Wednesday, January 11 : Saint Charles de Foucauld

(Our Lord speaks) … In this manner did I spend the three years of my public life before the eyes of men. My days were spent wholly in teaching and healing; in doing good to their souls and to their bodies too. And in the evening I withdrew from the crowd to whom I gave myself up all day. Seeking solitude, I would shut myself away in some hospitable home, or I would go up to the mountains, in some deserted or solitary place, and pass the night in prayer. Always I spent the night in quiet recollection and silence, away from the crowd. This example I leave you. It was for you that I acted thus. I am strong enough, and independent enough to be always alone with my father, for I see Him always, and am always in His presence, and I have no need of solitude in which to pray to Him, nor silence to be united to Him, nor for special prayers for which to speak to Him. In the midst of the multitude I am as much united to Him as in complete solitude. I have no need to meditate on Him to know Him, for I know Him already. I have no need to strengthen myself by contemplating Him, for I am strong in my divinity. I have no need of silence, or watchings, or solitude, or prayer, for prayer is continued and perfect within me. Therefore it is for your example that I passed so many nights in solitary vigil, in prayer to my Father, under the starry sky or in the secret cell. Since I do all for you all, love me, and love one another … Follow my example in watching, prayer, recollection, sinking yourself in God.
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team