Letter XXXV. To a Lady

Consolation on the death of her son. Example of our Lady at the foot of the Cross.

23rd August j 16 1 9.

Having known your affliction, my dearest daughter, my soul has been touched by it according to the measure of the cordial love which God has given me for you;

• Col. iii. 3, 4.

for I see you, it seems to me, greatly attacked by sorrow, as a mother separated from her only, and truly amiable son.

But I am sure you reflect well, and are quite convinced, that this separation is not of long duration, since we all are going, with great steps, thither, where this son finds himself in the arms, as we may hope, of the mercy of God. On this account you should assuage and soften, as far as is possible by reason, the sorrow which nature causes you.

But I speak to you with too much reserve, my dearest daughter. You have so long desired to serve God, and have so long been taught at the foot of the cross, that not only do you accept this cross patiently, but, I am sure, sweetly and amorously, for the sake of him who bore his unto death, and of her who having but an only Son, son of incomparable love, saw him with her eyes full of tears, and her heart full of grief (but grief sweet and gentle), for the salvation of you and of all, die upon the cross.

Finally, my dearest child, you are deprived and despoiled of the most precious garment you had. Bless the name of God who had given it you, and has taken it back, and his Divine Majesty will take the place of your child. As for me, I have already prayed to God for the departed, and will continue, according to the great desires I have for your soul, which I pray the eternal goodness of our Lord to make abound with blessings, and I am without reserve all yours, my dearest daughter, and your, &c.