Ave Maria Meditations
In the Boat with Jesus
Whatever can I say in order to stop the multitude of your thoughts? Don’t try, excessively, to heal your heart, as your efforts would only make it more infirm. Don’t make too great an effort to overcome your temptations, as this violence would only make them stronger. Despise them and don’t dwell on them too much.
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Keep Jesus Crucified present to your imagination; in your arms and on your breast and, kissing his side, say a thousand times: ‘This is my hope, the living source of my happiness; this is the heart of my soul; nothing will ever separate me from his love. I possess him and will not leave him, until he places me in a safe place.”
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Often say to him: “What can I have on earth, or what can I expect in heaven, if not you, oh my Jesus? You are the God of my heart and the inheritance I desire for all eternity.”
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Whom should we fear, therefore? Listen to Our Lord who says to Abraham and to you also: “Do not fear, I am your protection.” Therefore, be steadfast in your resolutions. Stay in the boat in which he has placed you and let the storm come. Long live Jesus! You will not perish. He may sleep, but at the opportune time he will awaken to restore your calm.
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Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
