PREFACE

As long as there is one person on earth
who does not know God and does not love God above all things,
you dare not allow yourself a moment’s rest.
As long as God is not everywhere glorified,
you dare not allow yourself a moment’s rest.
As long as the Queen of heaven and earth is not everywhere praised,
you dare not allow yourself a moment’s rest.
No sacrifice, no cross, no desolation, no trial, no temptation,
oh! absolutely nothing should be too difficult for you
with the help of God’s grace.
I can do all things in God who strengthens me.
Let no betrayal, no infidelity, no coldness, no abuse lessen your zeal!
But everything through God, with God, and for God.
All peoples, races, nations and tongues, glorify the Lord our God.
Woe to me, O Lord, if I do not make you known to men [and women]!
O Lord, help me, show me the way!
Without you, I can do nothing.
I hope all things from You. In you, O Lord, I have hoped,
I will not be confounded for ever.
Pray at all times in the deepest humility and with the greatest confidence.
Let nothing keep you from it.

Father Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan
Spiritual Diary II, 1-2
20 December 1894