Devotion to the Saints: the thought of Padre Pio today September 4th

7. End it with these vain apprehensions. Remember that it is not sentiment that constitutes guilt but consent to such sentiments. Free will alone is capable of good or evil. But when the will groans under the tempter's test and does not want what is presented to it, not only is there no fault, but there is virtue.

8. Temptations do not dismay you; they are the proof of the soul that God wants to experience when he sees it in the forces necessary to sustain the fight and weave the wreath of glory with his own hands.
Up to now your life was in infancy; now the Lord wants to treat you as an adult. And since the tests of adult life are much higher than those of an infant, that is why you are initially disorganized; but the life of the soul will acquire its calm and your calm will return, it will not be late. Have a little more patience; everything will be for your best.

9. Temptations against faith and purity are goods offered by the enemy, but do not fear him except with contempt. As long as he cries, it is a sign that he has not yet taken possession of the will.
Thou shalt not be disturbed by what you are experiencing on the part of this rebel angel; the will is always contrary to its suggestions, and live calmly, because there is no fault, but rather there is the pleasure of God and the gain for your soul.

10. You must have recourse to him in the assaults of the enemy, you must hope in him and you must expect every good from him. Do not voluntarily stop on what the enemy presents to you. Remember that whoever runs away wins; and you owe the first movements of aversion against those people to withdraw their thoughts and appeal to God. Before him bend your knee and with great humility repeat this short prayer: "Have mercy on me, who am a poor sick person". Then get up and with holy indifference continue your chores.

11. Keep it in mind that the more the assaults of the enemy grow, the closer God is to the soul. Think and interpenetrate well of this great and comforting truth.

12. Take heart and do not fear Lucifer's dark ire. Remember this forever: that it is a good sign when the enemy roars and roars around your will, since this shows that he is not inside.
Courage, my beloved daughter! I utter this word with a great feeling and, in Jesus, courage, I say: there is no need to fear, while we can say with resolution, although without feeling: Long live Jesus!

13. Keep in mind that the more a soul is pleasing to God, the more it must be tried. Therefore courage and always go on.

14. I understand that temptations seem to stain rather than purify the spirit, but let's hear what the language of the saints is, and in this regard it suffices to know, among many, what St. Francis de Sales says: that temptations are like soap, which widespread on the clothes seems to smear them and in truth purify them.

15. Confidence I always inculcate you; nothing can fear a soul who trusts in his Lord and places his hope in him. The enemy of our health is also always around us to snatch from our heart the anchor that must lead us to salvation, I mean confidence in God our Father; hold on tight, hold this anchor, never allow it to abandon us for a moment, otherwise everything would be lost.

16. We increase our devotion to Our Lady, let's honor her with true filial love in all ways.

17. Oh, what happiness in spiritual battles! Just wanting to always know how to fight to certainly emerge victorious.

18. Walk with simplicity in the way of the Lord and do not torment your spirit.
You must hate your flaws, but with a quiet hatred and not already annoying and restless.