You have many years of experience that this mortal life is full of thorns and brambles, fears and doubts, woes, temptations, and dangers. Therefore, blessed are those who prepare daily and draw closer to death. Foster in yourself hope in God and daughterly trust in the Most Holy Virgin Mary. Be firmly convinced that you are destined for glory and for a life in grace and love. Believe and hope that your suffering and the good deeds you perform, even if often sluggishly, timidly, and distractedly, are nonetheless pleasing to His Divine Majesty and deserve eternal grace and glory, and do not give room for contrary thoughts. Through this openness of heart, Your Dignity will gain incomparably much more than its usual distress, hesitation, and timidity…
(Brother Gerardo of St. Luke OCD, letter to the esteemed Mother Electa /1605–1663/, September 14, 1658)
