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Mystical Death

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Mystical Prayer

Paul of the Cross to Teresa Palozzi
 1st letter on December 7, 1755 in Vol. 2 on Page 451

"...Be sure that if you are faithful to God, he will open a wonderful path so that you may find a place apt to lead to the highest perfection.

...in your home, where you have occasions to exercise great acts of virtue at every hour and every moment...

• your instruments of penance be great humility of heart, a subjection in exact obedience to your elders, even to your inferiors, in the house, even to the servant. Oh, what a fine foundation this is to build a high edifice of sanctity!



• ...be mortified in your opinions, especially with your tongue and eyes, keeping them well guarded. A true servant of God, when walking, sees only as much earth as is needed to bury her and goes always recollected in God in the company of Jesus Christ.



• Pay attention to mortification of your passions, especially when you feel resentment.



• Keep silent, never complain, do not justify yourself ever, and never harbor resentment. Put into practice these precious words: “To suffer and to be silent.” This is a shortcut and rule to be quickly holy and perfect.



• ...modesty by day and by night, whether with others or alone, for you are always in the Presence of God.



• Never be idle, work in silence, and always be mindful that Jesus is at your side.



• ...Work with a peaceful spirit without forcing things and make frequent affections and ejaculations.



• In mental prayer start with those mysteries where you sense devotion.



• Pray to the gentle Jesus to teach you how to pray, and hold it as certain that he will be your guide and master and your every good.



• Be detached from all creatures and hidden with all, open only to God and your spiritual director. Have a pure intention to do everything simply to please God.

If you will be humble and obedient, the Holy Spirit will teach you. Open your heart completely to the canon, your spiritual father, and confer with him on your state of prayer and everything else with the fidelity and openness of a child...