“For some days, I have under  gone a singular trial during which my will, calm and at peace, has witnessed a violent onslaught delivered against my soul by the  demon of pride. It reminded me of the war  between the good and bad angels: an accursed  voice exclaimed within my heart I would rather possess nothing than possess all from God: rather would I be annihilated than receive beatitude and eternal glory as an alms- given out of compassion.

I clung by my will close to Him I loved, anxiously awaiting the end of the battle without feeling the blows, resisting without effort; indeed I even smiled at the furious attack, anticipating that it was the fore-runner of great graces, in which hope I was not mistaken.  In a short time I found myself united to God in a way new to me and the words of our Lord to Saint Teresa when He raised her to the spiritual nuptials perpetually reocurred to me: “Show zeal for My honour like a true bride.”  A zeal for souls and a longing to spend myself for my divine Bridegroom consumed my heart.

During prayer on the evening of the third day I entered the interior of my soul, and seemed to descend into the giddy depths of an abyss where I had the impression of being surrounded by limitless space.  Then I felt the presence of the Blessed Trinity, realizing my own nothingness, which I understood better than ever before, and the knowledge was very sweet.  The divine Immensity in which I was plunged and which filled me had the same sweetness.  My joy at seeing my own nothingness equaled my indignation at it during those three days.

This grace gradually grew weaker, but lasted for a long while.  For many months I never opened a book during prayer; it was enough for me to descent into the abyss.  My soul resembled a tiny shell floating peaceful and solitary upon a shoreless ocean.  What a joy it was!  Now I often say to myself; “let me descend!” but the scene is changed:  I can not longer find the deep abyss nor the infinite space around me – “The good God has come to the surface.”

TIME: 7:00

Mother Isabel of the Sacred Heart, Carmelite Nun of Lisiuex 1882-1914 ”I am the lowly herald of the LITTLE QUEEN” With an introduction by Dom Benedict Weld-Blundell, O.S.B. THE KINGSCOTE PRESS, 3 DYER S BUILDINGS, HOLBORN, LONDON, E.G. 1916. Authorised translation from the French

Play Meditation below by clicking the arrow button on the slider!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download