Salesian Literature

Chapter 21:  Concluding the Firm Resolution

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After you have made the firm resolution, be attentive and open the ears of your heart.  Hear in spirit the words of your absolution which your Saviour himself, seated on the throne of his mercy, will proclaim in Heaven before all the Angels and Saints, at the same time as the priest absolves you, in his name, here on earth.  So, the whole assembly of the Blessed, rejoicing in your happiness, will sing a spiritual canticle with incomparable joy.  They will all give the kiss of peace and fellowship to your heart, now restored to grace and made holy.

 

Philothea, what a wonderful covenant this is by which you make a happy treaty with God.  You give yourself to him, and you gain him as well as yourself for everlasting life.

 

All that is now left is for you take pen in hand and sign with a joyful heart the document of your firm resolution.  Later, go to the altar where God in his turn will sign and seal your absolution, and the promise he will make you of His Heaven, placing himself by his Sacrament like a signet and a sacred seal upon your heart made new again (Song 8:6).  In this way, I think, Philothea, you will be purified from sin and from all the attachments to sin.

 

But these attachments to sin grow up afresh in us, due to our weakness and our evil inclinations.  We can discipline them but they will never die as long as we live here on earth.  Hence, I shall give you advice which, if you follow carefully, will keep you safe in the future from mortal sin and from every attachment to it.  In this way mortal sin will never again find a place in your heart.  This same advice will also help you to purify yourself more thoroughly.  So, before giving you this advice, I am going to tell you about this more perfect purity to which I intend to lead you.

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