There is a great difference between the spiritual realm, and the world — the one being eternal, and the other only a dream. We actually have something within us incomparably more precious than anything we see outside. Do not let us suppose that the interior of the soul is empty. If we took care always to remember what a guest we have within us, I think it would be impossible for us to abandon ourselves to vanities and things of the world. For we should see how worthless they are by comparison with those which we have within us. Perhaps you will laugh at me and say that this is obvious enough, and you will be right — though it was some time before I came to see it. I did not understand what that soul merited, or who dwelt within it — until I closed my eyes to the vanities of this world in order to see it. I think, if I had understood then, as I do now, how this great king really dwells within this little palace of my soul, I should not have left him alone so often, but should have stayed with him, and never have allowed his dwelling place to get so dirty.
If we fill the palace with vulgar people and all kinds of junk, how can the Lord and his court, the saints and angels, occupy it? To conquer one’s self for one’s own good, is to make use of the senses in the service of the interior life. If she, the soul, is speaking — she must try to remember that there is One within her to whom she can speak. If she is listening, let her remember that she can listen to Him who is nearer to her than anyone else.
Let her realize that, if she likes, she need never withdraw from this good companionship. If she can, let her practice recollection many times daily. If not, let her do it occasionally. As she grows accustomed to it, she will feel its benefits, either sooner or later. Once the Lord has granted it to her, she would not exchange it for any treasure. Nothing sisters can be learned without a little trouble. Look upon any care which you take about this, as well spent. I know that with God’s help, if you practice it, this inner recollectedness in prayer, for a year, or perhaps for only six months — you will be successful in attaining it. Think what a short time that is for acquiring so great a benefit.
You must practice simplicity and humility — for those are the virtues which achieve everything. Humility is the principal virtue which must be practiced by those who pray. True humility consists to a great extent in being ready for what the Lord desires to do with you, and happy that he should do it. These include contemplation and mental and vocal prayer, and tending the sick, and serving in the house, and working at even the lowliest tasks. What should it matter to us if we do one of these things, rather than another? What matters is not whether we wear a religious habit or not, it is whether we try to practice the virtues — and make a complete surrender of our wills to God, and order our lives as His Majesty ordains. True humility consists in our being satisfied with what He has given us. Let us desire that no our wills, but His Will be done.
What do you suppose His Will is, sisters? That we should be altogether perfect, and be One with Him. The Lord asks only two things of us: love for His Majesty, and love for our neighbor. It is for these two virtues that we must strive. And if we attain them perfectly, we are doing His Will — and so shall be united with Him. The surest sign that we are keeping these two commandments is, I think, that we should really be loving our neighbor. Yet I do not believe we could ever attain perfect love for our neighbor, unless it had its roots in the love of God.
Do not suppose, my friends and sisters, that I am going to charge you to do a great many things… There are only three things: one of these is love for each other. The second, detachment from all created things. The third, true humility. Which although I put it last, is the most important of the three, and embraces all the rest.