“O
God of my heart, your infinite goodness does not allow me to share my
love without first considering your love for me. Take possession of
my heart and of my liberty. How can I hope for anything good, except
that it comes from you? For you love me far more than I love myself.
You are infinitely more desirous of my welfare, and more powerful to
effect it than I am. I have nothing, and I hope for nothing, except
you. You are my only good. Oh Infinite Goodness, would that I could
love you as much as all the Seraphim together. But it is too late to
imitate them. But at least I can offer you, with all the affections
of my heart, the love of the most holy Queen of the Angels. O my God,
before all in heaven and on earth, I offer you my heart, such as it
is. Out of love, I adore the decrees of your Fatherly Providence in
regard to your poor servant. I detest all that could separate us from
one another. God of goodness, you desire to be loved by sinners.
Grant that I might love you and then do with me as you will; not my
will but your will be done.” (Exhortation
to a Dying Brother, 1645, O.C., XI,
64-65)
