Here, then, is the method which I would like to have you adopt:
1. After the noon meal, no application of the mind. Rather, a visit to the church, a bit of a walk into the countryside at a scheduled time, and a few soft, ejaculatory prayers will be sufficient, or, a brief glance into your relationship with God as seen through all things. It will be useful for you to sing the praises of the things of God, as found, for example, in the Psalms etc.; but also, a bit of the customary repose, since you are obliged likewise to preserve your health.
2. Meditations made from books are no longer your thing, but, rather, at an opportune time in the morning to place yourself in a state of silence. Do nothing, but only listen to the voice of God. You might say: "Lord, here I am at your beck and call." Allow your heart to speak with God, uttering its deep affection; do not get into reflective thoughts, except those that God himself arouses; rather, say: Lord speak to your servant ... oh would that I had always loved you." Then, look with tender glances at the crucifix and be filled with sentiments of confidence and trust in the Lord.
3. Offer only a few vocal prayers. Maintain a continuous realization of the presence of God; utter continual stream of aspirations as an incessant plea in the presence of God.
4. However, be occupied also in external works ... the Oratory ... the sick. All of this, of course, depending on your strength. Try this method for a bit, and you will begin to see the effects.[1]
[1] St. Gaspar del Bufalo in a letter to Mr. Giovanni Francesco Palmucci, June 28, 1826, letter 1451)
1. After the noon meal, no application of the mind. Rather, a visit to the church, a bit of a walk into the countryside at a scheduled time, and a few soft, ejaculatory prayers will be sufficient, or, a brief glance into your relationship with God as seen through all things. It will be useful for you to sing the praises of the things of God, as found, for example, in the Psalms etc.; but also, a bit of the customary repose, since you are obliged likewise to preserve your health.
2. Meditations made from books are no longer your thing, but, rather, at an opportune time in the morning to place yourself in a state of silence. Do nothing, but only listen to the voice of God. You might say: "Lord, here I am at your beck and call." Allow your heart to speak with God, uttering its deep affection; do not get into reflective thoughts, except those that God himself arouses; rather, say: Lord speak to your servant ... oh would that I had always loved you." Then, look with tender glances at the crucifix and be filled with sentiments of confidence and trust in the Lord.
3. Offer only a few vocal prayers. Maintain a continuous realization of the presence of God; utter continual stream of aspirations as an incessant plea in the presence of God.
4. However, be occupied also in external works ... the Oratory ... the sick. All of this, of course, depending on your strength. Try this method for a bit, and you will begin to see the effects.[1]
[1] St. Gaspar del Bufalo in a letter to Mr. Giovanni Francesco Palmucci, June 28, 1826, letter 1451)
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