CHAPTER3 Listen Humbly to the Words of God. Many Do Not Heed Them

BOOK THREE
INTERNAL CONSOLATION
chapter1-the-inward-conversation-of-christ-with-the-faithful-soul
chapter2-truth-speaks-inwardly-without-the-sound-of-words
chapter3-listen-humbly-to-the-words-of-god-many-do-not-heed-them
chapter4-we-must-walk-before-god-in-humility-and-truth
chapter5-the-wonderful-effect-of-divine-love
chapter6-the-proving-of-a-true-lover
chapter7-grace-must-be-hidden-under-the-mantle-of-humility
chapter8-self-abasement-in-the-sight-of-god
chapter9-all-things-should-be-referred-to-god-as-their-last-end
chapter10-to-despise-the-world-and-serve-god-is-sweet
chapter11-the-longings-of-our-hearts-must-be-examined-and-moderated
chapter12-acquiring-patience-in-the-fight-against-concupiscence
chapter13-the-obedience-of-one-humbly-subject-to-the-example-of-jesus-christ
chapter14-consider-the-hidden-judgments-of-god-lest-you-become-proud-of-your-own-good-deeds
chapter15-how-one-should-feel-and-speak-on-every-desirable-thing
chapter16-true-comfort-is-to-be-sought-in-god-alone
chapter17-all-our-care-is-to-be-placed-in-god
chapter18-temporal-sufferings-should-be-borne-patiently-after-the-example-of-christ
chapter19-true-patience-in-suffering
chapter20-confessing-our-weakness-in-the-miseries-of-life
chapter21-above-all-goods-and-all-gifts-we-must-rest-in-god
chapter22-remember-the-innumerable-gifts-of-god
chapter23-four-things-which-bring-great-peace
chapter24-avoiding-curious-inquiry-about-the-lives-of-others
chapter25-the-basis-of-firm-peace-of-heart-and-true-progress
chapter26-the-excellence-of-a-free-mind-gained-through-prayer-rather-than-by-study
chapter27-self-love-is-the-greatest-hindrance-to-the-highest-good
chapter28-strength-against-slander
chapter29-how-we-must-call-upon-and-bless-the-lord-when-trouble-presses
chapter30-the-quest-of-divine-help-and-confidence-in-regaining-grace
chapter31-to-find-the-creator-forsake-all-creatures
chapter32-self-denial-and-the-renunciation-of-evil-appetites
chapter33-restlessness-of-soul’s directing-our-final-intention-toward-god
chapter34-god-is-sweet-above-all-things-and-in-all-things-to-those-who-love-him
chapter35-there-is-no-security-from-temptation-in-this-life
chapter36-the-vain-judgments-of-men
chapter37-pure-and-entire-resignation-of-self-to-obtain-freedom-of-heart
chapter38-the-right-ordering-of-external-affairs-recourse-to-god-in-dangers
chapter39-a-man-should-not-be-unduly-solicitous-about-his-affairs
chapter40-man-has-no-good-in-himself-and-can-glory-in-nothing
chapter41-contempt-for-all-earthly-honor
chapter42-peace-is-not-to-be-placed-in-men
chapter43-beware-vain-and-worldly-knowledge
chapter44-chapter-do-not-be-concerned-about-outward-things
chapter45-all-men-are-not-to-be-believed-for-it-is-easy-to-err-in-speech
chapter46-trust-in-god-against-slander
chapter47-every-trial-must-be-borne-for-the-sake-of-eternal-life
chapter48-the-day-of-eternity-and-the-distresses-of-this-life
chapter49-the-desire-of-eternal-life-the-great-rewards-promised-to-those-who-struggle
chapter50-how-a-desolate-person-ought-to-commit-himself-into-the-hands-of-god
chapter51-when-we-cannot-attain-to-the-highest-we-must-practice-the-humble-works
chapter-52-a-man-ought-not-to-consider-himself-worthy-of-consolation-but-rather-deserving-of-chastisement
chapter53-god’s-grace-is-not-given-to-the-earthly-minded
chapter54-the-different-motions-of-nature-and-grace
chapter55-the-corruption-of-nature-and-the-efficacy-of-divine-grace
chapter56-we-ought-to-deny-ourselves-and-imitate-christ-through-bearing-the-cross
hchapter57-a-man-should-not-be-too-downcast
chapter58-high-matters-and-the-hidden-judgments-of-god-are-not-to-be-scrutinized
chapter59-all-hope-and-trust-are-to-be-fixed-in-god-alone

The Third Chapter
Listen Humbly to the Words of God. Many Do Not Heed Them

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, hear My words, words of greatest sweetness surpassing all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of earth. My words are spirit and life, and they are not to be weighed by man’s understanding. They are not to be invoked in vanity but are to be heard in silence, and accepted with all humility and with great affection.

The Disciple”Happy is the man whom Thou admonishest, O Lord, and teachest out of Thy law, to give him peace from the days of evil,”3232 Ps. 93:12. and that he be not desolate on earth.87

The Voice of ChristI taught the prophets from the beginning, and even to this day I continue to speak to all men. But many are hardened. Many are deaf to My voice. Most men listen more willingly to the world than to God. They are more ready to follow the appetite of their flesh than the good pleasure of God. The world, which promises small and passing things, is served with great eagerness: I promise great and eternal things and the hearts of men grow dull. Who is there that serves and obeys Me in all things with as great care as that with which the world and its masters are served?”Be thou ashamed, O Sidon, for the sea speaketh.”3333 Isa. 23:4. And if you ask why, listen to the cause: for a small gain they travel far; for eternal life many will scarcely lift a foot from the ground. They seek a petty reward, and sometimes fight shamefully in law courts for a single piece of money. They are not afraid to work day and night for a trifle or an empty promise. But, for an unchanging good, for a reward beyond estimate, for the greatest honor and for glory everlasting, it must be said to their shame that men begrudge even the least fatigue. Be ashamed, then, lazy and complaining servant, that they should be found more eager for perdition than you are for life, that they rejoice more in vanity than you in truth.

88 Sometimes indeed their expectations fail them, but My promise never deceives, nor does it send away empty-handed him who trusts in Me. What I have promised I will give. What I have said I will fulfill, if only a man remain faithful in My love to the end. I am the rewarder of all the good, the strong approver of all who are devoted to Me.

Write My words in your heart and meditate on them earnestly, for in time of temptation they will be very necessary. What you do not understand when you read, you will learn in the day of visitation. I am wont to visit My elect in two ways—by temptation and by consolation. To them I read two lessons daily—one reproving their vices, the other exhorting them to progress in virtue. He who has My words and despises them has that which shall condemn him on the last day.

A Prayer for the Grace of DevotionO Lord my God, You are all my good. And who am I that I should dare to speak to You? I am Your poorest and meanest servant, a vile worm, much more poor and contemptible than I know or dare to say. Yet remember me, Lord, because I am nothing, I have nothing, and I can do nothing. You alone are good, just, and holy. You can do all things, You give all things, You fill all things: only the sinner do You leave empty-handed. Remember Your tender mercies and fill my heart with Your grace, You Who will not allow Your works to be 89 in vain. How can I bear this life of misery unless You comfort me with Your mercy and grace? Do not turn Your face from me. Do not delay Your visitation. Do not withdraw Your consolation, lest in Your sight my soul become as desert land. Teach me, Lord, to do Your will. Teach me to live worthily and humbly in Your sight, for You are my wisdom Who know me truly, and Who knew me even before the world was made and before I was born into it.