Lawrence of the Resurrection (1614–1691)
My dear Mother! (1)
If we sufficiently accustomed ourselves to practicing life in God's presence, we would bear all bodily ailments more easily.
God often allows us to suffer a little, to refine our souls and to compel us through this path to remain with Him. I cannot understand how a soul that is united with God and desires nothing but Him can be overly troubled by anything; and I have enough experience to discern this.
Courage! Continuously offer Him your sufferings, ask Him for the strength to endure them, especially get used to speaking with Him often, and as much as possible, never forget Him. Worship Him and bow down to Him even amid all your ailments, from time to time offer yourself to Him, and when your pains are most intense, humbly and lovingly ask Him like a child of your good Father for unity with His holy will and for the help of His grace. I will help you in this with my feeble and humble prayers.
God has many means of drawing us to Himself. Sometimes He seems to hide from us, but only faith, which we will not lack in that moment, will be our support and the foundation of our hope, which must be entirely anchored in God.
I do not know what God intends for me. I am becoming increasingly happier. Everyone suffers, and I, who should be doing strict penance, feel such great joy that I can hardly control it.
If I did not know my weakness, I would ask God to share in your pains. But my weakness is so great that if God were to leave me to myself for just a moment, I would become the most miserable of all creatures. Yet, as of now, I do not know how He could leave me alone, for I can grasp Him through faith, and He will never turn away from us when we ourselves do not first distance ourselves from Him. Let us guard against straying from Him. Let us remain always united with Him, live and die with Him. Pray for me, and I will pray for you.
Your etc.
November 28, 1690
(1) To a nun who has tried all health recommendations and all medicines. Lawrence advises her to devote herself to God and generously accept suffering.
Excerpted from the book: Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, Collected Works
Editor: Sr. Ancilla Karl OCD and P. Antonio Sagardoy OCD
Published by: CERF Paris, 1991
Translated by: Norbert Žuška, OCarm.
