“I often compare myself to a little bowl filled by God with good things.  All the kittens come to eat from it, and they sometimes quarrel as to which will have the largest share.  But the Holy Child Jesus keeps a sharp watch.  ’I am willing you should feed from My little bowl,’ He says, ’but take heed lest you upset and break it.’

“In truth there is no great danger, because I am already on the ground.  Not so with Prioresses; set, as they are, on tables, they run far more risks.  Honours are always dangerous.  What poisonous food is served daily to those in high positions!  What deadly fumes of incense!  A soul must be well detached from herself to pass unscathed through it all.”

* * * * * *

“It is a consolation for you to do good and to procure the Glory of God.  I wish I were equally favoured.”

“What if God does make use of me, rather than of another, to procure His Glory!  Provided His Kingdom be established among souls, the instrument matters not.  Besides, He has no need of anyone.

“Some time ago I was watching the flicker, almost invisible, of a tiny night-light, when one of the Sisters drew near, and, lighting her candle in the dying flame, passed it round to light all those of the Community.  ‘Who dare glory in his own good works?’ I reflected.  ’From one faint spark such as this, it would be possible to set the whole earth on fire.’  We often think we receive graces and are divinely illumined by means of brilliant candles.  But from whence comes their light?  From the prayers, perhaps, of some humble, hidden soul, whose inward shining is not apparent to human eyes; a soul of unrecognised virtue and, in her own sight, of little value—­a dying flame.

“What mysteries will yet be unveiled to us!  I have often thought that perhaps I owe all the graces with which I am laden, to some little soul whom I shall know only in Heaven.

“It is God’s Will that in this world souls shall dispense to each other, by prayer, the treasures of Heaven, in order that when they reach their Everlasting Home they may love one another with grateful hearts, and with an affection far in excess of that which reigns in the most perfect family on earth.

“There no looks of indifference will meet us, because all the Saints will be mutually indebted to each other.  No envious glances will be cast, for the happiness of each one of the Blessed will be the happiness of all.  With the Doctors of the Church we shall be like unto Doctors; with the Martyrs, like unto Martyrs; with the Virgins, like unto Virgins; and just as the members of one family are proud one of the other, so without the least jealousy shall we take pride in our brothers and sisters.

“When we see the glory of the great Saints, and know that through the secret working of Providence we have contributed to it, who knows whether the joy we shall feel will not be as intense, perhaps sweeter, than the happiness they themselves possess?