Beloved child of Jesus, you shall have the victory, and he the glory. To him be glory forever who has called you to so glorious a combat and so tenderly supports you through it. You will triumph, for it is Jesus who fights – not you my dear one – oh no. Young and timid, weak, and irresolute, the lamb could not stem a torrent, nor stand the beating storm. But the tender Shepherd takes it on his shoulder, casts his cloak about it, and the happy trembler finds itself at home before it knew its journey was half finished. And so, my dear one, it will be with you. He will not leave you one moment, nor suffer the least harm to approach you. Not one tear shall fall to the ground nor one sigh of love be lost, happy, happy child. And if you are not removed to the sheltering fold that awaits you, he will make you one in his own bosom until your task is done. Happy, happy child, how sweet must be your converse with that divine Spirit which puts in your heart, yet so inexperienced, so untutored, the science of the saints. How must those blessed beings rejoice over you while walking so steadfastly in their paths and their sufferings.
~written by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton to her sister-in-law Cecilia, who converted to Catholicism at the age of 15
Thank you, dear Jesus, for being my good Shepherd. May I always find a home in your loving arms. Amen.
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