I have but one desire: to see Thee reigning in me

"My Good Master... I have but one desire; it is to see Thee reigning in this being which Thou has given me and always more and more that this breath of my soul, which is part of God, remain pure with a divine purity, and that my body might be animated by Him to a completely spiritual life."


-- The Life of Gabrielle Lefebvre by Fr Le Crom




** Painting titled The Soul Guided by Christ by Francisco Martínez, photo © Michel Zabé

May I always follow the straight road of pure good-will

"O Lord, may I come to you by the straight road of truth and simplicity!  Grant me a right intention, that single-minded regard of the soul that desires only to please you and is not concerned about how others interpret its actions.

    In my dealings with my neighbor, may I always follow the straight road of pure good-will, loving you in your creatures without seeking any natural satisfaction.  Let my relationships be inspired by sincerity, sisterly charity and holy freedom.      

    In the vicissitudes and unexpected events of life, make me know how to walk straight toward wherever you call me without any lingering or disctractions.  Teach me to follow the way of the love that does not know procrastination, and of the simplicity which knows no deviation, and of the trugh that knows no subterfuge.

    This is the way that pleases you, O Jesus, for you wanted to be called “the straightest way,” the way that leads to the Father, for you said; “No one comes to the Father but by me.”  It is the way by which the Holy Spirit guides us, for he “leads the just along the straight road.” Therefore, O God, I beg you with all fervor and desire: “create a pure heart within me and renew your Spirit within me.”"

-- From the writings of Sr Carmela of the Holy Spirit, ocd

I should live only by seeing God and my soul in all things

"I felt a strong impulse to go to prayer. I began with my spiritual Communion but in making my thanksgiving my soul was dominated by love. One by one the perfections of God were presented to me: His goodness, His wisdom, His immensity, His mercy, His holiness and justice. There was a moment when I did not know anything. I felt that I was in God. When I contemplated the justice of God, I began to be fearful. I would have wanted to flee or to hand myself over to His justice. I saw hell, whose fire was enkindled by the anger of God, and annihilating myself I begged for mercy and felt that I was filled with it. I saw how horrible a thing sin is. I want to die before committing it. I promised to see God in His creatures and to live in great recollection. He told me to strive to be very perfect and in a practical way He explained to me each one of His perfections. I should do all my actions with perfection so that between Him and me there would be unity, since I would not have it if I did something imperfect. Afterward I remained as though not knowing what was going on in my head, and I was afraid to present myself before the others, because I believed I still had something that would make me conspicuous. I believe that more than an hour went by. In the evening I did not have much fervor but I was recollected.

-o-

I made my prayer. I felt love and union with God, but I had very little recollection. For a long time I kept on without thinking of anything. I just remained there passively receiving the rays of the Divine Sun. Our Lord asked that I should obey through faith. He told me that He desired for me the greatest purity possible. I should live without worrying about things of the body, as though the body did not exist. I should look for no comfort. I should live only by seeing God and my soul in all things... Afterward I felt the pain of separation and even fear of such an austere life that I am going to live. But then I grew calm by putting my confidence in God." -- St Teresa of the Andes

-- God the Joy of my Life by Fr Michael D Griffin, ocd