And, in my opinion, the surest sign for
discovering our love to God is our love to our neighbour. And be assured
that the further you advance in the love of your neighbour, the further
you are advancing in the love of God likewise. But, oh me, how many
worms lie gnawing at the roots of our love to our neighbour! Self-love,
self-esteem, fault-finding, envy, anger, impatience, scorn. I assure you
I write this with great grief, seeing myself to be so miserable a sinner
against all my neighbours. Our Lord, my sisters, expects works.
Therefore when you see any one sick, compassionate her as if she were
yourself. Pity her. Fast that she may eat. Wake that she may sleep.
Again, when you hear any one commended and praised, rejoice in it as much
as if you were commended and praised yourself. Which, indeed, should be
easy, because where humility truly is, praise is a torment. Cover also
your sister's defects as you would have your own defects and faults
covered and not exposed. As often as occasion offers, lift off your
neighbour's burden.
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