A Spiritual Director has no right to determine his penitent's choice one way or the other. He may advice her for one rather than the other, but only according to the sentiments he detects in a heart that is moved by grace and by the Lord's Spirit.
Therefore, I say question your heart.
I suggest you put it to test by trying to desire to accept this match. Then listen carefully to what it has to say and where it inclines, where you experience peace.
Watch if it persists in a steady and generous refusal of that state, see what its motivations are, whether they spring from the senses or from a desire to serve according to God's providential plan.
What I wish though is that you listen to your heart, because I am quite sure that He is holding it in His hands.
That is why I can tell you to attach great importance to your inclination. Whether it be for one or the other state.
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Unable to see clearly in Magdalene's vocation, the priest is trying to bide his time. He is sure only of one thing, namely, that she is not called to strict cloister.
In his opinion, her insistence to become "the discalced of the Lord" is just a natural inclination, more a search of self-satisfaction than a desire to please God.
He was convinced that Magdalene's indulgence in such thoughts was in itself dangerous, since it would only serve to distract her from God's plan for her.
"Be careful lest this thought prevent you from making good use of your time, and divide your heart, making it unwillingly to spend itself wholly and always for God."
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O my daughter, the more the Lord gives Himself to you, the more you think you are divided from Him.
He is, however, by no means displeased with you, though, to be true, he has good reasons to somewhat hurt by your lack of trust and by your timidity.
If God grants you faith in my humble opinion, believe me wheh I assure you that you are making good progress, and that God dwells in you.
Courage, my daughter, your heart belongs wholly to Him.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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