May 7, 2026
Summary of the Morrow’s Meditation
We will meditate to-morrow upon the advantages to be derived from states of aridity, and we shall see that we can obtain from them: 1st, the greatest merits; 2d, the most solid virtues. We will then make the resolution: 1st, in states of aridity to be as exact in the performance of our duties as we are in times of consolation; 2d, to be glad to profit by these days of trial in order to form ourselves by means of renunciation in solid virtues. Our spiritual nosegay shall be the words of the Gospel: “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent bear it away” (Matt. xi. 12).
Meditation for the Morning
Let us adore Jesus Christ submitting in the Garden of Olives to the trial of aridity and of weariness (Mark xiv. 33) that we may thereby encourage ourselves to bear similar trials, and to teach us that the weariness which saddens the soul, far from being an evil, may, on the contrary, be the means of acquiring the greatest merits and the most solid virtues. Let us thank Him for the example He has given us and ask of Him grace to profit by it.
FIRST POINT
Seasons of Aridity are for the Faithful Soul Seasons for Acquiring the Greatest Merit
It is a great delusion to imagine that everything we do for which we have no taste is on that very account without merit and but little pleasing to God. God does not ask of us to serve Him with a taste for doing so, but to serve Him faithfully in spite of all the weariness we may feel in doing so. He takes pleasure in the generosity of the faithful soul, which, a prey to disgust and cast down as it were under the weight of repugnances, rises as Jesus Christ did in the Garden of Olives, saying, “Rise, let us go” (Matt. xxvi. 46), let us go, even though it be to death. The more disgust a servant feels towards what is commanded him, the more he is worthy of the favor of his master when, spite of his dislike, he performs with exactitude all he is told to do. It is the same with the service of God. Never does this good Master better appreciate what is done for Him, never do we acquire more merits than when we triumph over repugnances to follow at every instant the voice of duty. To perform the good which is pleasing to us is a thing of mediocre merit; sometimes even, it is to be feared, that, performing the duty for the sake of the pleasure we find in it, and not for the sake of God, we thereby lose all merit, and that God may say, “They have received their reward” (Matt. vi. 2); but to perform our duty by overcoming the repugnances of nature, behold, herein lies the supreme merit to which is assured the most beautiful of crowns. Far, then, from works performed with aridity and with weariness being less meritorious, they are richer in merit, and they receive a recompense in proportion to the difficulty they cost us. Consequently, far from neglecting them in these circumstances, we ought to set to work with all the more energy, because it is better to enjoy less happiness here below in order to have more enjoyment in eternity.
SECOND POINT
Seasons of Aridity are for the Faithful Soul Seasons for Increasing in Solid Virtue
Virtue which requires the milk of consolations is still in its infancy. It does not require a great effort to be pious, says the author of the Imitation, when the unction of the Holy Spirit attracts us to be so, to run when the grace of God impels us, to bear the burden when the hand of the Almighty sustains us (II. Imit. ix. 1). The only solid virtue is that of the mature man who, being weaned from these sweetnesses, eats the substantial bread of tribulation and trial. It is with the soul as it is with the body. In proportion as we leave childhood behind us, we cease to give the body those tender and delicate attentions which were lavished upon it at our entrance into life; it is subjected to painful exercises, which, whilst fatiguing it, strengthen it. In the same way, God withdraws from the soul the sensible joys, which, by weakening it, would prevent its vigor from being developed. He exercises it by trials of aridity, which fashion it to abnegation, to patience, to love of the cross, and render it more vigorous and capable of great sacrifices. It is thus that strong souls are formed and solid virtues implanted in the heart. Whoever is able amidst weariness and aridities to perform his duty constantly and perfectly, will be capable of the most difficult things, and his robust energy will be superior to all obstacles. May we appreciate this useful lesson!
Resolutions and spiritual nosegay as above.