Lenten Disciplines

A note by the Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur, a married French laywoman whose cause for canonization is being studied. She died in 1914, and her musings moved me; I identify muchly, particularly with the last bit.

I have jotted down in my notebook my lenten resolutions, but I want to confirm them here. I must truly renew my life, and it is God whom I ask in all simplicity to transform me. I want to live interiorly more spiritually, exteriorly more gently and lovingly so as to make God better loved, who is the beginning and end of my spiritual life. More than ever I want to hide in the heart of Jesus my good works, my prayers, my self denial, to preach only through example, to speak not at all of myself and little of God, since in this sad world only only gives scandal or annoys others by showing one’s love for God. But whenever someone approaches me, or whenever it seems to be God’s will that I should approach another, I will do so simply, very prudently, and disappear as soon as the task is done, mixing no thought of self with God’s action. And should I be misunderstood, criticized and judged unfavorably, I will try to rejoice in remembering our divine exemplar, and I will seek to be of no consequence in the esteem of others, I whom am in fact so poor and little in the eyes of God.

Leseur’s diary sounds fascinating

Source: the invaluable Magnificat Magazine.