2. The second degree of friendship excludes all that offends a friend deliberately, with full knowledge and consent, though in a matter of minor importance. This is done by fully deliberate venial sin. This degree of friendship with God should be the normal condition of every good religious.
3. The third degree of friendship strives to avoid all that may displease a friend in any matter whatever, even when there is no question of giving offense. Such is the condition of fervent religious, who observe all their rules with great exactness, even those that do not bind under sin. They do so generously through the spirit of love for their Lord.
4. A fourth degree of friendship exists in those persons who are ever eager to give pleasures to their friends, never sparing any trouble to do so. Examine what is your habitual, or at least predominant disposition towards our good Lord. Do you often offend Him with full knowledge and will? Can you be more generous in doing what will please Him? What improvements can you make?
POINT III. Consider how friendship is increased.
1. By thinking frequently of the good qualities of our friend, of the favors he has done us, of the warmth of his affection for us and the proofs he has given us of it. Therefore we meditate on the Person, the life and the sufferings of Christ, His Blessed Mother and the Saints. Can I make my meditations more fervent and more loving? For the same purpose we should read spiritual books and make ourselves familiar with devotional literature, carry on spiritual conversations when it can be done with profit, and collect notes of edifying matters for future use.
2. By emptying our hearts of all human attachments that God may fill them entirely. The Lord is a jealous lover. Perfect detachment from creatures is the condition of perfect love of God.
3. By making frequent acts of perfect resignation to the Divine will. For friendship between two persons consists mainly in union of wills.
Colloquy. Ask earnestly for an increase of love of God, and resolve to avoid all that may hinder it.
MEDITATION VI
The Interior Spirit Is Fostered by the Holy Ghost
1st Prelude. Imagine you hear Christ say: “You shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you” (Acts i, 5).