§ 4. Union of our Works with Christ.

Believe me, he who is truly humble and of good will, possesses in Christ—because of the devout and sincere desire of his heart—whatever may be wanting in himself; he possesses in Him all holiness and perfection. For, without doubt, it was for this that Christ came into the world, for this he became incarnate and suffered, that He might save sinners who humble themselves, raising them to eternal bliss; that He might satisfy for them, making good and supplying for their deficiencies, and enriching them with His merits. Like a faithful parent, He laid up treasure for His children, whom he loved from all eternity.

Beseech Him, therefore, that He will fully answer, satisfy, and supply for thee; pray Him to adorn thy 154needy soul with His merits and virtues. And while them thus prayest, hope and believe with certainty that He will of His immense goodness grant what thou humbly askest. If thou remainest doubtful and fearful, thou art like one who having taken off mean and dirty clothing, and suddenly put on royal apparel, knows not how to carry himself composedly as befits those royal garments, but behaves foolishly and rudely, with the roughness of manner to which he is accustomed. Offer to God the Father His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, in full satisfaction for thy sins, and in supply of the merits which are lacking to thee; offer all that He did and suffered for thee; offer the Incarnation, the Life, the labours, the Passion and Agony, the Blood and Death of thy Redeemer. The dignity of this oblation and its profitableness to man are utterly beyond our comprehension. No crimes can be so grave and so enormous that they may not be effaced in a man of good will by the merits of Christ and His Precious Blood.

Thou mayest also say to God the Father: “O most merciful Father, I beseech thee by Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, to have pity on me, and to grant me such or such a thing to the eternal praise of thy Name.” For whensoever we ask for anything piously and holily in the Name of the Son, or through the Son, that petition is well pleasing to God the Father, since nothing is more dear to Him than His Son.⁵⁵   St. Matth. vii. 7. and xxi. 22; St. Mark, xi. 24; St. John, xiv. 13.

Commend thy good works and exercises to the 155most sacred and sweet Heart of Jesus Christ, to be amended and perfected; for this is what the same most loving Heart greatly desires, and it is ever ready excellently to complete thy imperfect works. Rejoice and exult, because how poor soever thou mayest be in thyself, thou art exceedingly rich in thy Redeemer, who has willed thee to be partaker of His merits, who for thee was made man, for thee fasted, laboured, endured torments, shed His Blood and laid down His life. In Him is laid up for thee a truly immense treasure, if thou art really humble and of good will.