Three Means of Success

Mary

My child, in order to push forward more quickly the work of transforming yourself into Jesus, you must proceed methodically. I am going to teach you three means that can be of great help in that task.

2. Daily Examination: Every day find a moment, preferably toward the middle of the day, when you will examine briefly how your spiritual work is getting on. Find out what you have done since the beginning of the day to live the life of Jesus as regards such or such a disposition of His, and then determine what you are going to do during the rest of the day. In the evening before going to bed, cast a glance back over the day to see what you will have to avoid or do in order to improve matters on the morrow.

3. Carefully note the two following points: First, as I have already explained, apply yourself less to counting your faults than to determining what Jesus would have thought, felt, and done in your place under the various circumstances in which your corrupt nature has again asserted itself; and foresee how you will imitate His dispositions the next time these same circumstances appear. Secondly, make this examination in the form of a conversation with Jesus and with me. In this manner you will succeed much better than if you make a dry inquiry into your spiritual work all by yourself. Tell Us where you succeeded and where you failed; submit your resolutions to Us, and ask Us to help you live the life of Jesus more fully.

4. Spiritual Renewals: Here is a second means, that will considerably hasten the work of identifying yourself with Jesus. Arrange for yourself throughout the day a certain number of brief pauses, one or two in the morning and as many in the afternoon, according as your occupations permit. At these moments, first enter into close contact with Jesus and with me again, even if it were by simply repeating His name and mine slowly and with great confidence and love.
After this, cast a rapid glance over what you have done in the way of imitating Jesus since the previous renewal and foresee what you will do until the following one. Thus you will keep yourself spiritually active, and your union with Jesus and me will become closer and closer.

5. Retreats: Finally, at certain intervals, you must devote more time to the interests of your soul. Each year, endeavor to make a few days of retreat, or at least employ the free moments of several days in closer intimacy with Jesus and me. During that time think over once more the instructions We have given you; examine yourself to discover why you have not made more headway during the past year, and how you will make more progress during the coming year.

6. Every month, preferably the first Saturday or Sunday, recollect yourself during a part of your free time in order to consider in my presence just where you are with your spiritual work, and in order to take more efficacious resolutions for the new month.

7. Every week on a determined day find a few minutes to review with me your efforts of the past week and to prepare those of the week to come.

8. Fidelity to such a program will demand a great deal of sacrifice. Yet, if you love, this fidelity will become sweet and easy to you, for it will help you to grow in love continually.