XXXI. To a Benedictine nun

My dear ChildD..., Your letter has greatly consoled me, for I can say with St. John that I have no greater joy than that of seeing my children walk in truth. To be in the truth we must be in the Word, for He is truth: Ego sum veritas.” Now truth supposes us to be and to act in the essential relations which God has established for our nature and for our dignity of children of God. 1) Nature supposes that the creature remains ever in lowliest adoration before the Creator. This is so essential that nothing can change it. Our adoration as children of God raises our nature, but does not destroy it. Hence, when we revolt against His Will, His permissions, we are no more in our truth as creatures. 2) Our adoption as children supposes us to act ever as loving children of our Heavenly Father, to seek His good pleasure always: quaerite faciem ejus semper ‘The facies Dei* is the smile of His loving

? “The weakness of God is stronger than men” (I Cor. 1:25). * Rule of St. Benedict: end of Prologue.

*TII John 4. ?“T am the Truth” (John 14:6). ° “Seek ye the Lord . . .: seek His face evermore” (Ps. 104:4).

““The face of God.” approbation. If you keep true to this double relation, you will become more and more fixed in truth and peace. May God bless and love you as I do from my heart of hearts. Columba Marmion, Abb.