and it was revealed to her that this ring symbolized the imperfect life of this person, which she had offered to God by forsaking the world, and enrolling herself under the Divine standard; and that the precious stone signified the mercy and ineffable liberality whereby Our Savior had inspired her with a good will, so that all her works might become perfect before God. Therefore the voice - that is to say the intention - of this person ought to be a continual thanksgiving and praise to God for this immense grace. She knew also, whenever this person performed any good work by Divine assistance, that Our Lord placed it on His right hand as a ring of great value, displaying it before all the heavenly court, and appearing to take satisfaction in having received the gift from His spouse - that is, from the soul of this person. They gave all the blessed souls a love for her, as princes have for the spouse of their king; and they rendered their services to this person, whenever God desired it, with all the fervor and devotedness which the Church Triumphant in Heaven renders to the Church Militant on earth.
As the Saint prayed with much devotion for another person, she received this instruction for her: that she was to make her nest in the hole of the rock - that is, in the adorable Side of Jesus Christ - so that, reposing there, she should suck honey from the rock - that is, the sweetness of the intention of the Defiled Heart of Jesus - and this she might learn to imitate His example, according to the instruction of Holy Scripture; but especially in three things. First: as Our Lord frequently passed whole nights in prayer, she should imitate Him by having recourse to prayer in every trial and adversity. Secondly: that as Jesus Christ preached in the towns and villages, she should endeavor to edify her neighbor, not only by word, but by works; by her conduct, and even by the least movement of her body. Thirdly: that as Our savior was always ready to assist the needy, she should also render service to her neighbor by word and act, that whenever she was about to perform any action, she should always recommend it to God, uniting it to His most perfect works, that it might be accomplished according to His adorable Will, for the salvation of the world; and at its conclusion she should again offer it to the Son of God, that He might amend its defects, and present it to God His Father for His eternal glory.
Whenever this person came forth from her nest, she was to use three supports; one to assist her in walking and the other two to support her on either side. The first support was to be a fervent charity, by which she was to endeavor with all her might to draw all kinds of persons to God, and to be useful to them for the glory of God, inconsideration to that divine Love by which He had labored for the common salvation of the whole human race. the second support, which she was to use on the right side, was a humble subjection, by which she was to submit herself to all for the love of God, and to take the utmost care that neither her superiors nor her inferiors should be scanderlized by her words or actions. The third support, which she was to use on the left side, was an exact vigilance over herself, by means of which she should endeavor to preserve herself from all sin, and to avoid the stains which she might contract by thought, word or action.
As Gertrude prayed for another person, her spiritual life was thus represented to her: She appeared before the throne of God as if engaged in building a magnificent throne of precious stones, the cement of which was pure gold. Sometimes she rested on this throne and then rose up again to resume her labor with greater fervor. The Saint understood that these precious stones represented the different afflictions by which the grace of God was preserved and strengthened in the soul of this person; for the Lord leads His elect through this life by rough and difficult paths, lest pleasures here should make them forget the pleasures of their father land. The gold which cemented these precious stones together represented the habitual grace which this soul possessed, and by means of which, with a lively faith, she made such profit of all the trials she suffered, whether exterior or interior. The repose which she took when sitting on this throne signified the sweetness of Divine consolation which she enjoyed; and the rising again, the good works in which she preserved continually, and by which she profited so much that she daily rose to a higher degree of perfection..
As the saint prayed for another person, her life was thus represented to her: she beheld before the throne of the Divine Majesty a very beautiful tree, the trunk and branches of which were green and flourishing, the leaves shining like gold. The person for whom she prayed appeared to ascend into this tree, and to cut off some little branches which had commenced to wither; and she had no sooner effected this, than Gertrude beheld the same number of branches coming forth from different parts of the throne of God, which were presented to this person to take the place of those which she had cut off; and when these were grafted on the tree, they appeared to bring forth fruit of a red color which she gathered and presented to God, Who received the offering with much pleasure.
The tree represented the religious life into which this person had entered to serve God; the gold colored leaves the good works which she practiced in her Monastery - and these were rendered of still more value by the prayers of one of her relatives, who had induced her to become a religious, and had recommended her to God with much fervent prayer. The instrument with which she cut off the withered branches represented the consideration of her own defects, in order to extirpate them by penance. The branches which came forth from the throne of God to replace those which she had cut off signified the perfect and holy life of Jesus Christ, who, through the merit and prayers of her relation, was always ready to supply her defects. Lastly, the fruit which she gathered and presented to God signified the good will she had to correct her faults, which was more acceptable to the Lord, who thinks more of the good will of a sincere heart than of great actions without pure intention.
As the Saint prayed fervently for two persons who had been recommended to her prayers, but of whom she knew nothing, she besought Our Lord to reveal their spiritual state to her. Our Lord then desired her to inform them of two revelations which had been made to her for two other persons for whom she had been praying previously, one of whom was learned and the other illiterate; and, He added, that all persons, whatever might be their state or condition, would find instructions in the preceding revelations, as well as in those which follow. Of the learned person Our Lord said:
I have taken her up, with My Apostles, on the mountain of new light, therefore, in regulating her conduct, let her be instructed by the meaning of the names of the Apostles who were led to that mountain. Now Peter, according to the interpreters signifies 'knowledge' let her then endeavor, in all her reading, to attain to herself - knowledge. For example, when she reads of vices or virtues, let her examine if she has any of these vices and see what progress she has made in virtue. Then, when she has obtained a more perfect knowledge of herself, let her follow the signification of the name James which is interpreted 'supplanter, and endeavor to fight courageously against her vices and to advance in virtues. And since the name John signifies 'grace' let her endeavor, at least for one hour each day, in the morning or evening, or whenever she finds it more suitable, to separate herself from all exterior things and to recollect herself interiorly, to think of me and know my Will; and let her thus let her exercise herself devoutly, as far as she can during the time which she has chosen, in all that I inspire her with, whether it be praise, thanksgiving for all the special favors I have bestowed on her, or for those which I have granted to others, or prayers for sinners, or for the souls in purgatory.
The following instruction was given for the unlearned person because she was much troubled that she could not apply to prayer as she desired being hindered by the duties of her office:
I have not merely chosen her to serve Me for an hour in the day, but that she may be continually with Me - that is, that she may perform all her actions for My glory, and with the same intention with which she should desire to pray. Let her also practice this devotion in all the trouble which she finds in her employment - namely, to have a constant desire that all those who benefit by her labor may not only find bodily refreshment, but also that they may be incited to love Me interiorly, and be strengthened in all good; and each time that she acts thus, her labors and works will be to Me as if she presented Me with so many different and delicious viands.
Chapter 63
As the Saint prayed for another person, the Lord Jesus, the King of Glory, appeared to her, showing her, under the figure of His natural Body the mystical Body of His Church, of which He is the Head and the Spouse. He appeared to have the right side of His Body magnificently clothed with a royal and Divine habit, but the left was uncovered, and seemed all over ulcers. The Saint was instructed by this, that the right side of Our Lord signified the elect who are in His Church, and who have been prevented by special gifts of grace; the left side represented the imperfect, who are still full of vices and imperfections. The ornaments with which the right side of Our Lord was adorned represented the benefits and services which some had rendered by a singular zeal to those whom they knew to be more advanced in virtue than others, and to enjoy more familiarity with God, because, whenever they acted thus, they bestowed, as it were, a new ornament on the Lord. But there are also those who, while they willingly do service to virtuous persons for the love of God, reprehend the faults of the wicked and imperfect with such severity that they increase these wounds instead of healing them.
Our Lord then spoke to Gertrude:
Let all learn from My example in this matter how they should heal the wounds of the Church, which is My mysterical Body - that is, how they should correct the faults of their neighbors. First, they must touch them gently, and endeavor by their kindness and charitable advice, to withdraw them from their imperfections. When they see that these means are ineffectual, then, in the course of time, they may use stronger remedies to effect their cure. Those who care nothing for My words are they who, while they know of the faults of others, concern themselves so little about them, that they would not correct them, even by a word, for fear of giving themselves the least trouble, saying with Cain, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' They plaster over My wounds who, instead of trying to heal them, draw them out, and cause them to become corrupt, by allowing the imperfections of their neighbors to continue by their silence, when they might cure them by their words.
There are others who discover the faults of their neighbors, but give way to anger if they are not corrected and chastised for them at the moment, according to their fancy; and such persons resolve in their hearts never again to advise or reprehend another, imagining that their advice has been disregarded; and yet they will be condemn others harshly themselves, even injuring them by untruths, without giving them one word of advice for their amendment. And they who act thus seem as if they placed a plaster on My wounds exteriorly, while interiorly they tear them with their burning irons.
They who neglect to correct the faults of others more from negligence than from malice act as they trod on My feet. And those who follow the impulses of their own will, without caring how they scandalize My elect, so that they gratify their inclinations, seem to pierce My hands with red hot needles.
There are others, also, who sincerely love, as they ought, good and holy Superiors, and, who show them every respect by their words and actions, and yet despise those who appear less perfect, and condemn their actions in their own minds too rigorously; and these acts as if they adorned the right side of My head with pearls and precious stones, and, at the same time, struck the other side violently and without mercy when I desire to lay it down upon them to rest. There are some also who applaud the ill-regulated actions of their Superiors, in order to insinuate themselves into their friendship, and thus to be permitted more easily to follow their own will; and these act as if they dragged My head back rudely, insulting Me in My suffering, and finding pleasure in My wounds.
Chapter 64
As the Saint prayed for another person who had been devoutly recommended to her prayers, she commenced by asking God to allow her to participate in all the good which she might effect, however unworthy, by her vigils, her fasts, her prayers and other good works. Our Lord replied:
I will communicate to her all the favors which the gratuitous goodness of My Divinity has operated or will operate in you even to the end.
The Saint then asked: "Since Thy holy and universal Church participates in all the good which Thou dost operate in me, by me, and by all Thine elect, what particular advantage will this person receive from Thy bounty, in consequence of my ardent desire that she should share in all the graces which Thou conferrest on me? Our Lord answered by this comparison:
Even as a lady of rank, who understands the art of skillfully arranging pearls and precious stones to adorn herself and her sister does honor to her house and her parents, and though she is thus skilled obtains the greatest applause, still those whom she adorns are more admired than those who are altogether deprived of such jewels; so also the Church shares in what is granted to each individual; but they who have received them, and those whom they desire to participate in them, receive the greatest profit from them.
Then the Saint told Our Lord that a person who had attended Dame Mechtilde in her illness complained that she had not attended her as she wished; above all, she grieved that she had not spoken to her about her soul as she had desired, fearing, if she did so, that she might incommode her. Our Lord replied:
She serves Me daily at My table, as a prince would his emperor, by the good will with which she so often served My spouse with such alacrity and liberality; for I take pleasure in all the services which she has rendered to her, whether by serving her with food and drink, or soothing her sufferings by her words or actions. And as for the complaint which she makes of not having spoken to her often enough of spiritual things, I will supply for this Myself, as a charitable bridegroom, who, seeing that his bride from respect refrains from asking him for something that she ardently desires, grants double to her modesty. Further more, on account of the joy which she feels for all the favors which I have granted to My spouse, her soul will receive in Heaven an inestimable delight for all the graces which have been poured forth on her from the incomprehensible source of light. For as the rays of the sun, when they fall on the surface of the water, reflect themselves again on some other surface, so the brightness of My grace, which shines into the souls of those whom I have presented on earth with sweetness of My benediction, will cast their light through eternity upon the souls of those who have rejoiced in their happiness, and form an image brighter than that of the most highly-polished mirror.
Chapter 65
As Gertrude prayed for a person who was greatly tried by temptation, she received this reply:
It is I who have sent this temptation, and who permit it, that she may thus perceive and repent of her defects and efface those defects which she does not see; as it usually happens that, when men perceive any stain on their hands, they wash them, and thus thoroughly cleanse away lesser stains, which they would not have perceived or removed if they had not seen a greater one.
Chapter 66
A certain person, moved by a zeal for justice, sometimes exclaimed against those whom she thought approached the Holy Communion with too little preparation and fervor, and rendered them so fearful, that they dare not communicate. On this account Gertrude prayed for this person and inquired how Our Lord received her zeal, He replied:
Since I find My delight in dwelling with the children of men, and have left this Sacrament by an excess of love, for a remembrance of Me, that by this they remember Me frequently; and, finally, have obliged Myself to remain in this mystery until the consummation of ages - all who, by their words or persuasions, drive away those who are not in mortal sin, and thus hinder and interrupt the delight which I find in them, act like a severe master, who forbids the children of the king to speak to those their own age who may be poor or beneath them in rank, because he considers it more correct that his pupils should receive the honor due to their dignity than to permit them this enjoyment.
"But, Lord" inquired the Saint, "if this person formed a firm resolution not to commit this fault any more, wouldst Thou not pardon her for the past?"
I would not only pardon her, Our Lord replied: but her actions would be as agreeable to Me as it would be to the king's son if his master allowed him to play with those children from whom he had previously driven him away with such severity.
Chapter 67
As Gertrude prayed for a person whose conscience was troubled, fearing that she was guilty before God for not having borne with sufficient patience the negligence of some persons by whose bad example she feared religious discipline would become relaxed, Our Lord, who is the best of all masters, instructed her thus:
If anyone desires that her zeal should be an acceptable sacrifice to Me and useful to her own soul, she should have a special care of three things; first, she should show a gentle and serene countenance toward those whom she desires to correct for their faults, and even, when opportunity offers, she should manifest her charity toward them by her actions as well as by her words; secondly, she should be careful not to publish these negligences in places where she neither expects amendment in the person corrected nor caution in the listeners; thirdly, when her conscience urges her to reprehend any fault, no human consideration should induce her to be silent, but, from a pure motive of giving glory to God and benefiting souls, let her seek an opportunity of correcting these imperfections with profit and charity. Then she will be rewarded according to her labor, not according to her success: for if her care entirely fails of effect it will not be her fault, but the fault of those who refuse to hear her.
As the Saint prayed again for two persons who had a verbal disagreement, one anxious for the maintenance of justice, and the other for charity. Our Lord said to her:
When a father Who loves his little children sees them playing together and disporting merely for amusement, he appears not to notice it; but if he perceives that one rises up against the other too harshly, then he immediately reprehends severely the one who is at fault. Thus also I, who am the Father of mercies, when I see two persons arguing together with a good intention, appear not to perceive it, though I would much prefer to see them enjoy an entire peace of heart; but if one becomes angry with the other, she shall not escape the rod of my paternal justice.
Chapter 68
As another person complained that she did not receive the fruit of the prayers which were offered for her, the Saint laid the matter before God, and received this reply:
Ask this person what she would think most advantageous to a cousin or any other relative for whom she ardently desired a benefice - whether the right to it should be conferred on him as a child, or whether he should be allowed the revenues also, and permitted to use them as he pleased? According to human prudence, she could only reply that it would be more advantageous to confer on him the right to the benefice, and the revenue when he could use it properly, than when he might squander it wastefully. Let her, then confide in My wisdom and My Divine mercy, since I am her Father, her Brother, and her Spouse, and I will obtain what will be advantageous for her body and soul with far more care and fidelity than she would for any relative; and let her believe that I preserve carefully the fruit of all the prayers and desires which are addressed to Me for her, until a suitable time comes to permit her to the enjoyment of them; then I will commit them to her entirely, when no one will be able to corrupt them, or to deprive her of them by their importunities. And let her be persuaded that this is far more useful to her than to pour into her soul some sweetness which might, perhaps, be an occasion of vainglory to her, or become tarnished by her pride; or than to grant her some temporal prosperity, which might prove an occasion of sin.
Chapter 69
As the Hebdomadaira recited the chapter at Matins by heart, it was revealed to Gertrude that she acted thus to satisfy a precept of the Rule which requires that it should be recited thus, and that she acquired as much merit by this as if as many persons as there were words in what she chanted interceded for her with God. She remembered what St. Bernard has said will happen at the hour of death, when our actions will address us thus: "You have produced us; we are your work; we will never leave you, but will abide continually with you, and appear with you at judgment." Then God will permit all the actions of the obedient to appear as so many persons of distinction, who will console him, and intercede for him with God, so that each good action performed through obedience, with a pure intention, will obtain the pardon of some negligence, and thereby afford extreme consolation to persons in their agony.
Chapter 70
Another Hebdomadaria, who was appointed to read the Psalter, having recommended herself to the prayers of the Saint, she began to intercede for her, and saw in spirit the Son of God elevating this person before the throne of His Eternal Father, praying Him to grant her a share in the zeal and fidelity with which He had desired the glory of God His Father and the salvation of the human race. After He had prayed thus for this person, she appeared clothed with ornaments like His. Therefore, as the Son of God is said to stand before His Father to render Him favorable to His Church, so this person, like another Esther, stood with the Son of God before the Eternal Father praying for her people, that is to say, for her community. And as she thus acquitted herself of the obligation of reciting the Psalter, the heavenly Father in two different manners, like a lord who receives a debt by the person who has entered bail for his debtors, and like a sum of money given by his steward to distribute amongst his friends. It appeared, also that Our Lord gave this person all she desired to obtain by her prayers for the community, and that he had granted them all they asked.
As St.Gertrude prayed to God to correct a fault in one of her superiors, she received this reply:
Do you not know that not only this person, but also all those who have charge of this My beloved community, have some defects, since no one can be entirely free from them in this life? And this happens by an excess of My mercy, tenderness and love with which I have chosen this congregation, that by this means their merit may be greatly increased. For it is far more virtuous to submit to a person whose faults are apparent, than to one who always appears perfect.
To this the Saint replied: "Although I am full of joy in perceiving great merit in inferiors, I ardently desire that superiors should be free from faults, and I fear they contract them by their imperfections." Our Lord answered:
I, who know all their weaknesses, sometimes permits them, in the diversity of their employments, to be sullied by some stain, because otherwise they might never attain so high a degree of humility. Therefore, as the merit of inferiors is increased both by the perfections and imperfections of their superiors, so the merit of superiors increases by the perfections and imperfections of inferiors, even as the different members of the same body contribute to mutual increase.
From these words Gertrude learned to admire the infinite wisdom of God, who arranges all things for the perfection of His elect, with such care, that He even uses their defects for their increase in perfection; so that, were there no other subject than this wherein the mercy of God shone forth, the united thanksgivings of all His creatures would not suffice to praise Him for it.
As the Saint prayed for a person who was in trouble, she received this reply:
Do not defide (sic) in Me, for I will never permit My elect to be tried beyond their strength; and I am always with them to moderate the burden of their adversity, even as a mother who wishes to warm her little child at the fire always holds her hand between the fire and her child; so, when I know that it is necessary to purify My elect by sufferings, I send them not for their destruction, but to prove them and to contribute to their salvation.
As she prayed afterwards for a person whom she had seen commit a fault, she said in the fervor of her desires: "Lord, although I am the least of Thy creatures, since what I ask for this man is for Thy glory, why dost Thou not hear me, Thou art almighty, and canst do all things?" The Lord answered:
As My omnipotence can do all things, so does My wisdom discern all things; therefore I do nothing that is not suitable. And as an early monarch who had the power and will to cleanse his stables would not do so himself, because it would be unsuitable, so I do not withdraw persons from the evil into which they have fallen of their own will, if they do not change their will, and render themselves agreeable in My sight, and worthy of My love.
As the Saint watched a person who went around the choir during Matins to remind the sisters of some observance which had been forgotten, and thereby caused some confusion, she inquired of God if this action was agreeable to Him. He answered:
Whosoever endeavors to prevent any neglect in the Divine Office for My glory, and admonishes others for the same purpose, I will supply what he has omitted in this duty of piety and devotion which he is obliged to practice.
Chapter 71
As the Saint prayed for a person who was grieved at the illness of a friend whose death she expected, she received this instruction from God:
When anyone has lost, or fears to lose, a faithful friend in whom they find not only the consolation of friendship, but also great assistance for their advancement in virtue, if they offer Me this affliction, and would rather My Will should be accomplished than their friend should live, they may be assured, if they form this desire in their hearts even for a single hour, that I will preserve their offering in the same beauty and freshness as it was presented to Me; and all the afflictions which may happen to them afterwards through human weakness will contribute to the advancement of their salvation in such a manner, that all thoughts which may grieve them - as, for example, when they remember such or such a consolation which they might have found in this person, and of which they are now deprived - all those griefs and inquietudes which overwhelm man through the weakness of his human nature - will only serve to make place in their souls for Divine consolations, after the offering of which I have spoken; for I will bestow on them as many consolations as they have suffered afflictions. And I will act toward them even as a lapidary who is obliged to place in his work of gold or silver as many precious stones as he has made niches to receive them. Now, My Divine consolation is like a precious stone, because precious stones are said to have strength, or so the Divine consolation which man obtains by enduring a passing affliction has such efficacy, that there is nothing which can be renounced in this life, however great, which will not be restored a hundred fold in this life, and a thousand fold in eternity.
Chapter 72
As Gertrude prayed once for a person who ardently desired to have the merit of virginity before God, but who feared to have tarnished its brightness by some human weakness, she appeared in the arms of the Lord, clothed modestly in a snow-white robe, and He gave this instruction:
When virginity receives some slight stain through human weakness, and this becomes the occasion of exercising a true and solid penance, I cause these stains to appear as ornaments on the soul, and they adorn it as folds adorn a robe. Nevertheless, as Scripture, which cannot be in error, assures us 'that incorruption bringeth near to God' (Wis 6:20), it must be observed, that if these stains were caught by great sins, they would impede the effusions of Divine Love.
As she prayed for another person who desired Divine consolation, she received this reply:
She is herself the obstacle which prevents her from receiving the sweetness of My grace; for when I draw My elect to Me by the interior attractions of My love, they who remain obstinate in the exercise of their own judgment place the same impediment to it as one would who closed his nostrils with his robe to prevent himself from smelling a delicious perfume. But he who, for love of Me, renounces his own judgment to follow that of another, acquires a merit all the greater for acting contrary to his inclination, because he is not merely humble, but perfectly victorious; for the apostle says none will be crowned 'except he strives lawfully'. (2Tim 2:5).
As the Saint prayed for a person who found great difficulty in a work which had been commanded her, Our Lord instructed her thus:
If anyone desires, for love of Me, to undertake any painful work, by which he fears to be hindered from his devotions, if he prefers the accomplishment of My Will to his souls good, I will so esteem the purity of his intention, as to consider it as if it had really been carried into action; and even if he never commences what he has undertaken, he will not fail to obtain the same reward from Me as if he had accomplished it, and had never committed the least negligence in the matter.
On another occasion, when the Saint prayed for a person who was troubled about some subject of which she was herself the cause, she received this reply:
By these pains I purify the negligences which she has contracted by preferring, from human motives, an exterior utility to her interior advancement.
"But since she cannot live without the exterior goods," replied the Saint, "what fault can she have committed by this foresight, which is a necessity of her office?" Our Lord answered:
It is an honor and an ornament to a lady of rank to wear a mantle lined with furs; but if she turned it inside out, what was suitable for her rank would become a subject of confusion, so that her mother, to prevent such an exposure, would cover her with another mantle, lest she should be considered to have lost her senses. Thus I, who tenderly love this person as My own child, cover her defects with different kinds of afflictions, and I permit them to happen to her for this reason, without any fault of hers. Further, I have adorned her with patience as a special ornament; for I have recommended in the Gospel that men should seek first the kingdom of God and His justice - that is the perfection of the interior man - and then, not that they should seek exterior things, for I have promised that they shall be added to them.
These words should be carefully considered by all religious who desire to be friends of God.
End Book 3, Page Two
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