PART III . THE APPLICATION OF THE TEACHING OF SR . FAUSTINA ON THE MYSTERY AND THE DISCIPLINE OF HUMAN SUFFERING
IN HER PATH TO SAINTHOOD
In spite of my wretchedness , I want to become a saint , and I trust that God ’ s mercy can make a saint even out of such misery as I am , because I am utterly in good will . In spite of all my defeats , I want to go on fighting like a holy soul and to comport myself like a holy soul . I will not be discouraged by anything , just as nothing can discourage a soul who is holy . I want to live and die like a holy soul , with my eyes fixed on You , Jesus , stretched out on the Cross , as the model for my actions , I used to look around me for examples and found nothing , which sufficed , and I noticed that my state of holiness seemed to falter . But from now on , my eyes are fixed on You . O Christ , who is for me the best of guides , I am confident that You will bless my efforts ( Faustina , Diary , # 1333 ).
The importance of nearness to God and personal holiness in those whose position requires them to direct people ... is important … But , the greater their sanctity , the more claim they have on this divine consultation . Patristic tradition further associates counsel with the Beatitude , “ Happy the Merciful : They shall have mercy shown them ” ( Mt 5:7 ). ( For ) none stands higher than mercy , which knows how to be compassionate and forbearing under provocation , and communicates this spirit to those who come for advice . ( As St . Augustine teaches ), “ The only great remedy for great evils , the only way of plucking them out is to forgive and give .” When persons come for help , no matter what their problems may be , two things they always need and that the counselor should offer by word and example are : forgiveness of injuries ( real or imagined ) and great generosity , both covered by mercy ( Hardon , The Catholic Catechism : The Grace of God , 203 ). 186
Jesus says , “ Those whom I love , I reprove and chastise . Be earnest , therefore , and repent ” ( Rev 3:21 ). St . Paul also says , “ But since we are judged by the Lord , He disciplines us so that we may not be condemned along with the world ” ( 1Cor 11:32 ). lxiii
186 Hardon , The Catholic Catechism : The Grace of God , Gifts of the Holy Spirit , 203 .
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