THE Spouse in the Canticles, not having been able in repose to find her Beloved, arose, she says and went about the city to seek Him, but in vain . . . she could not find Him save beyond the ramparts. It is not the will of Jesus that we should find His adorable Presence without effort. He hides Himself, He envelopes Himself with darkness . . . It was not thus He acted in regard to the multitudes, for we read in the Gospels that the people were in admiration when He spoke.
Weak souls Jesus charmed by His divine utterances. He was trying to render them strong for the day of temptation and of trial; but small, truly, was the number of His faithful friends when He was silent [12] before His judges. Oh, what melody for my heart is that silence of the Divine Master.
XV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE
[12] Matt., xxvi, 65.
I HAVE read in the Holy Gospel that the Divine Shepherd leaves in the desert all His faithful flock, to go in haste after the sheep that is lost. How touching is this confidence. He is sure of them, they are captives of love—how could they break away? Even so does the well-beloved Shepherd of our souls rob us of the sense of His presence in order to give to sinners His consolations; or else, if He leads us to Mount Thabor it is for one moment . . . the valleys are nearly always the place of pasture, it is there He takes His repose at mid-day. [13]
XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE
[13] Cant., i, 6.
THE sole crime with which Herod reproached our Lord was folly . . . and frankly, that charge was true. Yes, it was folly to come seeking the poor shallow hearts of mortals, therein to make His throne. He, the King of Glory Who sitteth above the Cherubim! Was not His happiness complete in the company of His Father and the Spirit of Love? Why come to earth to seek out sinners and to make of them His friends, His chosen companions?
XX LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE
MARY, breaking the fragile vase poured out upon the Head of her Saviour a perfume of great price [14] and the whole house was filled with the fragrance thereof. [15]